Age-Related Changes in Skeletal Muscle of Cattle
A Costagliola1, S Wojcik2, T B Pagano1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Veterinary Pathology
|February 13, 2016
Summary
Age-related muscle loss, sarcopenia, was observed in old cows, showing similar features to humans. Findings suggest amyloid deposition and inflammation contribute to muscle aging in these animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Aging Research
- Muscle Biology
Background:
- Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is a significant concern in the elderly.
- While studied in humans and some animals, spontaneous sarcopenia in other long-lived species is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related morphologic changes in bovine muscle.
- To compare muscle characteristics between old and young Podolica cows.
- To identify potential molecular mechanisms underlying sarcopenia in cattle.
Main Methods:
- Histologic and histoenzymatic examination of muscle samples from old (15-23 years) and young (3-6 years) cows.
- Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to assess protein expression and cellular infiltration.
- Western blot analysis to quantify protein levels.
Main Results:
- Old cows exhibited angular fiber atrophy, mitochondrial alterations (ragged red fibers, COX-negative fibers), vacuolated fibers, and type II selective fiber atrophy.
- Lymphocytic inflammation (CD8+), increased MHC I expression, and sarcoplasmic β-amyloid precursor protein accumulation were noted in aged cows.
- Elevated myostatin and β-amyloid precursor protein levels were confirmed in aged animals via Western blot.
Conclusions:
- Bovine muscle exhibits age-related changes analogous to human sarcopenia.
- Amyloid deposition and inflammation appear to play a role in bovine muscle senescence.
- Old cows serve as a relevant model for studying sarcopenia and muscle aging.
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