Inflammaging and Skeletal Muscle: Can Protein Intake Make a Difference?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science
• Immunology

Background:

• Inflammaging is a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state in the elderly, linked to muscle wasting and functional decline.
• Pro-inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor α, promote muscle protein degradation and inhibit synthesis.
• Dietary proteins like whey and soy offer essential amino acids and bioactive peptides.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of whey and soy proteins as nutritional interventions against inflammaging-associated skeletal muscle loss.
• To review the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of dairy and soy proteins.
• To identify gaps in knowledge regarding protein supplementation's anabolic potential in inflamed elderly individuals.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of experimental evidence on inflammaging, protein metabolism, and specific protein sources.
• Analysis of proposed mechanisms for protein-induced antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Identification of research gaps in clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Whey protein exhibits antioxidative effects by boosting glutathione and endogenous antioxidant enzymes.
• Soy and isoflavone-enriched soy proteins may reduce inflammation via NF-κB pathway regulation.
• Existing evidence suggests potential benefits, but direct clinical data on protein supplementation for inflammaging is limited.

Conclusions:

• Whey and soy proteins show promise in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation associated with aging.
• Further clinical trials are necessary to confirm the anabolic potential and efficacy of protein supplementation in elderly individuals experiencing inflammaging and muscle loss.