Adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoRon improves skeletal muscle function in aged mice

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Muscle Physiology
• Metabolic Research

Background:

• Sarcopenia, age-related muscle loss, diminishes independence and quality of life.
• Current interventions for sarcopenia are limited, with no pharmacological options available.
• Exercise is effective but not always clinically feasible.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of AdipoRon, a pan-adiponectin receptor agonist, as a therapeutic for sarcopenia.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying AdipoRon's effects on skeletal muscle function and metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Chronic AdipoRon treatment in aged and young male mice.
• In vivo and ex vivo assessment of skeletal muscle function.
• Analysis of muscle fiber type, mitochondrial activity, and key metabolic regulators (AMPK, PGC-1a).
• In vitro studies using cultured cells from mice and nonhuman primates.

Main Results:

• AdipoRon improved muscle function and enhanced oxidative fibers in aged mice.
• Treatment increased mitochondrial activity and ATP production.
• AdipoRon activated AMPK and PGC-1a, key regulators of energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis.
• These effects were conserved in nonhuman primate cells.

Conclusions:

• AdipoRon effectively prevents sarcopenia in mice by improving skeletal muscle metabolism and tissue remodeling.
• The therapeutic effects of AdipoRon are conserved across species, including primates.
• AdipoRon shows promise as a potential clinical therapeutic for sarcopenia.