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Melatonin protects against sarcopenia in middle-aged mice
Fei Fang1, Ping Yu1, Xiaoying Sun1
1Department of Geriatrics, Huzhou Third Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
Histology and Histopathology
|October 10, 2024
Summary
Melatonin (MEL) supplementation improved muscle strength and mitochondrial function in middle-aged mice, effectively combating age-related sarcopenia. Higher MEL doses showed greater efficacy in reversing muscle aging markers.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Sarcopenia is a prevalent age-related condition characterized by muscle loss.
- Melatonin (MEL), an endocrine hormone, plays a role in combating aging-related oxidative stress, particularly through mitochondrial pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of melatonin (MEL) in mitigating mitochondrial oxidative stress associated with sarcopenia.
Main Methods:
- Middle-aged mice received daily doses of 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg of MEL for two months.
- Young mice served as the control group for comparison.
Main Results:
- MEL treatment enhanced muscle strength, endurance, and muscle mass in middle-aged mice.
- Histological improvements, increased mitochondrial function (higher percentage/size of normal mitochondria, increased mtDNA copy number), and reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA, protein carbonyl, ROS) were observed.
- Molecular analysis revealed MEL's impact on key pathways, including repression of ATROGIN-1 and MURF-1, and elevation of PGC-1α/TFAM pathway components.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin effectively attenuates sarcopenia in middle-aged mice.
- The therapeutic effects are linked to the modulation of mitochondria-induced oxidative stress and the PGC-1α/TFAM signaling pathway.
