Known as muscular dystrophy, this disease is a common disorder in older adults characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and function, which can significantly reduce their quality of life and increase their risk of falls, injuries, and dependence.
According to research developed by scientists from the University of Barcelona in collaboration with Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, the work has shown that high levels of TP53INP2 in muscle are associated with greater muscle strength and healthier aging in humans.
Loss of muscle mass usually begins to appear after the age of 55 and negatively affects the functions and health of older people.
Sarcopenia leads to increased weakness, physical disability, and the need for long-term care.
Through experiments in mouse models and analysis of human muscle tissue samples, researchers discovered that TP53INP2 levels decrease with age.
These results suggest that enhancing the activity of this protein, and thus autophagy in muscle, could be an effective strategy to fight muscle atrophy and promote more active and healthy aging.
In human studies, high levels of TP53INP2 have been associated with greater strength and better physical performance, highlighting its potential as an indicator of healthy aging.
“This study not only highlights the importance of keeping autophagy active in muscle to prevent muscle loss, but it also gives us hope for potential treatments that could improve or at least mitigate the effects of aging on our muscles,” explained Dr. Antonio Zorzano. , co-author of the research.
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