Nutrients

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21 pages, 2042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Essential Amino Acid Supplements Following Resistance Exercise Induce Aminoacidemia and Enhance Anabolic Signaling Irrespective of Age: A Proof-of-Concept Trial

by Matthew J. Lees, Oliver J. Wilson, Erin K. Webb, Daniel A. Traylor, Todd Prior, Antonis Elia, Paul S. Harlow, Alistair D. Black, Paul J. Parker, Nick Harris, Michael Cooke, Christopher Balchin, Mathew Butterworth, Stuart M. Phillips and Theocharis Ispoglou

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 2067; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12072067 - 12 Jul 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6240

Abstract

We investigated the effects of ingesting a leucine-enriched essential amino acid (EAA) gel alone or combined with resistance exercise (RE) versus RE alone (control) on plasma aminoacidemia and intramyocellular anabolic signaling in healthy younger (28 ± 4 years) and older (71 ± 3 [...] Read more.

We investigated the effects of ingesting a leucine-enriched essential amino acid (EAA) gel alone or combined with resistance exercise (RE) versus RE alone (control) on plasma aminoacidemia and intramyocellular anabolic signaling in healthy younger (28 ± 4 years) and older (71 ± 3 years) adults. Blood samples were obtained throughout the three trials, while muscle biopsies were collected in the postabsorptive state and 2 h following RE, following the consumption of two 50 mL EAA gels (40% leucine, 15 g total EAA), and following RE with EAA (combination (COM)). Protein content and the phosphorylation status of key anabolic signaling proteins were determined via immunoblotting. Irrespective of age, during EAA and COM peak leucinemia (younger: 454 ± 32 µM and 537 ± 111 µM; older: 417 ± 99 µM and 553 ± 136 µM) occurred ~60–120 min post-ingestion (younger: 66 ± 6 min and 120 ± 60 min; older: 90 ± 13 min and 78 ± 12 min). In the pooled sample, the area under the curve for plasma leucine and the sum of branched-chain amino acids was significantly greater in EAA and COM compared with RE. For intramyocellular signaling, significant main effects were found for condition (mTOR (Ser2481), rpS6 (Ser235/236)) and age (S6K1 (Thr421/Ser424), 4E-BP1 (Thr37/46)) in age group analyses. The phosphorylation of rpS6 was of similar magnitude (~8-fold) in pooled and age group data 2 h following COM. Our findings suggest that a gel-based, leucine-enriched EAA supplement is associated with aminoacidemia and a muscle anabolic signaling response, thus representing an effective means of stimulating muscle protein anabolism in younger and older adults following EAA and COM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

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12 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index and Skeletal Muscle Mass Index with Bone Mineral Density in Post-Menopausal Women Who Have Undergone Total Thyroidectomy

by Tai-Hua Chiu, Szu-Chia Chen, Hui-Chen Yu, Jui-Sheng Hsu, Ming-Chen Shih, He-Jiun Jiang, Wei-Hao Hsu and Mei-Yueh Lee

Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061683 - 5 Jun 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3372

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is highly prevalent in postmenopausal women and may result in fractures and disabilities. Total thyroidectomy has also been associated with loss of bone mass. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate associations among nutritional status, skeletal muscle index and [...] Read more.

Background: Osteoporosis is highly prevalent in postmenopausal women and may result in fractures and disabilities. Total thyroidectomy has also been associated with loss of bone mass. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate associations among nutritional status, skeletal muscle index and markers of bone turnover to bone mineral density in postmenopausal women who had undergone total thyroidectomy. Methods: Fifty postmenopausal women who had undergone total thyroidectomy were included. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) was calculated using baseline body weight and serum albumin level. Skeletal muscle mass index was calculated as the appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) divided by the height squared and assessed using DXA. Results. Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis showed that a low GNRI was significantly associated with low lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and T-score, and that a low ASM/height² was significantly associated with low femoral neck BMD and T-score. A low vitamin D level was significantly associated with low femoral neck BMD and T-score and low total hip BMD and T-score. A high bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level was significantly associated with low femoral neck T-score and low total hip BMD and T-score. A low insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was significantly associated with low total hip BMD and T-score. Conclusion: In the postmenopausal women who had undergone total thyroidectomy in this study, BMD was positively associated with GNRI, skeletal muscle mass index, and levels of vitamin D and serum IGF-1, and inversely associated with bone ALP level. Nutritional status, skeletal muscle mass index and bone turnover biomarkers can be used to early identify patients with a high risk of osteoporosis in this high-risk group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

13 pages, 834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potato Protein Isolate Stimulates Muscle Protein Synthesis at Rest and with Resistance Exercise in Young Women

by Sara Y. Oikawa, Ravninder Bahniwal, Tanya M. Holloway, Changhyun Lim, Jonathan C. McLeod, Chris McGlory, Steven K. Baker and Stuart M. Phillips

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051235 - 27 Apr 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 22660

Abstract

Skeletal muscle myofibrillar protein synthesis (MPS) increases in response to protein feeding and to resistance exercise (RE), where each stimuli acts synergistically when combined. The efficacy of plant proteins such as potato protein (PP) isolate to stimulate MPS is unknown. We aimed to [...] Read more.

Skeletal muscle myofibrillar protein synthesis (MPS) increases in response to protein feeding and to resistance exercise (RE), where each stimuli acts synergistically when combined. The efficacy of plant proteins such as potato protein (PP) isolate to stimulate MPS is unknown. We aimed to determine the effects of PP ingestion on daily MPS with and without RE in healthy women. In a single blind, parallel-group design, 24 young women (21 ± 3 years, n = 12/group) consumed a weight-maintaining baseline diet containing 0.8 g/kg/d of protein before being randomized to consume either 25 g of PP twice daily (1.6 g/kg/d total protein) or a control diet (CON) (0.8 g/kg/d total protein) for 2 wks. Unilateral RE (~30% of maximal strength to failure) was performed thrice weekly with the opposite limb serving as a non-exercised control (Rest). MPS was measured by deuterated water ingestion at baseline, following supplementation (Rest), and following supplementation + RE (Exercise). Ingestion of PP stimulated MPS by 0.14 ± 0.09 %/d at Rest, and by 0.32 ± 0.14 %/d in the Exercise limb. MPS was significantly elevated by 0.20 ± 0.11 %/d in the Exercise limb in CON (p = 0.008). Consuming PP to increase protein intake to levels twice the recommended dietary allowance for protein augmented rates of MPS. Performance of RE stimulated MPS regardless of protein intake. PP is a high-quality, plant-based protein supplement that augments MPS at rest and following RE in healthy young women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

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10 pages, 886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Effect of the Timing of Resistance Exercise and Nutrient Intake on Muscle Protein Breakdown

by Wataru Kume, Jun Yasuda and Takeshi Hashimoto

Nutrients 2020, 12(4), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041177 - 22 Apr 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 7292

Abstract

Background: Combining resistance exercise (RE) with nutrient intake stimulates muscle protein net balance. However, it is still unclear whether the optimal timing of nutrient intake is before or after RE, especially on muscle protein breakdown (MPB) for an augmented muscle anabolic response. The [...] Read more.

Background: Combining resistance exercise (RE) with nutrient intake stimulates muscle protein net balance. However, it is still unclear whether the optimal timing of nutrient intake is before or after RE, especially on muscle protein breakdown (MPB) for an augmented muscle anabolic response. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a substantial mixed meal (i.e., nutrient- and protein-dense whole foods) before or after RE, compared with RE without a meal on the acute response of MPB in a crossover-design study. Methods: Eight healthy young men performed three trials: (1) meal intake before RE (Pre), (2) meal intake after RE (Post), and (3) RE without meal intake (No). Plasma insulin and 3-methylhistidine (3-MH), an MPB marker, were measured. Results: Time course change in plasma insulin level after RE was significantly higher in the Post condition than in the Pre and No conditions. The area under the curve of 3-MH concentration was significantly lower in the Post condition than in the Pre and No conditions. Conclusions: These results suggest that a substantial mixed meal immediately after RE may effectively suppress MPB in the morning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

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13 pages, 773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis and Performance Recovery in Resistance-Trained Men

by Robert W. Davies, Joseph J. Bass, Brian P. Carson, Catherine Norton, Marta Kozior, Daniel J. Wilkinson, Matthew S. Brook, Philip J. Atherton, Ken Smith and Philip M. Jakeman

Nutrients 2020, 12(3), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030845 - 21 Mar 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8772

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of whey protein supplementation on myofibrillar protein synthesis (myoPS) and muscle recovery over a 7-d period of intensified resistance training (RT). Methods: In a double-blind randomised parallel group design, 16 resistance-trained men [...] Read more.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of whey protein supplementation on myofibrillar protein synthesis (myoPS) and muscle recovery over a 7-d period of intensified resistance training (RT). Methods: In a double-blind randomised parallel group design, 16 resistance-trained men aged 18 to 35 years completed a 7-d RT protocol, consisting of three lower-body RT sessions on non-consecutive days. Participants consumed a controlled diet (146 kJ·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹, 1.7 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ protein) with either a whey protein supplement or an isonitrogenous control (0.33 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ protein). To measure myoPS, 400 ml of deuterium oxide (D₂O) (70 atom %) was ingested the day prior to starting the study and m. vastus lateralis biopsies were taken before and after RT-intervention. Myofibrillar fractional synthetic rate (myoFSR) was calculated via deuterium labelling of myofibrillar-bound alanine, measured by gas chromatography-pyrolysis-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-Pyr-IRMS). Muscle recovery parameters (i.e., countermovement jump height, isometric-squat force, muscle soreness and serum creatine kinase) were assessed daily. Results: MyoFSR PRE was 1.6 (0.2) %∙d⁻¹ (mean (SD)). Whey protein supplementation had no effect on myoFSR (p = 0.771) or any recovery parameter (p = 0.390–0.989). Conclusions: Over an intense 7-d RT protocol, 0.33 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ of supplemental whey protein does not enhance day-to-day measures of myoPS or postexercise recovery in resistance-trained men. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

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Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 809 KiB

Open AccessReview

Intracellular pH Regulation of Skeletal Muscle in the Milieu of Insulin Signaling

by Dheeraj Kumar Posa and Shahid P. Baba

Nutrients 2020, 12(10), 2910; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12102910 - 23 Sep 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4748

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), along with obesity, is one of the leading health problems in the world which causes other systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and kidney failure. Impairments in glycemic control and insulin resistance plays a pivotal role in the development [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), along with obesity, is one of the leading health problems in the world which causes other systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and kidney failure. Impairments in glycemic control and insulin resistance plays a pivotal role in the development of diabetes and its complications. Since skeletal muscle constitutes a significant tissue mass of the body, insulin resistance within the muscle is considered to initiate the onset of diet-induced metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance is associated with impaired glucose uptake, resulting from defective post-receptor insulin responses, decreased glucose transport, impaired glucose phosphorylation, oxidation and glycogen synthesis in the muscle. Although defects in the insulin signaling pathway have been widely studied, the effects of cellular mechanisms activated during metabolic syndrome that cross-talk with insulin responses are not fully elucidated. Numerous reports suggest that pathways such as inflammation, lipid peroxidation products, acidosis and autophagy could cross-talk with insulin-signaling pathway and contribute to diminished insulin responses. Here, we review and discuss the literature about the defects in glycolytic pathway, shift in glucose utilization toward anaerobic glycolysis and change in intracellular pH [pH]_i within the skeletal muscle and their contribution towards insulin resistance. We will discuss whether the derangements in pathways, which maintain [pH]_i within the skeletal muscle, such as transporters (monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4) and depletion of intracellular buffers, such as histidyl dipeptides, could lead to decrease in [pH]_i and the onset of insulin resistance. Further we will discuss, whether the changes in [pH]_i within the skeletal muscle of patients with T2D, could enhance the formation of protein aggregates and activate autophagy. Understanding the mechanisms by which changes in the glycolytic pathway and [pH]_i within the muscle, contribute to insulin resistance might help explain the onset of obesity-linked metabolic syndrome. Finally, we will conclude whether correcting the pathways which maintain [pH]_i within the skeletal muscle could, in turn, be effective to maintain or restore insulin responses during metabolic syndrome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

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42 pages, 802 KiB

Open AccessReview

Animal, Plant, Collagen and Blended Dietary Proteins: Effects on Musculoskeletal Outcomes

by Colleen S Deane, Joseph J Bass, Hannah Crossland, Bethan E Phillips and Philip J Atherton

Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2670; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092670 - 1 Sep 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 15430

Abstract

Dietary protein is critical for the maintenance of musculoskeletal health, where appropriate intake (i.e., source, dose, timing) can mitigate declines in muscle and bone mass and/or function. Animal-derived protein is a potent anabolic source due to rapid digestion and absorption kinetics stimulating robust [...] Read more.

Dietary protein is critical for the maintenance of musculoskeletal health, where appropriate intake (i.e., source, dose, timing) can mitigate declines in muscle and bone mass and/or function. Animal-derived protein is a potent anabolic source due to rapid digestion and absorption kinetics stimulating robust increases in muscle protein synthesis and promoting bone accretion and maintenance. However, global concerns surrounding environmental sustainability has led to an increasing interest in plant- and collagen-derived protein as alternative or adjunct dietary sources. This is despite the lower anabolic profile of plant and collagen protein due to the inferior essential amino acid profile (e.g., lower leucine content) and subordinate digestibility (versus animal). This review evaluates the efficacy of animal-, plant- and collagen-derived proteins in isolation, and as protein blends, for augmenting muscle and bone metabolism and health in the context of ageing, exercise and energy restriction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

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13 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessReview

Might Starvation-Induced Adaptations in Muscle Mass, Muscle Morphology and Muscle Function Contribute to the Increased Urge for Movement and to Spontaneous Physical Activity in Anorexia Nervosa?

by Regina C. Casper

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 2060; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12072060 - 10 Jul 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4186

Abstract

Severely undernourished and underweight anorexia nervosa (AN) patients typically remain active and mobile. Might such persistent physical activity in AN be supported by specific adaptations in muscle tissue during long term undernutrition? To identify potential differences, studies examining the effects of undernutrition on [...] Read more.

Severely undernourished and underweight anorexia nervosa (AN) patients typically remain active and mobile. Might such persistent physical activity in AN be supported by specific adaptations in muscle tissue during long term undernutrition? To identify potential differences, studies examining the effects of undernutrition on skeletal muscle mass, muscle morphology and muscle function in healthy humans and in AN patients were reviewed. Adjustments in muscle morphology and function in AN did not differ in substance from those in healthy humans, undernourished people, or undergoing semi-starvation. Loss of muscle mass, changes in muscle contractility and atrophy of muscle fibers (predominantly type II fibers) characterized both groups. Muscle innervation was unaffected. Work capacity in men in semi-starvation experiments and in females with AN declined by about 70% and 50%, respectively. Perceptions of fatigue and effort distinguished the groups: signs of general weakness, tiring quickly and avoidance of physical activity that were recorded in semi-starvation were not reported for AN patients. The absence of distinctive starvation-related adjustments in skeletal muscle in AN suggests that new methods, such as muscle gene expression profiles in response to deficient nutrient intake, and better knowledge of the central regulatory circuitries contributing to motor urgency will be required to shed light on the persistent mobility in AN patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

25 pages, 1339 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutritional Supplements to Support Resistance Exercise in Countering the Sarcopenia of Aging

by James McKendry, Brad S. Currier, Changhyun Lim, Jonathan C. Mcleod, Aaron C.Q. Thomas and Stuart M. Phillips

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 2057; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12072057 - 10 Jul 2020

Cited by 67 | Viewed by 36981

Abstract

Skeletal muscle plays an indispensable role in metabolic health and physical function. A decrease in muscle mass and function with advancing age exacerbates the likelihood of mobility impairments, disease development, and early mortality. Therefore, the development of non-pharmacological interventions to counteract sarcopenia warrant [...] Read more.

Skeletal muscle plays an indispensable role in metabolic health and physical function. A decrease in muscle mass and function with advancing age exacerbates the likelihood of mobility impairments, disease development, and early mortality. Therefore, the development of non-pharmacological interventions to counteract sarcopenia warrant significant attention. Currently, resistance training provides the most effective, low cost means by which to prevent sarcopenia progression and improve multiple aspects of overall health. Importantly, the impact of resistance training on skeletal muscle mass may be augmented by specific dietary components (i.e., protein), feeding strategies (i.e., timing, per-meal doses of specific macronutrients) and nutritional supplements (e.g., creatine, vitamin-D, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids etc.). The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based account of nutritional strategies to enhance resistance training-induced adaptations in an attempt to combat age-related muscle mass loss. In addition, we provide insight on how to incorporate the aforementioned nutritional strategies that may support the growth or maintenance of skeletal muscle and subsequently extend the healthspan of older individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

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26 pages, 1308 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutritional Strategies to Offset Disuse-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Anabolic Resistance in Older Adults: From Whole-Foods to Isolated Ingredients

by Ryan N. Marshall, Benoit Smeuninx, Paul T. Morgan and Leigh Breen

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051533 - 25 May 2020

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 12531

Abstract

Preserving skeletal muscle mass and functional capacity is essential for healthy ageing. Transient periods of disuse and/or inactivity in combination with sub-optimal dietary intake have been shown to accelerate the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, predisposing to disability and metabolic disease. [...] Read more.

Preserving skeletal muscle mass and functional capacity is essential for healthy ageing. Transient periods of disuse and/or inactivity in combination with sub-optimal dietary intake have been shown to accelerate the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, predisposing to disability and metabolic disease. Mechanisms underlying disuse and/or inactivity-related muscle deterioration in the older adults, whilst multifaceted, ultimately manifest in an imbalance between rates of muscle protein synthesis and breakdown, resulting in net muscle loss. To date, the most potent intervention to mitigate disuse-induced muscle deterioration is mechanical loading in the form of resistance exercise. However, the feasibility of older individuals performing resistance exercise during disuse and inactivity has been questioned, particularly as illness and injury may affect adherence and safety, as well as accessibility to appropriate equipment and physical therapists. Therefore, optimising nutritional intake during disuse events, through the introduction of protein-rich whole-foods, isolated proteins and nutrient compounds with purported pro-anabolic and anti-catabolic properties could offset impairments in muscle protein turnover and, ultimately, the degree of muscle atrophy and recovery upon re-ambulation. The current review therefore aims to provide an overview of nutritional countermeasures to disuse atrophy and anabolic resistance in older individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

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16 pages, 701 KiB

Open AccessReview

Supplementation with the Leucine Metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) does not Improve Resistance Exercise-Induced Changes in Body Composition or Strength in Young Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Josephine S. Jakubowski, Everson A. Nunes, Filipe J. Teixeira, Victoria Vescio, Robert W. Morton, Laura Banfield and Stuart M. Phillips

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1523; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051523 - 23 May 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 17100

Abstract

β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a leucine metabolite that is purported to increase fat-free mass (FFM) gain and performance in response to resistance exercise training (RET). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of HMB supplementation in augmenting FFM [...] Read more.

β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a leucine metabolite that is purported to increase fat-free mass (FFM) gain and performance in response to resistance exercise training (RET). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of HMB supplementation in augmenting FFM and strength gains during RET in young adults. Outcomes investigated were: total body mass (TBM), FFM, fat mass (FM), total single repetition maximum (1RM), bench press (BP) 1RM, and lower body (LwB) 1RM. Databases consulted were: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Excerpta Medica database (Embase), The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and SportDiscus. Fourteen studies fit the inclusion criteria; however, 11 were analyzed after data extraction and funnel plot analysis exclusion. A total of 302 participants (18–45 y) were included in body mass and composition analysis, and 248 were included in the strength analysis. A significant effect was found on TBM. However, there were no significant effects for FFM, FM, or strength outcomes. We conclude that HMB produces a small effect on TBM gain, but this effect does not translate into significantly greater increases in FFM, strength or decreases in FM during periods of RET. Our findings do not support the use of HMB aiming at improvement of body composition or strength with RET. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

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17 pages, 557 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Association between Vascular Dysfunction and Skeletal Muscle Mass, Strength and Function in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review

by Svyatoslav Dvoretskiy, Jacqueline C. Lieblein-Boff, Satya Jonnalagadda, Philip J. Atherton, Bethan E. Phillips and Suzette L. Pereira

Nutrients 2020, 12(3), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030715 - 7 Mar 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6226

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of vascular dysfunction increases with advancing age, as does the loss of muscle mass, strength and function. This systematic review explores the association between vascular dysfunction and skeletal muscle health in healthy adults. Methods: EMBASE and MEDLINE were [...] Read more.

Background: The prevalence of vascular dysfunction increases with advancing age, as does the loss of muscle mass, strength and function. This systematic review explores the association between vascular dysfunction and skeletal muscle health in healthy adults. Methods: EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched for cross-sectional and randomized controlled studies between January 2009 and April 2019, with 33 out of 1246 studies included based on predefined criteria. Assessments of muscular health included muscle mass, strength and function. Macrovascular function assessment included arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity or augmentation index), carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation. Microvascular health assessment included capillary density or microvascular flow (contrast enhanced ultrasound). Results: All 33 studies demonstrated a significant association between vascular function and skeletal muscle health. Significant negative associations were reported between vascular dysfunction and -muscle strength (10 studies); -mass (9 studies); and -function (5 studies). Nine studies reported positive correlations between muscle mass and microvascular health. Conclusions: Multiple studies have revealed an association between vascular status and skeletal muscle health in healthy adults. This review points to the importance of screening for muscle health in adults with vascular dysfunction with a view to initiating early nutrition and exercise interventions to ameliorate functional decline over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulation of Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolism by Nutrients across the Lifespan)

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