Functional Nutrients to Ameliorate Neurogenic Muscle Atrophy

Abstract

Neurogenic muscle atrophy is a debilitating condition that occurs from nerve trauma in association with diseases or during aging, leading to reduced interaction between motoneurons and skeletal fibers. Current therapeutic approaches aiming at preserving muscle mass in a scenario of decreased nervous input include physical activity and employment of drugs that slow down the progression of the condition yet provide no concrete resolution. Nutritional support appears as a precious tool, adding to the success of personalized medicine, and could thus play a relevant part in mitigating neurogenic muscle atrophy. We herein summarize the molecular pathways triggered by denervation of the skeletal muscle that could be affected by functional nutrients. In this narrative review, we examine and discuss studies pertaining to the use of functional ingredients to counteract neurogenic muscle atrophy, focusing on their preventive or curative means of action within the skeletal muscle. We reviewed experimental models of denervation in rodents and in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as that caused by aging, considering the knowledge generated with use of animal experimental models and, also, from human studies.

Sex Differences in Inflammation and Muscle Wasting in Aging and Disease

“…The definition of sarcopenia evolved over the last 25 years thanks to discussion groups, such as EWGSOP, giving rising importance to the functional deficit, which is characteristic of sarcopenic muscle, in the diagnosis and management of sarcopenia [119][120][121][122]. Currently, recommendations exist for the treatment of sarcopenia, which include exercise and nutritional supplementation, e.g., vitamin D [25,123]; nonetheless, sex differences remain a neglected aspect for both primary (age-related) and secondary (disease-related) sarcopenia [118]. Indeed, sex differences can influence how men and women respond to aging, as discussed by Anderson et al [124].…”

Histone Deacetylases: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications for Muscular Dystrophies

“…Two small molecules were mainly used as basic direct activators of SIRT1: resveratrol and quercetin, at different doses and for different periods of treatment [193]. Resveratrol belongs to the class of flavonones and is a polyphenol compound found in foods such as grapes and red wine, and it has recently gained popularity due to its antiinflammatory and oxidative metabolic enhancing properties [194,195]. In skeletal muscle, resveratrol may alleviate muscular dystrophic pathologies by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α axis, therefore reducing inflammation and improving muscle function in a variety of disease models [196,197].…”

“…Similarly to resveratrol, quercetin proved to have beneficial effects against oxidative stress, neurogenic muscle atrophy [194] and DMD. Chronic quercetin dietary intake attenuates dystrophic cardio-pathology, decreasing inflammatory markers and cardiac tissue damage and increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and utrophin expression.…”

Nutritional support in a comprehensive program of prevention and treatment of sarcopenia

“…Витамин D также играет важную роль в физиологии скелетных мышц, а его дефицит у людей приводит к мышечной слабости и миалгии, которые могут быть устранены путем восполнения запасов витамина D [41].…”