Abstract
Sarcopenia is a process associated to aging. Persistent inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle favour muscle wasting and decreased ability to perform physical activity. Controlled exercise can optimize blood flux and moderate the production of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, supplements that can work as a vasodilators and control oxidative stress, might be beneficial for active elders. In this context, we have tested citrulline supplementation in a group of 44 participants aged from 60–73 years that followed a physical activity program adapted to their age and capacities. Volunteers were divided in two groups: placebo (n = 22) and citrullline supplemented (n = 22). Different physical tests and blood extractions were performed at the beginning and at the end of intervention (six weeks). Strength and endurance showed a tendency to increase in the citrulline supplemented group, with no significant differences respect to placebo. However, walking speed in the citrulline supplemented group improved significantly compared to placebo. Markers of muscle damage as well as circulating levels of testosterone, cortisol and vitamin D showed no significant changes, but a tendency to improve at the end of intervention in the supplemented group compared to placebo. Additional studies are necessary to confirm the effect of citrulline supplementation in sarcopenia delay.
Highlights
Sarcopenia is a process associated to aging that starts from the age of 30 years and progresses resulting in strength reduction due to a decrease in muscle mass [1]
The physical tests analysed in the present study encompass different parameters that attempt to monitor together the different capacities commonly used for the study of physical performance and sarcopenia
Regarding frailty (SPPB), which refers to the functional capacity of the elderly, we found no significant differences between the two groups and comparing beginning vs. end of the study (Table 3)
Summary
Sarcopenia is a process associated to aging that starts from the age of 30 years and progresses resulting in strength reduction due to a decrease in muscle mass [1]. From the molecular point of view, the mitochondrial electron transport chain is a key element in ATP production and a determining factor in the ageing process. Malfunctioning of this chain leads to a suboptimal cellular energy production, explaining the increased difficulty of affected people in performing motor activities [8]. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines generates a persistent inflammatory state that leads to muscle wasting and the development of sarcopenia [9]. The control of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by the intracellular antioxidant systems decreases with aging, favouring the development of inflammation and activation of catabolic processes typical of sarcopenia [12]. The enzyme takes arginine (Arg) as substrate and produces citrulline and nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator [13,14,15]
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