Abstract
Sarcopenia is prevalent as the aging population grows. Therefore, the need for supplements for the elderly is increasing. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of a Panax ginseng berry extract (GBE) and soluble whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) mixture on a sarcopenia-related muscular deterioration in aged mice. Ten-month-old male C57BL/6J mice were administered three different doses of the GBE + WPH mixture for 8 weeks; 700 mg/kg, 900 mg/kg, and 1100 mg/kg. Grip strength, serum inflammatory cytokines level, and mass of muscle tissues were estimated. The deteriorating function of aging muscle was investigated via protein or gene expression. Grip strength and mass of three muscle tissues were increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine alleviated systemic inflammatory state. The mixture resolved the imbalance of muscle protein turnover through activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and increased gene expression of the muscle regeneration-related factors, while decreasing myostatin, which interferes with muscle protein synthesis and regeneration. Furthermore, we confirmed that increased mitochondria number in muscle with the improvement of mitochondrial biogenesis. These physiological changes were similar to the effects of exercise.
Highlights
Published: 14 February 2022Sarcopenia, described as a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function with advanced age, is prevalent nowadays, as the aging population increases [1].Physical inactivity, declined hormone secretion, and a decrease in protein intake exacerbate sarcopenia in the elderly [2]
Skeletal muscle has been shown to be a potent regulator of the immune system because it produces and releases cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-7, IL-15, etc., which are called myokines [19]
This study aimed to investigate the effect of the ginseng berry extract (GBE) + whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) mixture on aging-related mechanisms in skeletal muscle and to confirm the dose-dependent effects using the aging mouse model that is clinically closest to sarcopenia
Summary
Sarcopenia, described as a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function with advanced age, is prevalent nowadays, as the aging population increases [1]. Physical inactivity, declined hormone secretion, and a decrease in protein intake exacerbate sarcopenia in the elderly [2]. Diseases such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, and diabetes mellitus increase the incidence of sarcopenia [3]. Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines with aging, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), degrade skeletal muscle protein, resulting in decreased muscle mass and strength [5]. The antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) suppresses the pro-inflammatory response and improves insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial biogenesis in aged skeletal muscle [4,6]
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