An anti-aging muscle protein has been found

Physical activity, metabolic rate and general well-being depend to a large extent on the condition of the muscles. However, as we age, they gradually weaken, their mass decreases, and their ability to repair deteriorates. This leads to falls, injuries and an increase in chronic diseases. Despite the importance of the problem, there are still few effective methods of solving it.

Researchers from China have found out that a special protein SIRT5 plays a key role in maintaining the youthfulness of muscle tissues. It regulates inflammatory processes by interacting with the enzyme TBK1. As we age, SIRT5 levels decline, leading to chronic inflammation and cellular destruction.

The changes that occur in aging muscles were studied in primates. Scientists found that in elderly individuals, the size of muscle fibers decreases, their composition changes, and the number of stem cells decreases. These processes appeared to be associated with a deficiency of SIRT5, which normally suppresses inflammation.

To test whether it is possible to turn back time, experts have introduced into the body of elderly mice gene that enhances the production of SIRT5. After five weeks, physical activity improved markedly, the size of muscle fibers increased, inflammation decreased, and the genes began to work the same way as in young individuals.

The discovery shows that targeting SIRT5 could be an effective strategy to combat age-related changes. So far, the method has only been tested on animals, but if further tests confirm its safety, it could lead to the creation of new drugs and technologies to prolong the youthfulness of muscles.