Muscle-strengthening exercises release anti-aging compounds in your muscle tissue
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers have discovered that a protein called CLCF1 (Cardiotrophin-Like Cytokine Factor 1) plays a crucial role in promoting muscle and bone health, exhibiting anti-aging effects by acting as a signaling molecule.
CLCF1, a myokine or signaling molecule released by skeletal muscle during exercise, communicates the body's need for increased muscle and bone mass, which typically decline together in aging, causing frailty and higher risks of falls and fractures.
The study found that resistance training, a form of high-intensity exercise, triggers a notable increase in CLCF1 levels in older adults. In contrast, moderate aerobic exercise such as walking does not significantly elevate CLCF1. This suggests that CLCF1 release requires a threshold of exercise intensity, which resistance training meets.
The delayed but clear response to resistance training in older adults highlights its importance as we age. Elevated CLCF1 is necessary for exercise-induced improvements in muscle and bone health in older adults, and lower CLCF1 release in aging explains the diminished effectiveness of exercise without adequate intensity.
The researchers believe that CLCF1 may contribute to the regulation of age-associated musculoskeletal deterioration. As a result, incorporating resistance training into exercise routines for older adults is crucial for stimulating CLCF1 production, thereby promoting muscle and bone health and contributing to anti-aging effects.
The study also found that older muscles don't produce much CLCF1 after aerobic exercise, but this isn't due to a decline in the gene for CLCF1, but rather a decline in a partner protein called CRLF1. As we grow older, resistance training may become even more important than cardio exercises for healthy aging.
Further research is needed to reveal new ways in which scientists could harness the potential of CLCF1. The discovery of CLCF1's role in musculoskeletal health opens up exciting new possibilities for future research, potentially leading to new treatments for age-related conditions like sarcopenia (muscle loss) or osteoporosis.
In studies on elderly mice, administration of CLCF1 significantly improved muscle strength, endurance, muscle fiber size, and bone density, indicating its dual function in supporting the musculoskeletal system. When CLCF1 was blocked, the health benefits disappeared, suggesting that this molecule plays a direct role in protecting aging muscles and bones.
Older participants who followed a 12-week strength training routine showed signs of muscle and bone rejuvenation, similar to younger individuals. The study's findings collectively suggest the potential of CLCF1 in maintaining musculoskeletal health as we age.
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- The groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications demonstrates that the protein CLCF1, a myokine, significantly contributes to muscle and bone health, exhibiting anti-aging effects.
- The study reveals that resistance training, a high-intensity exercise form, triggers an increase in CLCF1 levels in older adults, while moderate aerobic exercise doesn't elicit a similar response.
- Elevated CLCF1 levels are essential for exercise-induced improvements in muscle and bone health in older adults, as opposed to a decline in CLCF1 that accounts for the diminished effectiveness of exercise without adequate intensity.
- The researchers believe that CLCF1 may play a crucial role in regulating age-associated musculoskeletal deterioration, and suggest incorporating resistance training into exercise routines for older adults to stimulate CLCF1 production.
- The study found that older muscles produce little CLCF1 after aerobic exercise, not due to a decline in the CLCF1 gene, but rather a decline in a partner protein called CRLF1.
- Future research on CLCF1 holds great potential, potentially leading to new treatments for age-related conditions like sarcopenia or osteoporosis, as demonstrated in studies on elderly mice where CLCF1 administration improved musculoskeletal health.
