Mitochondrial Oxidative Capacity and NAD+ Biosynthesis are Reduced in Human Sarcopenia Across Ethnicities

Migliavacca E, et al. Mitochondrial Oxidative Capacity and NAD+ Biosynthesis are Reduced in Human Sarcopenia Across Ethnicities. Nat Commun. 2019 Dec 20;10(1):5808.

Link to Original Publication: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-13694-1

myAACD Summary:

In healthy adults, skeletal muscle mass and strength often decline after middle age.  Sarcopenia happens when there is an accelerated loss of muscle mass and function in older adults. The condition is often associated with symptoms of weakness and a state of muscle wasting, which directly impacts the independence and longevity of those with sarcopenia. 

To better understand the causes of poor muscle health in sarcopenia, genome-wide transcriptional changes were analyzed from muscle biopsies of older men diagnosed with sarcopenia versus age-matched controls. The groups of men in this study were from Singapore, the UK and Jamaica. 

In those with sarcopenia, mitochondrial oxidative capacity, mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial quality control, and NAD+ production were reduced across ethnicities. Low NAD+ levels in those with sarcopenia could directly contribute to impaired mitochondrial activity, as well as the progression of sarcopenia in older adults. This research helps to further establish mitochondrial function as a key target for interventions to help manage sarcopenia in older adults.