Study on Human Muscle Aging Reveals Impact of Short-term Exercise on Lipid Composition

Research Background

As the global population ages, understanding the physiological changes associated with aging has become a key focus in scientific research. Previous studies using animal models have indicated that complex lipids, such as phospholipids, play important roles in cell aging and lifespan regulation. Nevertheless, the understanding of widespread changes in complex lipids associated with aging remains insufficient, and whether these changes can be reversed through interventions is still unknown. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the changes in lipids during the aging process and their response to healthy aging interventions.

Paper Source

This paper was authored by Georges E. Janssens, Marte Molenaars, and other scientists from various research institutions, including Amsterdam UMC, Maastricht University Medical Centre, etc. The paper was published in the journal Nature Aging in May 2024, with the DOI 10.1038/s43587-024-00595-2.

Research Content

Research Process

The study first utilized a lipidomics platform based on non-polar liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) to conduct a detailed analysis of the lipid composition in ten tissues from young and old mice. More than 1200 unique lipids were detected across these tissues, and the accumulation of bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP) was observed across tissues. The researchers then assessed the accumulation of BMP in muscle tissue from young and older human populations, finding a similar phenomenon to that observed in mice. Additionally, the study found that moderate to vigorous exercise interventions could reduce BMP levels in postmenopausal female participants.

Research Findings

1. BMP Accumulation: BMP accumulation was observed in both aged mice and human muscle tissues, suggesting that BMP might be a consistent biomarker of aging.
2. Exercise Intervention: Short-term exercise effectively reduced BMP levels, indicating that healthy lifestyle interventions are feasible and could positively impact aging.

Research Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the role of complex lipid BMP during the aging process and reveals its potential as a biomarker in human aging. Reducing BMP levels through short-term exercise intervention offers a theoretical basis for developing targeted aging intervention strategies.

Research Highlights

• Significance of the Issue: The study addresses a core issue in aging science, namely how to monitor and intervene to improve the health status of the elderly through biomarkers.
• Research Method: The use of modern lipidomics platforms provides new technical approaches for aging-related research.
• Specificity of Research Subjects: The study involves multiple aging models, including humans and mice, increasing the universality of the findings.