Kyushu University Finds LASSS Restores Muscle Repair in Mice by Protecting HGF From Age-Related Damage
Updated
Updated · Futura · Sep 17
Kyushu University Finds LASSS Restores Muscle Repair in Mice by Protecting HGF From Age-Related Damage
2 articles · Updated · Futura · Sep 17
Summary
Kyushu University researchers reported that lipoic acid trisulfide, or LASSS, restored muscle-repair signaling in mice by preserving hepatocyte growth factor, a protein whose function declines with age.
Reactive nitrogen species in older muscle nitrate HGF rather than eliminating it, blocking the signal that normally activates satellite cells to rebuild damaged tissue.
Lab tests showed LASSS bound directly to HGF, shielded it from nitration and improved its attachment to muscle stem-cell receptors; treated cell cultures rebuilt tissue faster than with untreated HGF.
In a hindlimb-suspension mouse model of rapid atrophy, LASSS lowered HGF nitration and sped recovery of lost muscle weight, while another trisulfide, GSSSG, did not show the same in-vivo benefit.
The approach still needs safety, dosing and aged-animal studies before any human trials, leaving protein intake, vitamin D and resistance training as current standard measures against sarcopenia.