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New research into age-related muscle loss by the Centenary Institute and the University of Technology Sydney promises the transformation of treatment in muscle wasting.
Sarcopenia is a natural process in which muscles become smaller and weaker due to ageing – leading to reduced mobility, increased frailty, and overall decreased quality of life.
It can also result from short-term hospitalisations and bed rest, where inactivity leads to rapid and severe musculoskeletal wasting.
The research aimed to shed light on why short-term hospitalisations lead to loss of muscle mass and strength – accelerating sarcopenia and frailty.
Associate professor Andy Philp, who was principal investigator on the research, said that their advanced micro-muscle model would be able to simulate age-related conditions to help understand the situation more.
"Use of our novel bioengineered muscle platform, in combination with patient-derived blood samples and advanced molecular analysis techniques, will help us decipher the intricate biological mechanisms underlying muscle ageing and wastage, as well as the muscle’s capacity for recovery," said Professor Philp.
The bioengineered micro-muscles, developed by co-principal investigator associate professor Richard Mills, were set to provide a new approach to the research.
“These micro-muscles offer an unprecedented lab-based platform for in-depth exploration of the intricate biological processes involved in sarcopenia,” said Professor Mills.
Sarcopenia is known for being a 'silent muscle disease', and with the recent pandemic, there has been an increase in signs and symptoms.
An estimated 6.4 per cent of men and 9.3 per cent of women aged 65 and older are affected by sarcopenia.
Women are more likely due to osteoarthritis, oophorectomy (surgical removal or ovaries), or cancer.
People with sarcopenia are three times more likely to have a fall in the next two years.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that 27,900 hospitalisations were due to falls that occurred in residential aged care.
Professor Philp said that the research promised to transform the way age-related muscle wasting was treated.
"We believe our innovative approach has the potential to lead to new therapeutic approaches to promote muscle strength and resilience," he said.
"This will ultimately enhance the well-being and vitality of ageing individuals."
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