The Ageing Neuromuscular System and Sarcopenia: a Mitochondrial Perspective

Overview

Journal J Physiol

Specialty Physiology

Date 2016 Feb 28

PMID 26921061

Citations 68

Authors

Karolina A Rygiel

Martin Picard

Doug M Turnbull

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Skeletal muscles undergo structural and functional decline with ageing, culminating in sarcopenia. The underlying neuromuscular mechanisms have been the subject of intense investigation, revealing mitochondrial abnormalities as potential culprits within both nerve and muscle cells. Implicated mechanisms involve impaired mitochondrial dynamics, reduced organelle biogenesis and quality control via mitophagy, accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and respiratory chain defect, metabolic disturbance, pro-apoptotic signalling, and oxidative stress. This article provides an overview of the cellular mechanisms whereby mitochondria may promote maladaptive changes within motor neurons, the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and muscle fibres. Lifelong physical activity, which promotes mitochondrial health across tissues, is emerging as an effective countermeasure for sarcopenia.

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