Increased RNA transcription of energy source transporters in circulating white blood cells of aged individual with physical frailty

Abstract

Background Physical frailty is an age-related clinical condition that is accompanied by deterioration in physiological capacity. In aged mice, we had shown that changes in RNA expression of metabolism-related genes in circulating white blood cells significantly altered with muscle weakness. Methods In this explorative analysis, 20 elderly volunteers were enrolled and link between RNA expression profiles in circulating white blood cells and physical frailty was investigated. Results There were significant differences in RNA expression of metabolism-related genes, such as glucose transporter 1 (Glut1), Glut3, AMP-activated protein kinase A (AMPKa) and prolyl hydroxylase 3 (PHD3) between elderly individuals with and without swallowing dysfunction and masticatory disturbance. Furthermore, the level of metabolism-related RNA expression of circulating white blood cells was significantly different between the elderly with and without exercise habit. Subsequent mechanism of action studies in mice have revealed a direct link between circulating cells and endothelium/satellite cells in muscle tissue. Conclusions Our results indicate the level of metabolism-related RNA expression in circulating white blood cells can serve as a marker of physical frailty in the elderly and provide evidence of a significant role of direct cellular interaction between circulating white blood cells and cells in muscle tissue. Trial registration: jRCT1050210166、Feb. 02, 2022