Effect of Treadmill exercise on IGF-1 Signaling Associated with Muscle Regeneration and Exercise Performance in Aging Mice

Abstract

Abstract Aging refers to the natural processes of birth, growth, and aging. As aging progresses, the functional ability of muscles gradually decreases, leading to loss of muscle mass and reduced exercise performance, referred to as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is closely associated with weakness, osteoporosis, and degenerative diseases. It is related to the risk of falls, fractures, weakness, metabolic diseases, and death owing to limitations of physical performance in the elderly. Sarcopenia is influenced by complex factors, such as lifestyle, smoking, nutritional imbalance, and changes associated with aging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biological mechanisms affecting protein expression and exercise performance in aging mice to identify the biological factors related to sarcopenia. The results showed that the Aged-Con group showed decreased muscle strength and muscle fiber size, as well as decreased exercise performance. Further, IGF-1 signaling was reduced in the Aged-Con group. In contrast, reduced IGF-1 signaling was alleviated in the Aged-Exe group; the decreased muscle size and exercise performance were also alleviated in the Aged-Exe group. Overall, these findings suggest that regular moderate exercise can prevent aging-induced sarcopenia and improve exercise performance.