New research developed at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) has identified a new drug, renamed LAMZ, capable of mimickingphysical exercise and promote similar changes in muscles and bones.
When we are physically active, our bones and muscles work together to make them stronger. To maintain bone health, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends a combination of weight-bearing activities 3-5 times a week and resistance exercises 2-3 times a week.
Several researches have shown the importance of exercising throughout life, so that its effect can be beneficial to preserve bone health: the absence of physical exercise causes bone loss. The Center for Disease Prevention and Controland supports regular physical activity to strengthen and maintain muscles and bones: a Research has shown that improving muscle strength can have a moderate effect in relieving joint pain for people diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
Despite its advantages, modern life is associated with a lack of physical activity. According toWorld Health Organization Reliable sourcephysical inactivity is a serious but “insufficiently addressed” public health problem with up to 85% of the world’s population leading a sedentary lifestyle.
Inactivity is also associated with an increased risk of chronic disease. There British Heart Foundation attributes more than 5 million deaths worldwide to physical inactivity, which equates to one in nine deaths in all. Chronic conditions, injuries, and aging can mean that it is more difficult to engage in physical activity, which can lead to muscle weakness (sarcopenia) and bone loss (osteoporosis).
The results of the studyregarding the effects of the LAMZ pill have been published in the scientific journal Bone Research.
LAMZ: Does it really keep what it promises?
During the study, the research team identified a new compound called Locamidazole (LAMZ) as a potential therapeutic drug that can cause exercise-like effects. To test the new compound, the researchers administered LAMZ 10 mg / kg orally once a day, LAMZ 6 mg / kg by injection twice a day, or a control solution for 14 days to male mice.
Administration of LAMZ by mouth and by injection showed changes in both muscle and bone. The researchers noted that the treated mice had wider muscle fibers and greater muscle strength than the mice not treated with LAMZ. Resistance was studied using a treadmill device, mice treated with the new drug were less fatigued and traveled a greater distance than untreated mice.
Dr Joseph Watso, assistant professor at Florida State University, who was not involved in the study, explained: “It is inspiring that while the changes in the distance the animals walked were small (around 2%), the increases in Maximum regulated muscle strength and muscle fiber width were quite substantial after 14 days of administration of LAMZ “.
Using genetic analysis, the researchers showed that LAMZ increased the number of mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouse, in muscle and bone cells. They noted an increase in gene expression for PGC-1 alpha, a protein known to maintain muscle and bone cells and increase the production of mitochondria.
“PCG1a is a known transcriptional coactivator that increases mitochondrial biogenesis. This is an interesting feature of the agent that they identified as mitochondrial biogenesis is a physiological adaptation characteristic of physical training, ”explained Dr Watso.
To further understand the path, the researchers administered LAMZ orally to the mice by blocking PGC-1 alpha. They found no increase in muscle strength, indicating the drug’s effects on muscle and bone through PGC-1 alpha.
3D images of bone samples generated using Micro-CT showed an increase in bone thickness, bone density and mineral content, confirming the cellular study results of increased bone formation and reduced bone loss.
“We were delighted to find that the mice treated with LAMZ exhibited greater muscle fiber width, greater maximum muscle strength, a higher rate of bone formation and less bone resorption activity,” commented the study’s lead author. Takehito Ono.
The study showed that LAMZ can strengthen bones and muscles without negative effects on surrounding tissues and can work as a therapeutic drug by invigorating muscles and bones via PGC-1α, mimicking exercise.
Dr. Watso summarized the findings: The article provides compelling evidence in animals for an agent with a high potential for improving bone and muscle health. Like most agents evaluated in animals, the next key question is whether these findings will translate into humans. Of course, with no harmful side effects that may not have been seen in animal studies. “
The scientist warned that “it will be a daunting task to develop a health elixir to replace the myriad benefits of regular physical activity and exercise. That said, continued efforts are needed to reduce the incidence and burden associated with preventable diseases ”.
In some cases, medications may be the safest option for exercise, but where possible, “exercise should be the first consideration for those with the ability to be physically active,” said Dr. Watso. Despite this, “it is certainly worth continuing to examine population-specific risk factors and pathophysiology for potential treatment goals,” he added.
#LAMZ #pill #simulates #effects #sport