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Showing posts from March, 2024

Multi-domain lifestyle intervention in older adults after myocardial infarction: rationale and design of the PIpELINe randomized clinical trial

Multi-domain lifestyle intervention in older adults after myocardial infarction: rationale and design of the PIpELINe randomized clinical trial   Abstract Background:  Traditional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is effective in improving physical performance and prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI). Anyway, it is not consistently recommended to older adults, and its attendance rate is low. Previous studies suggested that alternative, early and tailored exercise interventions are feasible and effective in improving physical performance in older MI patients. Anyway, the demonstration that they are associated also with a significant reduction of hard endpoints is lacking. Aim:  To describe rationale and design of the "Physical activity Intervention in Elderly patients with myocardial Infarction" (PIpELINe) trial. Methods:  The PIpELINe trial is a prospective, randomized, multicentre study with a blinded adjudicated evaluation of the outcomes. Patients aged ≥ 65 years,...

The Link between Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Sarcopenia: An Update Focusing on the Role of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4

  Sarcopenia, defined as a progressive loss of muscle mass and function, is typified by mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of mitochondrial resilience. Sarcopenia is associated not only with aging, but also with various metabolic diseases characterized by mitochondrial dyshomeostasis.  Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs) are mitochondrial enzymes that inhibit the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, which controls pyruvate entry into the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the subsequent adenosine triphosphate production required for normal cellular activities. PDK4 is upregulated in mitochondrial dysfunction-related metabolic diseases, especially pathologic muscle conditions associated with enhanced muscle proteolysis and aberrant myogenesis. Increases in PDK4 are associated with perturbation of mitochondria-associated membranes and mitochondrial quality control, which are emerging as a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of metabolic disease-associated muscle atrophy.  Here, we...

Inactivity and Skeletal Muscle Metabolism: A Vicious Cycle in Old Age

Inactivity and Skeletal Muscle Metabolism: A Vicious Cycle in Old Age Aging is an inevitable and gradually progressive process affecting all organs and systems.  The musculoskeletal system makes no exception, elderly exhibit an increased risk of sarcopenia (low muscle mass),dynapenia (declining muscle strength), and subsequent disability. Whereas in recent years the subject of skeletal muscle metabolic decline in the elderly has been gathering interest amongst researchers, as well as medical professionals, there are many challenges yet to be solved in order to counteract the effects of aging on muscle function efficiently.  Noteworthy, it has been shown that aging individuals exhibit a decline in skeletal muscle metabolism, a phenomenon which may be linked to a number of predisposing (risk) factors such as telomere attrition, epigenetic changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, sedentary behavior (leading to body composition alterations), age-related low-grade systemic inflammation ...

Understanding Metabolic Syndrome: A Comprehensive Guide

  Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of metabolic syndrome, exploring its causes, symptoms, and potential treatments. What is Metabolic Syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a combination of factors, including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These factors collectively increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health complications. The Journey of Glucose: We'll start by understanding how our bodies process glucose from the foods we eat. As food travels through the digestive tract, nutrients are absorbed and converted into glucose in the liver. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, facilitates the entry of glucose into cells for energy. However, in cases of insulin resistance, cells become less responsive to insulin, le...