Muscle Protein Synthesis Differences in Older Men and Women
Author Information
Author(s): Smith Gordon I., Atherton Philip, Villareal Dennis T., Frimel Tiffany N., Rankin Debbie, Rennie Michael J., Mittendorfer Bettina
Primary Institution: School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Hypothesis
Are there sex differences in muscle protein synthesis in older adults during postabsorptive conditions and feeding?
Conclusion
Older women have a greater basal rate of muscle protein synthesis compared to older men, which may explain the slower loss of muscle in women as they age.
Supporting Evidence
- Women had a 30% greater basal rate of muscle protein synthesis than men.
- Feeding increased muscle protein synthesis in men but not in women.
- Basal plasma leucine concentration was 15% less in women than in men.
Takeaway
This study found that older women build muscle protein faster than older men, which might help them keep their muscles longer as they age.
Methodology
The study measured muscle protein synthesis rates in older men and women using stable-isotope labeled amino acid tracer techniques during fasting and feeding.
Limitations
The study did not measure muscle protein breakdown, which limits understanding of overall muscle protein balance.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 65-80 years old, with 13 men and 16 women, matched for age and body mass index.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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