Picolinic Acid, a Catabolite of Tryptophan, Has an Anabolic Effect on Myoblasts and Increases Mobility in C. elegans
2024

Picolinic Acid Boosts Muscle Growth and Mobility

Sample size: 12 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Duque Gustavo, Rivas Daniel, AlOkda Abdelrahman, Baltasar-Fernandez Ivan, Van Raamsdonk Jeremy

Primary Institution: Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

Hypothesis

Does picolinic acid have an anabolic effect on muscle in addition to its effects on bone?

Conclusion

Picolinic acid has been shown to promote muscle growth and increase mobility in C. elegans.

Supporting Evidence

  • Picolinic acid increased the expression of myosin II and MyoD transcription factors in myoblasts.
  • Myotubes treated with 50 µM and 100 µM picolinic acid were significantly longer than controls.
  • C. elegans treated with picolinic acid showed increased thrashing frequency at all timed intervals.

Takeaway

Picolinic acid helps muscles grow and makes tiny worms move better, which could help older people with muscle and bone problems.

Methodology

C2C12 myoblasts were treated with picolinic acid and analyzed for myogenesis-related transcription factors and myotube characteristics, while C. elegans were treated to assess mobility.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.001, p=0.002

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4249

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