Key background
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is one of the key molecules responsible for skeletal muscle repair and regeneration. In healthy muscle, HGF is stored in the extracellular matrix surrounding muscle fibers and is released when the muscle is damaged by injury or exercise. It is responsible for ultimately forming new muscle fibers and repairing damaged ones—an essential process for recovering from injury, maintaining muscle mass and adapting to strength training. As people age, HGF signaling and satellite cell responsiveness decline, contributing to slower muscle repair, reduced regenerative capacity and the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength.
Read more Surging Jet Fuel Costs Mean Higher Airfares Are Coming, Experts Warn
what to watch for
How the discovery can be implemented. Further studies in aging animals are needed to confirm lipoic acid trisulfide’s effectiveness and safety before any human trials can be done, but researchers believe it could help promote independence, quality of life and healthy lifespan in later years.
Read more Why Sunday May Now Be The Shortest Day Of The Year As Earth Slows Down
further reading
ForbesWhite House Science Report Calls For Reducing University Research FundingBy Michael T. Nietzel
ForbesWhite House Report Criticizes The Immigration Of Scientists To AmericaBy Stuart AndersonForbesFDA’s Review Of Peptides Signals A Growing Public Health Challenge—Separating Science From HypeBy Omer Awan