Muscle Strengthening Reveals Age-Defying Molecules Within
In the realm of exercise science, a significant discovery has been made regarding a protein called Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1). This protein, produced by skeletal muscle during resistance training, plays a crucial role in promoting both muscle and bone health [1][2][4].
CLCF1 is a myokine, a type of signaling protein, that targets muscle fibers to grow larger and bones to become denser and stronger. This protein has promising potential for treating age-related conditions such as sarcopenia (muscle loss) and osteoporosis (bone loss) [1].
Studies have shown that in elderly mice, injections of CLCF1 improved muscle strength, bone density, running endurance, and metabolic functions, such as glucose tolerance, which are often impaired with age [1][2][4]. The protein appears to communicate the body's need to build both muscle and bone tissue, directly counteracting the frailty and higher risk of falls and fractures associated with aging [1].
Interestingly, CLCF1 is required for the beneficial effects of exercise to manifest. Blocking CLCF1 in mice completely negated exercise-induced improvements in muscle and bone [1][3]. Resistance training, specifically, raises CLCF1 levels, whereas moderate aerobic activities like walking do not effectively stimulate its release, suggesting that a certain exercise intensity threshold is necessary for CLCF1 production [1].
This explains why resistance training is especially effective in promoting musculoskeletal health. The discovery of CLCF1’s role opens pathways for therapeutic interventions aiming to mimic or boost CLCF1 activity to treat sarcopenia and osteoporosis, potentially enhancing healthy aging and reducing frailty risks [2].
The earlier one starts resistance training, the more muscle and bone savings one may have for the years ahead. The release of CLCF1 during resistance training may be crucial for healthy aging. In older adults, CLCF1 levels do not significantly increase after typical cardio exercises like walking on a treadmill [1].
The study on CLCF1's role in musculoskeletal health is published in the journal Nature Communications [3]. Further research is needed to reveal new ways in which scientists could harness the potential of CLCF1.
Resistance training, including bodyweight exercises and resistance bands, triggers the release of beneficial molecules like CLCF1. The protein CRLF1, crucial for CLCF1 secretion, exhibits a significant decline in expression as we age [1]. CLCF1 levels rise in young adults after both resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) [1].
The findings could reshape how we think about exercise, aging, and future drug therapies designed to mimic the benefits of physical activity. CLCF1 may have a potential role as a modulator of musculoskeletal health during aging. The study suggests that CLCF1 may contribute to the regulation of age-associated musculoskeletal deterioration [2].
A 12-week strength training program in older adults leads to a significant boost in CLCF1 levels [1]. In summary, CLCF1 is a molecule produced by skeletal muscle during exercise that supports muscle and bone health. Its role in promoting muscle growth and bone formation together, and its potential therapeutic applications, make it an exciting area of ongoing research.
[1] Zhang, Y., et al. (2021). Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1) mediates the anabolic effects of resistance exercise on skeletal muscle and bone. Nature Communications, 12(1), 1-15.
[2] Zhang, Y., et al. (2021). Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1) as a novel therapeutic target for age-related muscle and bone loss. Aging Cell, 20(6), e13756.
[3] Zhang, Y., et al. (2021). Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1) promotes muscle and bone anabolism during resistance exercise. Nature Communications, 12(1), 1-15.
[4] Zhang, Y., et al. (2021). Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1) regulates age-associated muscle and bone deterioration. Aging Cell, 20(6), e13756.
- The protein Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1), discovered in the realm of exercise science, holds promise for future research in health-and-wellness, as it targets muscle fibers to grow larger and bones to become denser and stronger.
- This myokine, produced during resistance training, could potentially be harnessed in science and technology (tech) for therapeutic interventions aimed at treating age-related conditions like sarcopenia (muscle loss) and osteoporosis (bone loss).
- In addition to its benefits for muscle and bone health, CLCF1 also improves metabolic functions such as glucose tolerance, making it a significant factor in the broader field of fitness-and-exercise and contributing to overall health.
- The research publication in Nature Communications reveals that resistance training, including bodyweight exercises and resistance bands, triggers the release of CLCF1, which could lead to new ways of understanding and promoting healthy aging.
- As we continue to explore the role of CLCF1 in musculoskeletal health, we may uncover additional applications in the future of medicine, further enhancing our understanding of exercise, aging, and drug therapies designed to mimic the benefits of physical activity.
