Physical education in tablets
A drug has been created that simulates the effect of physical exertion
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
An experimental drug in the form of tablets was successfully tested on mice — it showed an excellent result, similar in effect to the effects of physical activity. It activates the same signaling pathways while strengthening muscles and bones.
Article by Ono et al. Simultaneous augmentation of muscle and bone by locomomimetism through calcium–PGC-1α signaling is published in the journal Bone Research – VM.
Lack of physical activity, especially in old age, weakens muscles and destroys bones. Subsequently, this can lead to the development of sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Japanese scientists sought to find a way to replace physical activity with a drug for those people who, due to their state of health, could not sufficiently exercise.
Now they have presented the first experimental drug that simultaneously affects muscle and bone tissue, simulating the effect of physical exertion. A Pill to Strengthen Muscle and Bone press release briefly reports on the results of their work.
Having developed a drug screening system, they identified the compound locamidazole (a derivative of aminoindazole), which has the necessary properties — to stimulate the growth of muscle and bone-forming cells and simultaneously suppress the growth of osteoclasts that destroy bone tissue.
Oral administration of the drug to mice showed excellent results. The rodents strengthened their muscles, developed muscle strength, accelerated the process of bone formation, and the process of destruction of bone tissue was not very pronounced.
Further studies have shown that the drug mimics the signaling pathways of calcium and PGC-1α (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha, co-activator of the proliferation receptor peroxisome – VM). They are usually activated during exercise and stimulate the expression of molecules necessary for muscle and bone health.
Finally, the scientists tested the treatment on mouse models with sarcopenia and osteoporosis. In both cases, a positive result was recorded — muscles or bones were strengthened, respectively.
Scientists are continuing research to evaluate the potential of a drug against senile infirmity in humans.
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