Modulation of Muscle Protein Synthesis With Diet and Exercise in Old Aged Women

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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In this study will measure differences in how muscle responds to both exercise and protein supplements in healthy women aged 60-69. We are studying two different protein supplements- a standard Whey Protein and a Leucine enriched supplement. Each patient would receive either one of these.

Detailed Description
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One of the factors that plays an important role in the loss of functional performance and, as such, the capacity to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle is the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass with ageing (i.e., sarcopenia). Indeed, sarcopenia is a more robust predictor of functional status and mortality in the elderly than chronological age or indeed, any other co-morbidity. Sarcopenia is an incipient process whereby lean muscle mass contributing up to  50% of total body weight in young adults declines to  25% when reaching the age of 75-80 y. Adequate nutritional intake, and in particular dietary protein, is important for offsetting age-related declines in muscle mass. The aim of this project is to seek the most effective nutrition with which to counteract sarcopenia, specifically in women.

Official Title
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The Efficacy of Leucine Enriched-EAA Supplements vs. Whey Protein in the Modulation of Muscle Protein Synthesis, Albumin Synthesis and Leg/ Muscle Blood Flow in Older Women

Conditions
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Sarcopenia

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy post-menopausal females aged 60-70 Exclusion Criteria: • Obvious muscle wasting. A body mass index (BMI) < 18 or > 40 kg•m2. Active cardiovascular disease: uncontrolled high blood pressure, angina, heart failure (class III/IV), abnormal heart rhythm, right to left cardiac shunt or recent cardiac event. Taking statin-based medication above 60mg•day-1. Individuals taking beta-adrenergic blocking agents or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) Cerebrovascular disease: previous stroke, aneurysm (large vessel or intracranial). Respiratory disease including pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma or a forced expiratory volume (FEV1) less than 1.5 litres. Metabolic disease: hyper and hypo parathyroidism, untreated hyper and hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, types 1 or 2 diabetes. Active inflammatory bowel disease, renal disease, or malignancy. Recent steroid treatment (within 6 months), or hormone replacement therapy. Clotting dysfunction e.g. Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, warfarin therapy and/ or haemophilia. Musculoskeletal or neurological disorders. Any leg amputated Family history of early (<55y) death from cardiovascular disease. Known sensitivity to SONOVUE (US contrast).

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Muscle protein synthesis and muscle protein breakdown | Markers of muscle protein synthesis and breakdown are determined from muscle biopsy samples in form of myofibrillar Fractional Synthetic Rate (FSR) assessed by gas-chromatography-combustion-mass spectrometry, using incorporation of a stable isotope tracer (13-C-6 Phe) | 7 Hours | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Blood flow (bulk and nutritive) and intramuscular cell signalling | Leg blood flow via Common femoral bulk flow (Doppler ultrasound) Microvascular blood flow via contrast enhanced ultrasound Mammalian Target of Rapamycin-1 (mTORC1) and Protein Kinase B (PKB or AKT) phosphorylation via western immunoblotting | 7 Hours | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Muscle Protein Synthesis, Muscle Protein Breakdown