Effects of Beef Consumption on Skeletal Muscle Protein Homeostasis and Inflammatory Factors in Pre- and Postmenopausal Females

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This will be a randomized study to determine if animal-based protein-rich food sources can stimulate greater muscle protein turnover and whole-body protein balance and reduce skeletal muscle inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women compared to vegetarian base protein-rich foods.

Detailed Description
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A randomized cross-sectional controlled trial will be conducted to quantify whole-body and muscle protein turnover and skeletal muscle inflammation following 5-days of consumption of either beef or isonitrogenous plant-based sources of protein in normal/overweight and obese post-menopausal females. A premenopausal normal/overweight group consuming beef containing study meals will also be recruited to serve as a healthy control comparison.

Official Title
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Effects of Beef Consumption on Skeletal Muscle Protein Homeostasis and Inflammatory Factors in Pre- and Postmenopausal Females

Conditions
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Menopause Related Conditions

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: meals consisting of primarily animal protein sources
* Other: meals consisting of plant protein sources


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Postmenopausal women ages 50-65 (absence of menstruation for at least 12 months). Premenopausal women ages 35-45 (presence of normal monthly menstruation for the past 12 months). BMI of 20.0 - 34.9 kg/m2. COVID-19 negative and/or asymptomatic Exclusion Criteria: Any substantial musculoskeletal injuries/diseases that have limited daily activities in the past month. Unable to stop the use of anti-inflammatory drugs for the week prior to and during study. Diagnosed metabolic or hormonal disease (i.e., renal, cardiovascular, thyroid, polycystic ovary syndrome, or type I/II diabetes mellitus). Currently pregnant. Gave birth or was lactating within previous 12 months. Undergone gastric bypass/bariatric surgery. Clinically significant weight gain or loss (>5% change) in the last 12 months. Consuming metabolism-altering drugs or medications (i.e., corticosteroids, stimulants, insulin, thyroid medication). Unable or unwilling to suspend anti-clotting medications including aspirin use for 5 days prior to Visit 4. Participating in >200 minutes/week of vigorous exercise and/or >4 days/week of resistance training. Unwilling to fast overnight. Surgical menopause. Having undergone hormone replacement therapy in the last 12 months.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 35 Years
Maximum Age: 65 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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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: A randomized cross-sectional controlled trial will be conducted to quantify whole-body and muscle protein turnover and skeletal muscle inflammation following 5-days of consumption of either beef or isonitrogenous plant-based sources of protein in normal/overweight and obese post-menopausal females.
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: postmenopausal with normal/overweight BMI that eats primarily beef as their protein source<br> | Other: meals consisting of primarily animal protein sources<br>* an omnivorous diet<br>|
| Experimental: postmenopausal with normal/overweight BMI that eats vegetables as their protein source<br> | Other: meals consisting of plant protein sources<br>* an herbivorous diet<br>|
| Experimental: postmenopausal with obese BMI that eats primarily beef as their protein source in study meals<br> | Other: meals consisting of primarily animal protein sources<br>* an omnivorous diet<br>|
| Experimental: postmenopausal with obese BMI that eats vegetables as their protein source in study meals<br> | Other: meals consisting of plant protein sources<br>* an herbivorous diet<br>|
| Active Comparator: premenopausal with normal/overweight BMI that eats primarily beef as their protein source<br> | Other: meals consisting of primarily animal protein sources<br>* an omnivorous diet<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Net change in muscle protein synthesis (% per day). | Change in net muscle protein synthesis between groups. | Study meals are eaten for 5 consecutive days. |