Scientists at University of Iowa have discovered two natural compounds that cause muscle weakness and loss during ageing. The team identified Ursolic acid, which is found in apple peel, and Tomatidine, found in green tomatoes, as small molecules that can prevent acute muscle wasting caused by starvation and inactivity. The protein called ATF4 alters gene expression in skeletal muscle, causing reduction of muscle protein synthesis, strength and mass."Ursolic acid and Tomatidine appear to have a lot of potential as tools for dealing with muscle weakness and atrophy during ageing," said Christopher Adams, professor of internal medicine and senior study author.
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