Researchers reported that sarcopenic muscle—muscle that loses mass and strength with age—secretes fewer extracellular vesicles. Extracellular vesicles are tiny packets that cells use to communicate. The vesicles from older muscle also have lower amounts of miR-7a-5p, a microRNA that helps control gene activity and can limit tumor growth.
The team found a biological pathway that controls vesicle release, and the pathway weakens with age. Exercise can reactivate the pathway and seems to restore the protective signals from muscle. Doctors note a link between advanced cancer and low muscle mass, and regular resistance and aerobic activity helps keep muscle size and function.
Difficult words
- sarcopenic — Having less muscle mass and strength with age
- vesicle — A very small packet that cells usevesicles
- microRNA — A small RNA that controls gene activity
- pathway — A series of steps inside cells or body
- reactivate — To start a biological process again
- resistance — Exercise with weights to build muscle strength
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Discussion questions
- Do you do any exercise to keep muscles strong? Which exercises do you do?
- Why do you think muscle health is important for older people?
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