muscle repair Archives - Amazing Health Advances

5 Active Release Technique Benefits, Including Lowered Pain & Increased Performance

The AHA! Team — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:12:47 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Active release technique is a type of soft tissue therapy that helps relieve tight muscles and nerve trigger points, greatly reducing joint stress or muscular pains. Relieving tight muscles and trigger points can make a big difference in reducing joint stress and improving your overall quality of life. That’s why you should consider active release technique (ART). It can help turn on muscles that have been turned off due to injury and eliminate muscular pain. Active release technique is a type of soft tissue therapy that helps relieve tight muscles and nerve trigger points, greatly reducing joint stress or muscular pains. Active release technique practitioners can help people overcome a number of muscle- and joint-related injuries, and anyone recovering from similar conditions should consider ART, along with other natural, soft tissue treatments like Graston Technique, dry needling and NeuroKinetic therapy. What Is Active Release Technique? ART was first patented by P. Michael Leahy, a certified chiropractic sports physician who created his signature method to treat patients dealing with a wide array of chronic pains or injuries. ART is similar to deep tissue massage techniques and myofascial release (although it definitely has its differences) because it works by manipulating soft tissue, thereby reducing stress placed on joints and nerves. The conditions that ART is used to help treat naturally, often without the use of medications, are those that affect fascia (connective tissue), major muscle groups, tendons and ligaments. Most are the result of overused muscles, which contribute to scar tissue formation, tears, pulls, strains and inflammation. The goal of active release technique is to restore normal mobility and “glide” between muscular tissue and nerves. It can also help push joint fluid throughout the body and stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps lower inflammation. Some of the problems most commonly relieved through ART treatments include: Lower back pain Shin splints Plantar fasciitis Tension headaches Carpal tunnel syndrome Shoulder strains, including frozen shoulder Bursitis Tennis elbow Sciatic nerve pain/sciatica How Active Release Works The core benefit of ART is preventing and breaking up dense scar tissue, also called adhesions. Adhesions limit the normal range of motion of joints and muscles because they cause abnormal binding between muscle groups, are very tough and are inflexible compared to healthy tissue. The reason that adhesions form is to bind injured tissues and keep them stable — however, the adhesions act like a strong “glue” and can often compress or pinch nerves. Nerves sometimes become entrapped by scar tissue, which causes trigger points and pain to develop. The more that scar tissue forms, the more joints or tendons become strained and nerves become compressed. According to the Active Release Techniques website, soft tissue manipulations address several components related to scar tissue formation, including: acute injuries, including tears or collisions that can happen during exercise or sports micro-trauma, which is the gradual wear-down of tissue that’s often caused from aging and inflammation hypoxia, which results from tissue not receiving enough nutrients and oxygen Who Benefits Most from Active Release Technique? What are some signs that you might be experiencing adhesion/scar tissue accumulation and therefore can benefit from ART? These include: stiffness in your neck, elbow, hands, knees or back, sometimes associated with bursitis or tendonitis increased pain or throbbing when exercising reduced flexibility and limited range of motion loss of muscle strength inflamed joints or frequent joint pains signs of nerve damage, such as tingling, numbness and weakness ART treatment is a unique protocol that consists of very precise, targeted movements, most of which are done by the patient. Each ART session is different and custom-created to treat the patient’s problem depending on the location and severity of the symptoms. More than 500 different hand motions are used by trained ART practitioners More than 500 different hand motions are used by trained ART practitioners to evaluate a patient’s condition, locate areas of tightness that signify tissue damage, and then to help the patient move in a way that releases the affected tissue through “directed tension and very specific movements.” ART practitioners are commonly chiropractors or other trained health care providers who become qualified by receiving an ART certification. Using this patented formula, Leahy (the creator or ART) found that he was able to consistently resolve more than 90 percent of his patients’ problems naturally. Once the underlying tissue problem is addressed, patients are less likely to experience other injuries going forward and can return to regular preventative practices like exercising, stretching and performing myofascial release. Benefits 1. Increases Flexibility By relaxing muscles naturally and reducing tough adhesions around muscles and joints, studies have demonstrated that even a single ART treatment session can help increase flexibility. This includes increasing flexibility in the legs, specifically the hamstrings, which tend to be a very tight area for even healthy, active adults and susceptible to recurring injuries. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that a single ART treatment helped 20 physically active male participants with no current or previous injuries improve their scores on a sit-and-reach flexibility test. Following the treatment, the men on average experienced improved flexibility in the lower legs, which could translate to better protection against future injuries and even improved athletic performance. 2. Improves Range of Motion Following Injuries Research shows that ART treatments can help improve range of motion and mobility in those with musculoskeletal disorders or following injuries (acute trauma) and episodes of chronic pain. Active release technique is now considered to be beneficial for treating chronic neck pain that can be caused by work-related injuries, sports or exercise. One study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science compared the influence of active release technique to joint mobilization (JM) in patients with chronic neck pain. Visual abilities, pain scores, pressure pain threshold and neck range of motion were measured in the study’s 24 participants before and after treatments. Patients were assigned to one of three groups: an ART group, a JM group or a control group. Following treatments, both the ART group and JM group demonstrated significant changes in visual abilities and neck range of motion compared to the control group. The ART group was found to produce greater improvements overall in several of the markers compared to both the JM and control groups. 3. Reduces Chronic Lower Back Pain One 2013 study conducted by the Korean Academy of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science found that ART helps lower symptoms of lower back pain, considered to be one of the leading sources of dysfunction among adults. Lower back pain has commonly been found to be triggered from abnormal activation and adhesions within the upper legs (specifically the gluteus medius), but ART can help break up scar tissue and release compressed nerves. Twelve patients with chronic low back pain participated in this study and received ART treatments two times a week for three weeks, resulting in significantly lower pain intensity and pressure, according to a pain visual analogue scale. Another natural treatment for low back pain is cupping therapy. 4. Treats Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Findings from a small 2006 clinical pilot study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine suggest that active release technique can be an effective treatment strategy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, which results in limited hand mobility and often swelling or pain due to nerve compression. Patients first completed a questionnaire and examination to assess their symptoms, then received active release technique treatments using a protocol intended to affect the median nerve of the hands three times a week for two weeks. Following treatment, patients reported significant improvements in symptom severity and showed increases in functional status scores compared to the start of the study. 5. Helps Prevent Running Injuries and Improve Performance There’s now evidence that ART treatments can help promote faster muscle recovery and improve running or athletic performance. It does this by helping restore normal muscle and connective tissue function, keeping the body flexible, and reducing fibrous tissue accumulation, which can go unnoticed in training athletes. It’s possible for runners, athletes who perform triathlons and those who are training for professional competitions to miss signs of adhesions before it’s too late. This can cause tightening and shortening of muscles that wind up taking an athlete off the field due to limited mobility and strength loss. How ART Compares to Other Soft Tissue Treatments ART is different than massage therapy or stretching because it targets the underlying problem that causes pain and helps actually break up existing adhesions. Stretching can help stop adhesions from forming in the first place when done at the right time and in the right way but won’t treat scar tissue that has already formed. This doesn’t mean that you should skip stretching all together, however — it just means that you might require more targeted techniques to resolve an injury or chronic pain. Here’s how active release technique compares to other soft tissue treatments: ART vs. Massage Therapy: Most massages work by improving circulation and also lowering muscle tension caused by chronic stress. They can sometimes reduce pain by lowering trigger points in your muscles — however, they normally don’t do much to break up adhesions or restore proper tissue function past a certain point of injury. ART is most like deep tissue massage or myofascial release but is usually much more targeted and custom-tailored to the patient. ART vs. Graston Technique: Graston is another type of soft tissue mobilization technique that works similarly to ART since it targets adhesions. It helps break up fibrous muscle scar tissue, improve blood flow, move tissue fluids, and reduce pain or muscle tension. One thing that makes Graston different is that it’s performed using a handheld instrument that helps apply deep pressure to the patient in a rhythmic way. Graston is also a patented technique performed by certified providers, including athletic trainers, chiropractors, hand therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists. ART vs. Dry Needling: Dry needling is a technique many trained physical therapists use that addresses myofascial pain and nerve or spinal injuries. What makes this technique different from other modalities is that it uses a “dry” needle (meaning one that doesn’t release any medication). According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the dry needle is inserted into trigger points in muscle tissue that causes pain to be dispersed outward. This helps disturb “motor end plates,” the sites at which nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles and pain is experienced. Dry needling is often used in conjunction with other treatments, stretching and physical therapy to offer improved range of motion and other benefits. ART vs. Rolfing: Rolfing® is a trademarked system of soft tissue manipulation and movement that helps restore healthy posture and myofascial structures. Rolfing is done through deep hand manipulations, similar to deep massage, that reaches connective tissue all the way down to the skeletal system. It’s often used to improve spine health and lower muscle tension, fatigue, pain or strains due to stress and poor posture. ART vs. NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT): NKT is a type of corrective system that uses muscle memory to reduce postural problems and pain. NKT practitioners first identify where muscles are behaving abnormally, then restore balance and proper function through targeting the motor control center (MCC), a part of the cerebellum in the brain. The MCC is responsible for coordinating all movement patterns in the body and learns how to control the muscles through trial and error. The MCC can be “reprogrammed” so new, healthier functional patterns are learned. Precautions and What to Expect Active release technique is a very precise treatment and can sometimes feel “aggressive” or painful, which means it might not be right for everyone. It’s important to receive a thorough examination before having treatment performed if you’re currently injured or suffering from a limiting disability. While some people experience positive results and improvements after just one ART session, everyone is different, and sometime it takes more time. Soreness and mild pain after treatments are...

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Hyaluranic Acid, a Naturally Occurring Compound, Awakens Stem Cells to Repair Damaged Muscle

AHA Publisher — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 07:00:51 +0000

Ottawa Hospital via Newswise – A new study published in the journal Science reveals a unique form of cell communication that controls muscle repair. In damaged muscle, stem cells must work together with immune cells to complete the repair process, yet how these cells coordinate to ensure the efficient removal of dead tissue before making new muscle fibers has remained unknown. The scientists have now shown that a natural substance called hyaluronic acid, which is used in cosmetics and injections for osteoarthritis, is the key molecule that manages this fundamental interaction. “When muscles get damaged, it is important for immune cells to quickly enter the tissue and remove the damage before stem cells begin repair,” said Dr. Jeffrey Dilworth, senior scientist at The Ottawa Hospital and professor at the University of Ottawa and senior author on the study. “Our study shows that muscle stem cells are primed to start repair right away, but the immune cells maintain the stem cells in a resting state while they finish the cleanup job. After about 40 hours, once the cleanup job is finished, an internal alarm goes off in the muscle stem cells that allows them to wake up and start repair.” Dr. Dilworth and his team identified hyaluronic acid as the key ingredient in this internal alarm clock that tells muscle stem cells when to wake up. When muscle damage occurs, stem cells start producing and coating themselves with hyaluronic acid. Once the coating gets thick enough, it blocks the sleep signal from the immune cells and causes the muscle stem cells to wake up. Using mouse and human tissues, Dr. Dilworth and his team also discovered how muscle stem cells control the production of hyaluronic acid using epigenetic marks on the Has2 gene. “Interestingly, aging is associated with chronic inflammation, muscle weakness and a reduced ability of muscle stem cells to wake up and repair damage,” said lead author Dr. Kiran Nakka, a research associate with Dr. Dilworth who conducted this research as part of his postdoctoral studies. “If we could find a way to enhance hyaluronic acid production in the muscle stem cells of older people it might help with muscle repair.” The authors note that the regenerative effect of hyaluronic acid seems to depend on it being produced by the muscle stem cells. The team is currently examining if drugs that modify the epigenetics of muscle stem cells could be used to increase their production of hyaluronic acid. To read the original article click here.

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Fish Collagen: The Anti-Aging Protein with the Best Bioavailability

AHA Publisher — Fri, 21 May 2021 07:00:35 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Wondering about major sources of collagen? Fish collagen definitely tops the list. While there are benefits associated with all animal collagen sources, fish collagen peptides are known to have the best absorption and bioavailability due to their smaller particle sizes compared to other animal collagens, making them antioxidant powerhouses. Bioavailability is highly important since it largely determines the efficacy of any nutrient you ingest. Fish collagen is absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently into the body and has superior bioavailability over bovine or porcine collagens. Since it’s absorbed more efficiently and enters the bloodstream more quickly, it’s considered the best collagen source for medicinal purposes. Fish collagen’s ability to be more easily absorbed by our bodies is thanks to its lower molecular weight and size, which allow the collagen to be absorbed at a higher level through the intestinal barrier into the bloodstream and carried throughout the body. This leads to collagen synthesis in the joint tissues, bones, skin dermis and many other essential body systems. Since we don’t tend to eat the parts of the fish containing collagen (mainly skin and scales), making homemade fish stock or supplementing with collagen is the next best thing. What Is Fish Collagen? Fish collagen is a complex structural protein that helps maintain the strength and flexibility of: skin ligaments joints bones muscles tendons blood vessels gums eyes nails hair It’s a type I collagen, which is the most abundant collagen in the human body. Type I is best known for providing the foundation for beautiful skin, strong connective tissues and sturdy bones. Fish collagen peptides have very specific amino acid compositions with a high concentration of glycine, hydroxyproline and proline. When fish collagen is ingested, hydroxyproline peptides are not completely digested to free amino acids and can be detected in the blood. These hydroxyproline peptides stimulate cells in the skin, joints and bones, and they lead to collagen synthesis through cell activation and growth. The scales, skin, bones and fins of fresh or saltwater fish are used for the creation of fish collagen supplements. Since these parts are considered waste products during fish processing, using them to create other products helps reduce environmental pollution. Health Benefits 1. Anti-Aging Since fish collagen is a type I collagen and type I collagen is what our skin consists of, it’s not surprising that it can benefit the skin. It helps prevent and improve any signs of skin aging, making it a great anti-aging food. Possible skin benefits of consuming this collagen include improved smoothness, better moisture retention, increased suppleness and prevention of deep wrinkle formation. Hydrolyzed fish collagen is composed of small, low molecular weight peptides, which are easily digested, absorbed and distributed by the human body. Research published in 2015 in the Open Nutraceuticals Journal states how numerous clinical trials have now been performed showing the efficacy and benefits of collagen peptides on skin properties, including hydration, elasticity and reduction of wrinkles. Researchers conclude that hydrolyzed collagen is a smart weapon in the everyday fight against the undesirable yet visible signs of aging. 2. Bone Healing and Regeneration Fish collagen has shown its ability to increase the body’s own natural collagen production. In the past, studies have demonstrated that collagen peptides from fish skin might have a positive effect on bone health by increasing bone mineral density and exerting anti-inflammatory activity on osteoarthritis. The goal of one 2013 study was to determine effects of fish collagen peptides on collagen synthesis, quality and mineralization. Findings of the study show that the fish collagen has a positive effect on collagen synthesis and collagen quality. Researchers also found that the fish collagen was helpful in the matrix mineralization of bone-synthesizing cells in vitro. While this study did not involve human subjects, it does show how fish collagen is biomaterial that can aid bone healing and regeneration. Furthermore, researchers from the NC Oral Health Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Dentistry examined the effects of fish collagen peptides in an osteoblastic cell culture system. They found that fish collagen peptide supplementation “exerts a positive effect on osteoblastic cells in terms of collagen synthesis, quality and mineralization, thereby suggesting the potential utility of FCP for bone tissue engineering.” 3. Wound Healing Fish collagen might help your next scrape, scratch or more serious wound to heal better and faster. The ability of a wound to heal is ultimately based on collagen, which is essential to wound healing because it helps the body form new tissue. Type I collagen is the most abundant structural component of the dermal matrix so it makes perfect sense that having more type I collagen in your body might help wounds to heal faster. It was previously believed that collagens were just structural supports. Now we know that collagen and collagen-derived fragments control many cellular functions, including cell shape and differentiation, cell migration, as well as the synthesis of a number of important proteins. Collagen also plays a critical role in all phases of wound healing: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. 4. Increased Protein Intake By consuming fish collagen, you don’t just get collagen — you get everything that collagen contains. Fish collagen is over 97 percent protein with no fat, sugars or carbohydrates, making it one of the absolute best protein foods on the planet. It also has a very distinctive amino acid profile. Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. They, along with proteins, are the building blocks of our bodies. By increasing your protein intake through consuming collagen, you can improve your workouts, avoid muscle loss (and prevent sarcopenia) and have a better recovery post-workout. More collagen protein in your diet also always helps with weight management. 5. Antibacterial Abilities Research out of Canada published in 2016 found that fish collagen has yet another impressive component: collagencin, which is an antibacterial peptide from fish collagen. This study found that collagencin completely inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known as staph or staph infection. Staph is a very serious, highly contagious infection caused by bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the nose. For the future, marine collagens look like a promising source of antimicrobial peptides, which could improve both human health as well as food safety. Nutrition The exact nutritional content of fish collagens varies. Here’s an example of a 10-gram serving of hydrolyzed fish collagen, which contains about: (9) 45 calories 9.4 grams protein 0.07 milligrams potassium 0.05 milligrams calcium 0.04 milligrams iron Fish Collagen vs. Other Types Bovine (cow or beef) collagen: Bovine collagen comes from cows, specifically from their skin, bones and muscles. It’s made of mostly types 1 and 3 collagen, which is a good fit considering these are the most abundant types created and found in the human body. It’s a rich supply of glycine and proline and therefore useful for creatine production, building muscle and also helping the body make its own collagen. Chicken collagen: The type of collagen most abundant in chicken collagen is type 2, which is best for building cartilage. This makes it beneficial for joint health, especially since this source also provides chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate — both of which have anti-aging effects. Most supplements containing collagen usually use chicken collagen and provide type 2. Fish collagen: Collagen derived from fish has been found to be easily absorbed and provide mostly type 1 collagen, with the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Because type 1 can be found throughout the entire body, consuming more fish collagen has been associated with benefits for the joints, skin, vital organs, blood vessels, digestion and bones. Hydroxyproline is an important component of the collagen triple helix, and lower levels have been associated with joint degradation and therefore symptoms/signs of aging. Hydroxyproline is needed for collagen stability and is created by modifying normal proline amino acids after the collagen chain is built. This reaction also requires vitamin C (to assist in the addition of oxygen), which is why vitamin C deficiency can cause abnormalities in collagen levels. Egg shell membrane collagen: Egg collagen, found in the shells and whites of eggs, contains mostly type 1 collagen. It also has type 3, 4 and 10, but by far the most type 1, just like the human body (approximately 100 times more type 1 than type 4). It provides glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid and various amino acids that have benefits for building connective tissue, wound healing, building muscle mass and reducing pain/stiffness. History The first time chemists extracted collagen from fish skin appears to be 1985. Fish collagen is sometimes called marine collagen, but marine collagen products are sometimes sourced from shellfish and jellyfish, which I don’t recommend. Fish collagen is sourced from the scales, skin, bones and fins of fresh or saltwater fish. Historically, full use of the fish body can be seen in many dishes, including the heads and eyes. In Chile and other parts of South America, fish heads are used in a dish called caldillo de congrio, in which the fish heads are boiled together with vegetables and herbs to make a nutrient-dense, collagen-rich stock. This is used as the base for the soup. Fish collagen is high in essential and non-essential amino acids. How to Use You can find a fish collagen supplement at your local health store or online. It’s available as a pill, liquid or powder. You should choose one that comes from a reputable company and is non-GMO and gluten-free. Also, makes sure it has no fillers, sugar, artificial flavors or artificial preservatives. You might find hyaluronic acid and vitamin C included in your marine collagen supplement because they aid the absorption of collagen. Beware of collagen supplements made in countries with loose manufacturing controls and standards. When collagen is hydrolyzed, the protein molecules are broken into smaller molecules. Hydrolyzed fish collagen supplements are more easily digested and absorbed by your body. Fish collagen is different from marine collagen. Many marine collagen products are sourced from shellfish and jellyfish, which I don’t recommend. Always store collagen products in a cool, dry place. You might be scared to buy and use fish collagen products because you think they’ll smell and/or taste like fish. Not to worry — there are many fish collagen products on the market today that are tasteless and odorless or have a neutral, non-fishy taste. You can easily mix powdered collagen with smoothies, coffee, tea or a cup of hot water. You can even add it to soups or sauces. Want to get your dose of fish collagen first thing in the morning? Try adding fish collagen powder to my Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Recipe — it’s sure to start your day right! Homemade fish stock is another great way to obtain the collagen benefits of fish. Try a Homemade Fishstock Recipe (wine optional) loaded with collagen and other health-promoting nutrients, along with other fish bone brothrecipes. In addition to adding a fish collagen product to your diet, you can also get this tremendous protein through collagen supplementation, such as collagen hydrolysates. Collagen hydrolysate supplements are easy to find at most health food stores or pharmacies. Risks and Side Effects There are no commonly reported side effects of fish collagen. If you’re allergic to fish, then you might need to avoid these collagen products. However, many producers of collagen products derived from fish remove the water-soluble allergens from the skin and significantly reduce the possibility of an allergic reaction. If you consume fish collagen and have a mild allergic reaction, discontinue use. If you have a serious allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. Speak with your doctor before taking it if you take any other medications or have any ongoing health concerns. Final Thoughts Fish collagen peptides are known to have the best absorption and bioavailability due to their smaller particle sizes compared to other animal collagens. They’re absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently into the body. Fish collagen is considered the best collagen source for medicinal purposes and great for most diets, including the Paleo diet. It’s a type I collagen, which is the most abundant collagen in the human body. Type I is best known for providing the foundation for beautiful skin, strong connective tissues and sturdy bones. This collagen is...

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Less Sugar, Please! New Studies Show Low Glucose Levels Might Assist Muscle Repair

AHA Publisher — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 07:00:40 +0000

Tokyo Metropolitan University via EurekAlert – Tokyo, Japan – Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have shown that skeletal muscle satellite cells, key players in muscle repair, proliferate better in low glucose environments. This is contrary to conventional wisdom that says mammalian cells fare better when there is more sugar to fuel their activities. Because ultra-low glucose environments do not allow other cell types to proliferate, the team could produce pure cultures of satellite cells, potentially a significant boost for biomedical research. Healthy muscles are an important part of a healthy life. With the wear and tear of everyday use, our muscles continuously repair themselves to keep them in top condition. In recent years, scientists have begun to understand how muscle repair works at the cellular level. Skeletal muscle satellite cells have been found to be particularly important, a special type of stem cell that resides between the two layers of sheathing, the sarcolemma and basal lamina, that envelopes myofiber cells in individual muscle fibers. When myofiber cells get damaged, the satellite cells go into overdrive, multiplying and finally fusing with myofiber cells. This not only helps repair damage, but also maintains muscle mass. To understand how we lose muscles due to illness, inactivity, or age, getting to grips with the specific mechanisms involved is a key challenge for medical science. A team of scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University led by Assistant Professor Yasuro Furuichi, Associate Professor Yasuko Manabe and Professor Nobuharu L Fujii have been studying how skeletal muscle satellite cells multiply outside the body. Looking at cells multiplying in petri dishes in a growth medium, they noticed that higher levels of glucose had an adverse effect on the rate at which they grew. This is counterintuitive; glucose is considered to be essential for cellular growth. It is converted into ATP, the fuel that drives a lot of cellular activity. Yet, the team confirmed that lower glucose media led to a larger number of cells, with all the biochemical markers expected for greater degrees of cell proliferation. They also confirmed that this doesn’t apply to all cells, something they successfully managed to use to their advantage. In experiments in high glucose media, cultures of satellite cells always ended up as a mixture, simply due to other cell types in the original sample also multiplying. By keeping the glucose levels low, they were able to create a situation where satellite cells could proliferate, but other cell types could not, giving a very pure culture of skeletal muscle satellite cells. This is a key prerequisite for studying these cells in a variety of settings, including regenerative medicine. So, was the amount of glucose in their original experiment somehow “just right”? The team added glucose oxidase, a glucose digesting enzyme, to get to even lower levels of glucose, and grew the satellite cells in this glucose-depleted medium. Shockingly, the cells seemed to fare just fine, and proliferated normally. The conclusion is that these particular stem cells seem to derive their energy from a completely different source. Work is ongoing to try to pin down what this is. The team notes that the sugar levels used in previous experiments matched those found in diabetics. This might explain why loss of muscle mass is seen in diabetic patients, and may have significant implications for how we might keep our muscles healthier for longer. To read the original article click here.

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