Oxidized lipids causing muscle loss and weakness in aging
A novel role for oxidized lipid mediators as effectors of muscle atrophy and weakness in aging
Researchers are looking at whether oxidized fat molecules that build up in aging muscles cause muscle wasting and weakness in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112359 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at whether damaged fat-derived molecules that appear in aging muscle drive nerves to disconnect and cause muscles to shrink and weaken. The team uses laboratory models (including mice) to mimic nerve loss and then measures muscle strength, cell damage, and molecular changes. They block enzymes that make these oxidized lipids or use drugs that neutralize them to see if muscle wasting can be prevented. The goal is to define how these lipids harm muscle so future treatments can target those steps.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults with age-related muscle loss or weakness (sarcopenia), especially those willing to provide samples or take part in follow-up clinical work.
Not a fit: People whose muscle problems are due mainly to acute injuries, congenital muscle diseases, or non–age-related causes may not benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new drug targets or therapies to prevent or slow age-related muscle loss and weakness.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies show that blocking enzymes that generate oxidized lipids or scavenging lipid peroxides can reduce muscle loss, but these approaches have not been proven in humans yet.
Where this research is happening
Oklahoma City, United States
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation — Oklahoma City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Humphries, Kenneth M — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Humphries, Kenneth M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.