Mitochondria and Muscle Health in Elderly (ELMIH)

Maastricht University

Status

Completed

Conditions

Muscle Weakness

Study type

Observational

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT03666013

Mitohealth

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study is to characterize the relation between skeletal muscle mitochondrial metabolism and muscle health in elderly, physically compromised humans. To study this relation, a cross-sectional study will be performed in well-defined, distinct subject groups. Thus, to obtain insight in the relation between mitochondrial health and muscle function, not only subjects that differ in mitochondrial function (based on physical activity) will be compared but also subjects with high- versus low muscle function will be selected.

Full description

Aging is associated with a decline of mitochondrial and skeletal muscle volume, -quality and -function. If a causal link exists between the loss of mitochondrial function and muscle health is unknown, however, both appear with advancing age and are associated with the loss of functional capacity, which increases comorbidities and annual healthcare costs. The aim is to test the hypothesis that a compromised muscle function in sedentary elderly is related to an impaired mitochondrial health. A detailed characterization of mitochondrial metabolism and muscle function is performed in well-defined, (physically compromised) elderly humans, in a cross-sectional design. To obtain insight in the relation between mitochondrial health and muscle function, not only elderly subjects that differ in mitochondrial function (based on physical activity) will be compared but also elderly subjects with high versus low muscle physical function will be selected. Healthy, young (20-30 years,) individuals with normal physical activity levels will be included as absolute controls.

Enrollment

59 patients

Sex

All

Ages

65 to 80 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Males and females
Subject should be in sufficient health to participate in the experimentations, to be judged by the responsible MD based on the subject's medical history
Caucasian origin (see study groups)

Exclusion criteria

Any contraindications for MRI scan:

Aneurysm clips Implanted neural stimulator Implanted cardiac pacemaker of defibrillator Cochlear implant Iron- containing corpora aliena in the eye or brain Artificial (heart) valves which is contraindicated for MRS Claustrophobia

Diagnosed with diabetes mellitus
Poor health as judged by the responsible medical doctor
Heart problems: In case of an abnormal ECG in rest, this will be discussed with both the participant and the responsible medical doctor