A longitudinal approach to characterize loss of muscle mass and function in aging humans – the importance of peripheral nerve integrity

The loss of skeletal muscle function and mass is a key component underlying disability and morbidity in the steadily growing elderly population.

Another important, yet often neglected feature is the high degree of variability in-between subjects variance in how it affects individuals.

To be able to establish the biological variability in adult life-time changes of muscle function and mass, and to shed light on the underpinning mechanisms a longitudinal study design is needed.

In this project, we will use the SPAF-1958 cohort, comprised of >400 men and women that were first monitored at 16, 27, 34 and 52-years of age.

This project will repeat and expand the tests performed on these subjects at an age of 62, with a follow-up in 3-years (age 65).

In particular, we aim to 1) to associate measurements of integrity of peripheral innervation (nerve and MU), to muscle morphology and muscle molecular adaptive processes and its predictive ability for future loss of function 2) Identify clinical and molecular factors measurable in adolescence and young adulthood that are predictive for the integrity of peripheral innervation (nerve and MU) at early aging 3) characterize skeletal muscle enriched members of the Ubiquitin-proteasome system over the life-course and its relation to skeletal muscle remodeling, mass and function as well as to neuromuscular junction remodeling.

The aims will form the basis for future studies in this cohort.