Balenine, Imidazole Dipeptide Promotes Skeletal Muscle Regeneration by Regulating Phagocytosis Properties of Immune Cells

Lifespan Extension and Motor Function Improvement Effects of Whale Meat Extract in Caenorhabditis elegans

The average life expectancy is increasing worldwide, but the same cannot be said for a healthy life expectancy (defined as the period during which a person can live a healthy and independent life). Therefore, a major challenge is how to extend healthy life expectancy. One option is to reduce age-related muscle atrophy (sarcopenia) and cognitive decline. Since there is no specific cure for frailty, the prevention of frailty based on nutrition and exercise is a new approach to achieve healthy longevity. Studies have shown that interventions combining nutritional supplements and exercise are effective in improving muscle strength, muscle mass, and walking speed. Thus, the search for drugs and functional foods to combat frailty has attracted researchers' attention. Whale meat extract (WME) contains many imidazole dipeptides, especially the unique component balenine, which has various functional anti-fatigue and antioxidant properties, and hypermobility effects. Here, we investigated the effects of WME on the aging and health of Caenorhabditis elegans (hereafter, C. elegans). mRNA expression analysis showed that WME prolongs the lifespan of C. elegans mainly through sir-2.1, daf-2, and daf-16, and the myo-3, unc-54, unc-22, and fhod-1 genes involved in locomotor function. The results of this study showed that the expression of the antioxidant enzymes sod-2 and sod-3 was also increased. This study may provide the basis for further research on WME as a food and supplement to slow aging and improve motor function.

Skeletal Muscle Regeneration in Cardiotoxin-Induced Muscle Injury Models

Skeletal muscle injuries occur frequently in daily life and exercise. Understanding the mechanisms of regeneration is critical for accelerating the repair and regeneration of muscle. Therefore, this article reviews knowledge on the mechanisms of skeletal muscle regeneration after cardiotoxin-induced injury. The process of regeneration is similar in different mouse strains and is inhibited by aging, obesity, and diabetes. Exercise, microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation, and mechanical loading improve regeneration. The mechanisms of regeneration are complex and strain-dependent, and changes in functional proteins involved in the processes of necrotic fiber debris clearance, M1 to M2 macrophage conversion, SC activation, myoblast proliferation, differentiation and fusion, and fibrosis and calcification influence the final outcome of the regenerative activity.