Disuse-induced muscle atrophy in healthy young adults Musculoskeletal Diseases
Conditions
Interventions
Participants will be randomized (computer-generated) to either active comparator (protein) or treatment (protein plus Urolithin A) group.
Participants will sequentially complete the three phases of th
20 grams of protein with or without 1000 mg Urolithin A) during all three phases.
Sponsors
McMaster University
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Male
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Men aged 18-30 years 2. Healthy, non-smoking 3. BMI between 20 and 30 kg/m² 4. No orthopedic issues that would preclude participation in the knee bracing protocol 5. Not taking any medication or with any medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would compromise the study outcome or the safety of the research participant 6. Provide informed consent 7. Understand COVID-19 risks and procedures for in person research and sign Information Letter: COVID-19 Risks and Procedures for In-Person Research at McMaster University
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Subject has any concurrent medical, orthopedic, or psychiatric requirements that, in the opinion of the investigators, would compromise their ability to comply with the study requirements 2. Clinically significant abnormal laboratory results at screening 3. Participation in a clinical research trial within 30 days before randomization 4. Allergy or sensitivity to study ingredients 5. Individuals who are cognitively impaired and/or who are unable to give informed consent 6. Any other condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, may adversely affect the subject’s ability to complete the study or its measures or may pose a significant risk to the subject 7. Any cachexia-related condition or any genetic muscle diseases or disorders 8. Current gastrointestinal condition that could interfere with the study (e.g., IBS/IBD, diarrhea, acid reflux disease, dysphagia, etc.) 9. Excessive alcohol consumption (>21 units/week) and/or a smoker (cigarettes or vaping) 10. Concomitant use of corticosteroids, antibiotics, any anabolic steroid, creatine, whey protein supplements, casein, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) or any other NHP, medication or supplement used for muscle strengthening/building within 45 days prior to screening 11. Contraindications to an MRI scan (metal implants, metal-based ink tattoo)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Maximal mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial ADP sensitivity (Oroboros O2k; measured at baseline and the end of each phase) 2. Gene expression (measured at baseline and the end of each phase) | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Skeletal muscle fractional synthetic rate (deuterated water; measured at baseline and the end of each phase) 2. Leg muscle strength (biodex dynamometer; measured at baseline and the end of each phase) 3. Quadriceps volume and cross-sectional area (magnetic resonance imaging; measured at baseline and the end of each phase) 4. Physical activity level (accelerometry; measured at baseline and the end of each phase) 5. Metabolomics (plasma; measured at baseline and the end of each phase) | — |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed