Title |
The Neuromuscular Junction: Aging at the Crossroad between Nerves and Muscle
|
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Published in |
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, August 2014
|
DOI | 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00208 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Marta Gonzalez-Freire, Rafael de Cabo, Stephanie A. Studenski, Luigi Ferrucci |
Abstract |
Aging is associated with a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength and a decline in neurophysiological functions. Age-related neuromuscular junction (NMJ) plays a key role in musculoskeletal impairment that occurs with aging. However, whether changes in the NMJ precede or follow the decline of muscle mass and strength remains unresolved. Many factors such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, changes in the innervation of muscle fibers, and mechanical properties of the motor units probably perform an important role in NMJ degeneration and muscle mass and strength decline in late life. This review addresses the primary events that might lead to NMJ dysfunction with aging, including studies on biomarkers, signaling pathways, and animal models. Interventions such as caloric restriction and exercise may positively affect the NMJ through this mechanism and attenuate the age-related progressive impairment in motor function. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 11 | 19% |
United States | 8 | 14% |
Australia | 5 | 9% |
Chile | 3 | 5% |
Mexico | 2 | 4% |
Norway | 2 | 4% |
Canada | 2 | 4% |
Spain | 2 | 4% |
India | 1 | 2% |
Other | 7 | 12% |
Unknown | 14 | 25% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 30 | 53% |
Scientists | 19 | 33% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 6 | 11% |
Unknown | 2 | 4% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Germany | 1 | <1% |
Australia | 1 | <1% |
United Kingdom | 1 | <1% |
Slovenia | 1 | <1% |
United States | 1 | <1% |
Unknown | 495 | 99% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Ph. D. Student | 88 | 18% |
Student > Master | 76 | 15% |
Student > Bachelor | 61 | 12% |
Researcher | 52 | 10% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 28 | 6% |
Other | 66 | 13% |
Unknown | 129 | 26% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 83 | 17% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 63 | 13% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 59 | 12% |
Sports and Recreations | 39 | 8% |
Neuroscience | 30 | 6% |
Other | 83 | 17% |
Unknown | 143 | 29% |