The role of age and habitual physical activity in anabolic resistance
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of essential amino acids and resistance exercise on markers of muscle protein synthesis in young and old individuals
IRAS ID
223792
Contact name
Matthew J Lee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Beckett University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to investigate the acute mechanisms underlying the anabolic resistance to essential amino acids in the elderly. Concurrently, the role of resistance exercise in potentially reversing this phenomenon will also be established. This process will be achieved via the recruitment of both young (n = 16; aged 18 – 45 years) and old (n = 16; aged 60 – 80 years) gender-balanced sample groups. Participants will be stratified into four groups (i.e. inactive young/old, active young/old) based upon a prior study that was ethically approved by the University Faculty Research Ethics Committee.
The present study will consist of a randomised, crossover design involving three visits to the laboratory, following two briefing, screening and familiarisation sessions. Participants will be asked to ingest an essential amino acid mixture (EAA), complete a bout of resistance exercise (RE), or undergo a combination of both (COM). Muscle biopsy samples taken before and two hours after EAA ingestion and/or cessation of exercise will be used to analyse myocellular anabolic signalling protein content and phosphorylation. Samples will also be analysed using immunofluorescence microscopy techniques to provide further detail regarding the cellular co-localisation and transport of key signalling proteins involved in muscle protein synthesis.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/YH/0238
Date of REC Opinion
4 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion