Idiopathic chronic fatigue in older adults...

[pattismith]

Idiopathic chronic fatigue in older adults is linked to impaired mitochondrial content and biogenesis signaling in skeletal muscle

Abstract
Fatigue is a symptom of many diseases, but it can also manifest as a unique medical condition, such as idiopathic chronic fatigue (ICF). While the prevalence of ICF increases with age, mitochondrial content and function decline with age, which may contribute to ICF. The purpose of this study was to determine whether skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysregulation and oxidative stress is linked to ICF in older adults. Sedentary, old adults (n = 48, age 72.4 ± 5.3 years) were categorized into ICF and non-fatigued (NF) groups based on the FACIT-Fatigue questionnaire.
ICF individuals had a FACIT score one standard deviation below the mean for non-anemic adults > 65 years and were excluded according to CDC diagnostic criteria for ICF.

Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were analyzed, showing reductions in mitochondrial content and suppression of mitochondrial regulatory proteins Sirt3, PGC-1α, NRF-1, and cytochrome c in ICF compared to NF.

Additionally, mitochondrial morphology proteins, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation were unchanged in ICF individuals.

Our data suggests older adults with ICF have reduced skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and biogenesis signaling that cannot be accounted for by increased oxidative damage.

 

[Chocolove]

Sedentary

Since mitochondrial biogenesis improves with exercise, I wonder how much they will improve with regular exercise adapted to any infirmities.

Cellular mitochondrial biogenesis is critical to muscle aerobic capacity. It improves with exercise and declines with aging [273]. The vast majority (90%) of the energy needs in the human body rely on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS).
Mitochondrial biogenesis - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and.../mitochondrial-biogenesis

 

[Chocolove]

@pattismith This referenced article notes the lack of mitochondria in the elderly and proposes supplementation of PQQ for biogenesis of mitochondria:
http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2010/ss/rejuvenate-your-cells-growing-new-mitochondria/page-01

Summary
Cellular aging is intimately associated with the decline in mitochondrial number and functionality. Nutrients that provide protection to existing mitochondria include resveratrol, carnosine, lipoic acid, L-carnitine, and CoQ10.

During the course of normal aging, however, the number of functional mitochondria pathologically diminishes, leading to a host of debilitating disorders followed by death of the organism.

For the first time in scientific history, a natural compound called PQQ is available to increase the functionality of existing mitochondria while promoting the generation of new mitochondria inside aging cells.

If you have questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension® Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

 

[Chocolove]

@pattismith The elderly in the modern world also are frequently on multiple drugs that are bad for mitochondria.
Adding mito-toxic drugs to being sendentary......I wonder how many mitochondria there are in active older adults who don't take such drugs, but eat food from a more natural environment...

[PDF]Table of Reported Drugs with Mitochondrial Toxicity - MitoAction
www.mitoaction.org/toxins
Table of Reported Drugs with Mitochondrial Toxicity. Pharmacologic. Category. Toxin. Action. Symptoms. 1. Anticonvulsants. Valproate (Depakote). Sequesters carnitine; decreases fatty acid oxidation, Krebs, ETC activity and oxidative- phosphorylation; complex IV inhibition. Hepatopathy. 2. Psychotropic a. Antidepressants.

 

[pattismith]

@Chocolove , it may be interesting to dig in markers they found for chronic fatigue in these elderlies:

Sirt3 impairment is an important aging factor.

I've found this recent study that says Ashwagandha may be a good rescue factor.

More on Ashagandha

PGC 1 drives NAD synthesis. It can be activated via the Sirt1/AMPK patway. Luteolin may be interesting to rescue it.

More on Luteolin

you have also quoted another sirt1 rescuer here, Rutin

and you also quoted Quercitine here as a PGC1 activator

I don't mean that aging is similar to ME/CFS, but these supplements have multi functions and are often used by PR members, so it is good to know what they are doing on mitochondria apart from their anti-oxydant properties.

 

[Chocolove]

Luteolin...What would we do without plants. Well, when one is sedentary one may not end up getting the best of nutrition (whether one is old or young) particularly with regard to plants which many people avoid because of prep issues unless they blenderize them, or because of their short shelf life, or due to mild flavor.

There are some interesting commonalities between the sedentary elderly and folks with CFS particularly in the mitochondrial arena.

Luteolin is a common flavonoid abundantly present in several plant products, including broccoli, pepper, thyme, and celery.
Luteolin - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and...science/luteolin