Senior researcher Myung-Seok Kim and his team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) noted on the 13th that they proposed a strategy to enhance the treatment effect of sarcopenia by analyzing the interactions between gut microbes and genes. This study was published in the international journal Microbiome in December of last year.
Sarcopenia is a disease characterized by the weakening of bones and muscles, which increases the risk of falls and fractures. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as of 2023, 1 in 5 seniors aged 70 and older is suffering from this condition. However, current treatments focus on symptom relief through calcium and vitamin D supplements and strength training, with a lack of long-term medication options.
The research team conducted experiments to validate the reasons why the effectiveness of treatments for sarcopenia varies among individuals. They focused particularly on analyzing the different effects of ginsenoside Rg3, a component of ginseng saponins, among people.
The research team utilized experimental mice with six different genetic characteristics. They first analyzed how the effects of Rg3 on sarcopenia vary according to genes and what role gut microbes play in the treatment's effectiveness. Comparing changes in gut microbial types and muscle mass through genomic sequencing analysis, they discovered that the two specific microbes, Ureaplasma nodatum and Ureaplasma ventrioferum, are key factors regulating the treatment effect of sarcopenia after Rg3 administration.
In additional experiments, the researchers selected the mice with the greatest genetic differences related to sarcopenia and administered EN and EV microbes separately. As a result, one group of mice showed increases in bone density, strength, and muscle mass, while another group only exhibited improved exercise capabilities with no significant changes in bones and muscles. This indicates that while EN and EV promote bone formation and inhibit muscle breakdown, the effects may vary according to the individual's genetic characteristics.
This research demonstrated the need to consider individual genetic characteristics and gut microbial environments in the treatment of sarcopenia. Senior researcher Myung-Seok Kim stated, "This study presents a new paradigm for sarcopenia treatment research by elucidating the complex interactions among natural products, gut microbes, and genes," adding that, "In the future, through the development of personalized therapies suitable for common genotypes among Koreans, we can provide hope to patients suffering from sarcopenia."
References
Microbiome (2024), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-024-01971-1