Few Researchers from the University of Birmingham have identified the role played by an enzyme (11β-HSD1) in the reversing effects of aging including age-related muscle wasting called Sarcopenia. The research was published in ‘Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism Journal'.
The study was experimented on 134 healthy participants between the age group of 20-80. Reserachers found the expression of 11β-HSD1 has been responsible for activating the steroid hormone cortisol, which was increased in the muscles of older females by 2.72 fold, whereas the older males have no differences in their muscle based on their age.
"As for now, we do not know why it appears to only in women, and not men. It is obviously an interesting area for further research. We are even planning to look at the various hormones such as estrogens, to check whether this could be involved", said Dr Zaki Hassan-Smith, University of Birmingham.
High levels of the enzyme has been aligned with increased levels of cortisol, insulin resistance, a poorer body composition profile, and reduced grip strength.
"Looking at this particular enzyme, it seemed to be like an intriguing way forward. We knew how it worked in relation to Cushing's Syndrome, which was characterized by similar symptoms, and thought that this would be worth applying to the ageing population", explained Dr Hassan-Smith.
Cushing's Syndrome is a rare disease, caused by high cortisol levels produced in their body composition including muscle wasting and weakness, weight gain, thinning of the bones, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
