On this week’s Journal Club episode of The Metabolic Link, co-hosts Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, Dr. Angela Poff, and Victoria Field discuss two seemingly conflicting research studies exploring the effects of ketosis on muscle health in models of atrophy.

Atrophy refers to the wasting of a body tissue or organ that occurs due to the degeneration of cells. Atrophy of vital tissues such as the skeletal muscle occurs in numerous pathological catabolic conditions, such as in cancer cachexia, motor neuron diseases, and following ischemic events, and it contributes greatly to morbidity and mortality in these patients. But skeletal muscle atrophy also occurs during aging. This is referred to as sarcopenia and is defined as an age-related, involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Its prevalence and impact in the elderly should make the prevention of sarcopenia a goal for all.

Unsurprisingly, researchers are interested in designing methods to combat atrophy and sarcopenia. Due to the reported anti-catabolic metabolic and signaling properties of ketone bodies, researchers are studying how ketosis – either through the ketogenic diet or exogenous ketones – may play a therapeutic role in this condition. In their chat, the Metabolic Link co-hosts take a deep dive into two research papers that seem to produce conflicting results on the topic. But as always, the devil’s in the details, and the team discusses some illuminating points that highlight just how complex interpreting scientific research can be.

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

Publications discussed:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9422126
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7432582/

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

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Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.