Feature: inhibit Myostatin

To surpass oneself, to reach one's limits are the common threads of any fight. Going beyond one's limits is something of an exploit and is unfortunately inevitable.

Myostatin

Already in ancient times, athletes used mixtures of plants also called “explosive cocktail” which allowed them to reach the degree of superman.

Nowadays microscopy delivers us the secrets of the molecules contained in our body.

In particular Myostatin, this protein that limits the growth of muscle tissue so that the muscles do not oversize and give us the physical appearance that we call “the norm”.

Each individual is unique in his person as well as his physique.

Nowadays, homogeneity is king and everyone wants to look like everyone else (fad, hyper consumption ...)

But the over-dimension of the muscle is necessary for any sportsman wishing to increase his performance while keeping his work force and intensive training.

During physical preparation or during competition, and even during recovery, Myostatin which is a molecule naturally secreted by skeletal muscle cells during the development of the body and in adulthood, controls muscle repair and growth. by blocking the proliferation of muscle cells.

Let's see a concrete example. When the athlete has had a tear or is following an intensive muscle building program, healing of the damaged muscle involves the activation of the skeletal cells by Myostatin.

The control of muscle growth is done by a crack in the muscle which generates an inflation represented by a cell rupture which releases molecules.

Then comes a cascade of signals involving satellite cells creating the multiplication and development of new muscle fibers that are larger and more resistant. Myostatin therefore regulates the size of muscle fibers but not their number.

This process continues until the muscle receives a signal to stop its growth.

So Myostatin prevents the activation of satellite cells allowing the muscle growth to stop. It should be noted that this phenomenon only acts on the skeletal cells and therefore the heart muscle is not subjected to this functioning.

This is why the inhibition of Myostatin becomes necessary and profitable to achieve its goal of expanding muscle strength.

How and why to inhibit Myostatin?

Several methods are possible with the aim of preventing the binding between Myostatin and its receptor called activin IIB (ActRIIB).

By its methods the activity of Myostatin will be blocked and the growth of the muscle will not be stopped.

Follistatin and ACE-031 

The methods involve trapping active Myostatin by antibodies.

Or to inactivate it with a synthetic pro peptide. Or increase the expression of natural inhibitors of Myostatin such as Follistatin.

Or finally make the Myostatin receptors attached to skeletal cells inactive.

The molecules used can be endogenous or exogenous. The endogenous molecules have a role of modulating the activity of Myostatin.

These molecules are called among others, Follistatin.

Follistatin is a peptide found in human serum, it naturally inhibits Myostatin.

This molecule binds to Myostatin circulating in the serum and prevents its binding to the receptor.

It sequesters it at the level of the extra cellular membrane, so the Myostatin does not reach the other cells.

Follistatin is synthesized at the level of gonadotropic cells but also at the level of folliculostellate cells in the anterior pituitary.

But it is also produced in other types of cells.

Its inhibitory role affects the amount of Myostatin that can bind to the activin receptor.

On the other hand there is also the pro peptide protein ACE-031 (ACVR2B) a synthetic molecule produced by binding part of the receptor to part of human antibodies.

This method blocks Myostatin receptors by directing antibodies against it.

Synthetic pro peptide ACE-031 (ACVR2B) inactivates Myostatin by maintaining it. Then the pro peptide is detached from the inactive Myostatin and the latter binds to the skeletal muscle cell through the receptor. Knowing that Myostatin is inactive, it no longer limits muscle growth.

The cases of hypertrophies relating to Myostatin.

As explained previously, Myostatin has a regulatory effect on muscle mass. But it was detected in the 90s a mutation of Myostatin disturbing the metabolism of animals especially in cattle. Indeed this mutation called “blue white beige” does not stop the growth of muscle in animals and their muscle mass increases considerably. This phenomenon is called hypertrophy and has harmful consequences on their health through a low level of collagen, a high proportion of rapid glycolytic fiber and little fat deposition. As a result the animals are tired, more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, have reduced fertility and difficult calving.

On the other hand, a more than surprising case was recently discovered in a three-year-old child. Liam Hoeksra, German living in America, is a child like any other except that since his first months he has been capable of incredible feats. Like carrying dumbbells that are a third of your weight or doing abdominal curls at full speed among others.

Carrier of an extremely rare genetic mutation which affects his receptivity to Myostatin, this child has a muscle mass 40% greater than normal.

Unlike animals, the hypertrophy that Liam undergoes has no negative consequences on his health. Liam has a fast metabolism, little fat and extraordinary strength. Everything a top athlete can dream of having. In this child rests great hope for the use of Myostatin blocker.

Myostatin clinical studies

Although this case remains extremely rare, substantial clinical studies on Myostatin are currently being tested in animals and humans. But studies have already been published on muscle function in the absence of Myostatin.

The experiments carried out on mice deficient in Myostatin reveal that despite a larger muscle, the maximum force is not increased or even decreased. It has been certified that animals with Myostatin deficiency lose oxidative fibers in favor of glycolytic fibers.

However, the effect of this fiber conversion on muscle function and exercise capacity is not known. This is why laboratories are studying the possibility of reversing this process through specific muscle exercises.

All studies observe an increase in muscle mass after blocking Myostatin. Increases in the force produced were calculated. These results are promising and support the interest of a therapy by blocking myostatin.

In addition, this effect is not only beneficial on muscle growth but also results in the complex interaction with other tissues allowing the improvement of muscle architecture.

On the other hand, the blocking of Myostatin has therapeutic virtues on many muscular diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

It has also been proven that deactivation of Myostatin has a direct impact on cancer cells allowing a longer lifespan in the patient. Particularly in people with colon cancer.

Conclusion: Will studies on Myostatin make us supermen?

From studies of Myostatin we can be sure that it is a mutant molecule capable of being modified in order to double the capacity of the muscular system.

Have we been genetically modified as mankind has advanced? Will our genetic code evolve to the point where the strength of our brain has taken the place of the strength of our muscles?

Many questions remain unanswered such as the construction of the pyramids of Egypt on desert soil by the sole force of men.

Has our body adapted to our living conditions?

Genetics is already at the forefront. The scientific world is in full turmoil and could not be more improbable experiences are emerging thanks to modern technology.

A promising future encompasses this phenomenon of Modifiable Myostatin. Modern technology is going to intensify more and more and allow science to unravel the mysteries of our body over time. Will the future of man be inspired by fiction? Are the heroes of our childhood going to be the men of tomorrow? Everything is possible. But what is certain is that the human body has an infinite force of adaptation. Life expectancy has increased in recent centuries. The diversity of food thanks to globalization predestines us to a better food knowledge. The medical world exchanges its research and knowledge internationally. And the comfort of our lives makes it easier for us to take care of our body.

Nowadays, the big megalopolises favor individualism. “One for all, all for one” has completely vanished. “Each for himself” took his place.

A paradoxical social life, where excessive density merges into lonely lives, and where the neighbor has become invisible while we communicate via the internet for miles. A modern life which goes at full speed, divides us and makes us unknown face to face.

As a result, a feeling of insecurity intensifies and encourages foresight.

A world where the law of the strongest is in process.

Will the law of the jungle reign in the world of tomorrow? Perhaps, but this abstraction of the group must awaken us in order to take precautions.

What better security than knowing how to count on yourself. Beyond the material aspect (house, car money) this feeling of self-satisfaction, of expansion of self-confidence can only be acquired by mastering one's body and mind.

The sportsman already predominates and stands out from the crowd. His fighting spirit makes him stand out and outdo himself is a solid and indestructible routine.

He is aware of the world he lives in and trust is difficult to give him. This individual will obviously seek to develop his physical and mental strength. To become stronger and stronger.