Reduced oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle IS NOT an inevitable consequence of adult ageing.

The article from the Journal of Physiology explores the debate on whether there is a decline in the capacity of human skeletal muscle to produce ATP via oxidative phosphorylation with age. In vivo evidence using 31phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy shows conflicting results, with some studies reporting lower oxidative capacity in older muscles and others finding no age differences or even increased capacity in some muscle groups. Ex vivo studies using enzymatic assays and isolated mitochondria suggest that lower mitochondrial enzyme activities in older muscle are often linked to lower physical activity levels rather than age itself. The authors conclude that in the absence of disease or physical inactivity, there is no inherent decline in skeletal muscle mitochondrial energy production with aging. [Extracted from the article]