Workout patch delivers some of the benefits of exercise with no exertion
Injecting muscle cells beneath the skin of mice led to a patch of self-contracting cells that boosted their muscle mass, bone density and even markers of good brain, immune and liver function
A recently developed workout patch could deliver some of the benefits of exercise without any physical exertion. This revolutionary technology, developed by researchers at the Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine in China, may be particularly useful for people who are unable to exercise due to medical conditions or hospitalization.
The researchers began by taking muscle stem cells from live mice and cultivating them until they differentiated into mature, contractile muscle cells called myocytes. Next, they injected these cells just beneath the skin of the same mice, aiming to increase their muscle mass. However, an unexpected outcome emerged: the injected cells formed a patch that continuously contracted, mimicking the effects of exercise around the clock.
The continuous contraction of the muscle patch led to various improvements in the mice's overall health. For instance, the mice with the muscle patches exhibited a higher whole-body muscle mass and better immune function compared to those that received a sham injection. These patches also benefited older mice (around the age of 18 months) and those fed to induce obesity, improving muscle mass, bone density, physical strength, and endurance.
The patch's wide-ranging effects may be due to its ability to mimic how muscles work like endocrine tissue during exercise. This suggests that the contracting muscle could act as an endocrine organ, influencing circulation factors that contribute to the observed effects in other tissues. Imaging studies showed that the muscle patches remained stable for at least 81 days, with no evidence of tumor growth or significant reduction in volume over time.
The researchers hope that this innovative workout patch could help individuals with medical conditions that prevent them from exercising. Clinical trials in humans with limited mobility may begin within a year. As Matthew Strohl puts it, "The idea of mimicking exercise for people who can't exercise is amazing," highlighting the potential of this groundbreaking technology.
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