Leucine coingestion augments the muscle protein synthetic response to the ingestion of 15 g of protein following resistance exercise in older men.

Older adults have shown an attenuated postexercise increase in muscle protein synthesis rates following ingestion of smaller amounts of protein compared with younger adults. Consequently, it has been suggested that older adults require the ingestion of more protein to increase postexercise muscle protein synthesis rates compared with younger adults. We investigated whether coingestion of 1.5 g of free leucine with a single 15-g bolus of protein further augments the postprandial muscle protein synthetic response during recovery from resistance-type exercise in older men. Twenty-four healthy older men (67 ± 1 yr) were randomly assigned to ingest 15 g of milk protein concentrate (MPC80) with (15G+LEU; n = 12) or without (15G; n = 12) 1.5 g of free leucine after performing a single bout of resistance-type exercise. Postprandial protein digestion and amino acid absorption kinetics, whole body protein metabolism, and postprandial myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were assessed using primed, continuous infusions with l-[ring-2H5]phenylalanine, l-[ring-2H2]tyrosine, and l-[1-13C]leucine combined with ingestion of intrinsically l-[1-13C]phenylalanine-labeled milk protein. A total of 70 ± 1% (10.5 ±0.2 g) and 75 ± 2% (11.2 ± 0.3 g) of the protein-derived amino acids were released in the circulation during the 6-h postexercise recovery phase in 15G+LEU and 15G, respectively (P < 0.05). Postexercise myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were 16% (0.058 ± 0.003 vs. 0.049 ± 0.002%/h, P < 0.05; based on l-[ring-2H5]phenylalanine) and 19% (0.071 ± 0.003 vs. 0.060 ± 0.003%/h, P < 0.05; based on l-[1-13C]leucine) greater in 15G+LEU compared with 15G. Leucine coingestion further augments the postexercise muscle protein synthetic response to the ingestion of a single 15-g bolus of protein in older men.

Dose-Dependent Increases in Whole-Body Net Protein Balance and Dietary Protein-Derived Amino Acid Incorporation into Myofibrillar Protein During Recovery from Resistance Exercise in Older Men.

BACKGROUND: Age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass is at least partly attributed to anabolic resistance to food intake. Resistance exercise sensitizes skeletal muscle tissue to the anabolic properties of amino acids. OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed protein digestion and amino acid absorption kinetics, whole-body protein balance, and the myofibrillar protein synthetic response to ingestion of different amounts of protein during recovery from resistance exercise in older men. METHODS: Forty-eight healthy older men [mean ± SEM age: 66 ± 1 y; body mass index (kg/m2): 25.4 ± 0.3] were randomly assigned to ingest 0, 15, 30, or 45 g milk protein concentrate after a single bout of resistance exercise consisting of 4 sets of 10 repetitions of leg press and leg extension and 2 sets of 10 repetitions of lateral pulldown and chest press performed at 75-80% 1-repetition maximum. Postprandial protein digestion and amino acid absorption kinetics, whole-body protein metabolism, and myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were assessed using primed, continuous infusions of l-[ring-2H5]-phenylalanine, l-[ring-2H2]-tyrosine, and l-[1-13C]-leucine combined with ingestion of intrinsically l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine and l-[1-13C]-leucine labeled protein. RESULTS: Whole-body net protein balance showed a dose-dependent increase after ingestion of 0, 15, 30, or 45 g of protein (0.015 ± 0.002, 0.108 ± 0.004, 0.162 ± 0.008, and 0.215 ± 0.009 µmol Phe · kg-1 · min-1, respectively; P < 0.001). Myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were higher after ingesting 30 (0.0951% ± 0.0062%/h, P = 0.07) or 45 g of protein (0.0970% ± 0.0062%/h, P < 0.05) than after 0 g (0.0746% ± 0.0051%/h). Incorporation of dietary protein-derived amino acids (l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine) into de novo myofibrillar protein showed a dose-dependent increase after ingestion of 15, 30, or 45 g protein (0.0171 ± 0.0017, 0.0296 ± 0.0030, and 0.0397 ± 0.0026 mole percentage excess, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary protein ingested during recovery from resistance exercise is rapidly digested and absorbed. Whole-body net protein balance and dietary protein-derived amino acid incorporation into myofibrillar protein show dose-dependent increases. Ingestion of ≥30 g protein increases postexercise myofibrillar protein synthesis rates in older men. This trial was registered at Nederlands Trial Register as NTR4492.

Protein Supplementation after Exercise and before Sleep Does Not Further Augment Muscle Mass and Strength Gains during Resistance Exercise Training in Active Older Men.

Background: The proposed benefits of protein supplementation on the skeletal muscle adaptive response to resistance exercise training in older adults remain unclear. Objective: The present study assessed whether protein supplementation after exercise and before sleep augments muscle mass and strength gains during resistance exercise training in older individuals. Methods: Forty-one older men [mean ± SEM age: 70 ± 1 y; body mass index (kg/m2): 25.3 ± 0.4] completed 12 wk of whole-body resistance exercise training (3 sessions/wk) and were randomly assigned to ingest either protein (21 g protein, 3 g total leucine, 9 g carbohydrate, 3 g fat; n = 21) or an energy-matched placebo (0 g protein, 25 g carbohydrate, 6 g fat; n = 20) after exercise and each night before sleep. Maximal strength was assessed by 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) strength testing, and muscle hypertrophy was assessed at the whole-body (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), upper leg (computed tomography scan), and muscle fiber (biopsy) levels. Muscle protein synthesis rates were assessed during week 12 of training with the use of deuterated water (2H2O) administration. Results: Leg-extension 1RM increased in both groups (placebo: 88 ± 3 to 104 ± 4 kg; protein: 85 ± 3 to 102 ± 4 kg; P < 0.001), with no differences between groups. Quadriceps cross-sectional area (placebo: 67.8 ± 1.7 to 73.5 ± 2.0 cm2; protein: 68.4 ± 1.4 to 72.3 ± 1.4 cm2; P < 0.001) increased in both groups, with no differences between groups. Muscle fiber hypertrophy occurred in type II muscle fibers (placebo: 5486 ± 418 to 6492 ± 429 µm2; protein: 5367 ± 301 to 6259 ± 391 µm2; P < 0.001), with no differences between groups. Muscle protein synthesis rates were 1.62% ± 0.06% and 1.57% ± 0.05%/d in the placebo and protein groups, respectively, with no differences between groups. Conclusion: Protein supplementation after exercise and before sleep does not further augment skeletal muscle mass or strength gains during resistance exercise training in active older men. This study was registered at the Netherlands Trial Registry (www.trialregister.nl) as NTR5082.

Resistance Exercise Counteracts the Impact of Androgen Deprivation Therapy on Muscle Characteristics in Cancer Patients.

CONTEXT: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) forms the cornerstone in prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. However, ADT also lowers skeletal muscle mass. OBJECTIVE: To identify the impact of ADT with and without resistance exercise training on muscle fiber characteristics in PCa patients. METHODS: Twenty-one PCa patients (72 ± 6 years) starting ADT were included. Tissue samples from the vastus lateralis muscle were assessed at baseline and after 20 weeks of usual care (n = 11) or resistance exercise training (n = 10). Type I and II muscle fiber distribution, fiber size, and myonuclear and capillary contents were determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Significant decreases in type I (from 7401 ± 1183 to 6489 ± 1293 µm2, P < .05) and type II (from 6225 ± 1503 to 5014 ± 714 µm2, P < .05) muscle fiber size were observed in the usual care group. In addition, type I and type II individual capillary-to-fiber ratio (C/Fi) declined (-12% ± 12% and -20% ± 21%, respectively, P < .05). In contrast, significant increases in type I (from 6700 ± 1464 to 7772 ± 1319 µm2, P < .05) and type II (from 5248 ± 892 to 6302 ± 1385 µm2, P < .05) muscle fiber size were observed in the training group, accompanied by an increase in type I and type II muscle fiber myonuclear contents (+24% ± 33% and +21% ± 23%, respectively, P < .05) and type I C/Fi (+18% ± 14%, P < .05). CONCLUSION: The onset of ADT is followed by a decline in both type I and type II muscle fiber size and capillarization in PCa patients. Resistance exercise training offsets the negative impact of ADT and increases type I and II muscle fiber size and type I muscle fiber capillarization in these patients.

Onset of androgen deprivation therapy leads to rapid deterioration of body composition, physical performance, cardiometabolic health and quality-of-life in prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the adverse impact of the first 5 months of androgen deprivation therapy on body composition, physical performance, cardiometabolic health and health-related quality-of-life in prostate cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four prostate cancer patients (70 ± 7 years) were assessed shortly after initiation of androgen deprivation therapy and again 5 months thereafter. Measurements consisted of whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (body composition), computed tomography scanning of the upper leg (muscle mass), one-repetition maximum leg press (muscle strength), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (aerobic capacity), blood draws (metabolic parameters), accelerometry (habitual physical activity) and questionnaires (health-related quality-of-life). Data were analyzed with Student's paired t-tests. RESULTS: Over time, whole-body fat mass (from 26.2 ± 7.7 to 28.4 ± 8.3 kg, p < 0.001) and fasting insulin (from 9.5 ± 5.8 to 11.3 ± 6.9 mU/L, p < 0.001) increased. Declines were observed for quadriceps cross-sectional area (from 66.3 ± 9.1 to 65.0 ± 8.5 cm2, p < 0.01), one-repetition maximum leg press (from 107 ± 27 to 100 ± 27 kg, p < 0.01), peak oxygen uptake (from 23.2 ± 3.7 to 20.3 ± 3.4 mL/min/kg body weight, p < 0.001), step count (from 7,048 ± 2,277 to 5,842 ± 1,749 steps/day, p < 0.01) and health-related quality-of-life (from 84.6 ± 13.5 to 77.0 ± 14.6, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Androgen deprivation therapy induces adverse changes in body composition, muscle strength, cardiometabolic health and health-related quality-of-life already within 5 months after the start of treatment, possibly largely contributed by diminished habitual physical activity. Prostate cancer patients should, therefore, be stimulated to increase their habitual physical activity immediately after initiation of androgen deprivation therapy, to limit adverse side-effects and to improve health-related quality-of-life.

Resistance Exercise Training Increases Muscle Mass and Strength in Prostate Cancer Patients on Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effects of 20 wk resistance exercise training with or without protein supplementation on body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance, and aerobic capacity in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). METHODS: Sixty prostate cancer patients receiving ADT were randomly assigned to perform 20 wk of resistance exercise training with supplementation of 31 g whey protein (EX + PRO, n = 30) or placebo (EX + PLA, n = 30), consumed immediately after exercise and every night before sleep. A separate control group (CON, n = 36) only received usual care. At baseline and after 20 wk, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), muscle mass (computed tomography scan), muscle strength (1-repetition maximum strength tests), physical performance (Timed Up and Go Test, 30-Second Chair Stand Test, and Stair Climb Test), aerobic capacity (cardiopulmonary exercise test), and habitual dietary intake (food diary) were assessed. Data were analyzed using a two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Over time, muscle mass and strength increased in EX + PRO and EX + PLA and decreased in CON. Total fat mass and fat percentage increased in EX + PRO and CON, but not in EX + PLA. Physical performance did not significantly change over time in either group. Aerobic capacity was maintained in EX + PLA, but it decreased in EX + PRO and CON. Habitual protein intake (without supplements) averaged >1.0 g·kg body weight -1 ·d -1 , with no differences over time or between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In prostate cancer patients, resistance exercise training counteracts the adverse effects of ADT on body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity, with no additional benefits of protein supplementation.

Daily resistance-type exercise stimulates muscle protein synthesis in vivo in young men.

Resistance-type exercise increases muscle protein synthesis rates during acute postexercise recovery. The impact of resistance-type exercise training on (local) muscle protein synthesis rates under free-living conditions on a day-to-day basis remains unclear. We determined the impact of daily unilateral resistance-type exercise on local myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during a 3-day period. Twelve healthy young men (22 ± 1 yr) were recruited to participate in this study where they performed daily, unilateral resistance-type exercise during a 3-day intervention period. Two days before the exercise training subjects ingested 400 ml deuterated water (2H2O). Additional 50-ml doses of deuterated water were ingested daily during the training period. Saliva and blood samples were collected daily to assess body water and amino acid precursor deuterium enrichments, respectively. Muscle tissue biopsies were collected before and after the 3 days of unilateral resistance-type exercise training from both the exercised and the nonexercised, control leg for the assessment of muscle protein synthesis rates. Deuterated water dosing resulted in a steady-state body water enrichment of 0.70 ± 0.03%. Intramuscular free [2H]alanine enrichment increased up to 1.84 ± 0.06 mole percent excess (MPE) before the exercise training and did not change in both the exercised and control leg during the 3 subsequent exercise training days (2.11 ± 0.11 and 2.19 ± 0.12 MPE, respectively; P > 0.05). Muscle protein synthesis rates averaged 1.984 ± 0.118 and 1.642 ± 0.089%/day in the exercised vs. nonexercised, control leg when assessed over the entire 3-day period ( P < 0.05). Daily resistance-type exercise stimulates (local) muscle protein synthesis in vivo in humans. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that daily resistance-type exercise stimulates muscle protein synthesis rates in vivo in humans over multiple days. Whereas acute studies have shown that resistance-type exercise increases muscle protein synthesis rates by 50-100%, we observed a lower impact of resistance-type exercise under free-living conditions. We also compared precursor tracer selection for the calculation of muscle protein synthesis rates and observed that saliva deuterium enrichment serves as an appropriate and practical choice of precursor.