Anti-fatigue effects of low-molecular-weight brewer’s yeast extracts on mice

Abstract

Muscle mass naturally declines with age; however, sudden and significant muscle loss is considered a pathological condition. This decline in physical function increases the risk of falls and fractures; additionally, maintaining daily life activities can become challenging, leading to further complications. The World Health Organization has classified sarcopenia as a disease because affected individuals exhibit a mortality rate up to double that of those without the condition. Brewer’s yeast, a traditional nutritional supplement, has garnered recent attention for its potential role in muscle synthesis. This study focuses on the efficacy of low-molecular-weight yeast extract, specifically that with a molecular weight < 10 kDa, in enhancing muscle growth and regeneration. Yeast extracts are known for their high bioavailability and capacity to facilitate efficient absorption and utilization within the body. Our research involved a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments aimed at elucidating the effects of these extracts on muscle cells. The results demonstrated a significant increase in protein synthesis within muscle cells treated with low-molecular-weight yeast extracts. Additionally, these extracts promoted muscle cell growth and differentiation, further supporting their role in muscle development. Detailed analysis revealed that the yeast extracts enhanced the activation of key signaling pathways involved in muscle protein synthesis and cell differentiation. In the rota-rod test, all yeast extract-treated groups exhibited an increasing trend in exercise performance compared with the control group. These findings underscore the potential of low-molecular-weight yeast extracts as a valuable component in muscle synthesis and regeneration. Furthermore, this study highlights the broader implications of these findings for the growing older population. In addition, it suggests that low-molecular-weight yeast extracts can be incorporated into dietary supplements aimed at addressing sarcopenia and muscle loss in older adults by enhancing muscle growth and recovery.