Changes in Redox Signaling in the Skeletal Muscle with Aging

Figure 1

Schematic summary of the effects of oxidative stress in the aged skeletal muscle. The age-related increase in oxidative stress can result in mitochondrial dysfunction, and the dysfunctional mitochondria can further generate reactive oxygen species. The increased oxidative stress can lead to a decrease both in muscle quality and in muscle quantity. As a consequence of the increased oxidative stress, excitation-contraction uncoupling, altered calcium homeostasis, apoptosis-mediated fiber loss, atrophy of the remaining fibers, dysfunction of the satellite cells (muscle stem cells), and impaired muscle regeneration can be observed in the aged muscle leading to a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and function.