Posted on 10/25/2022 11:00:57 AM PDT by ConservativeMind
Skeletal muscle is the largest metabolic organ in the body. It is composed of muscle fibers, blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue.
Skeletal muscle fibers can be broadly classified as "slow-twitch" (type I) and "fast-twitch" (type II), where type I slow-switch fibers undergo slow oxidation.
In skeletal muscle, the type I slow oxidizing fibers have better blood perfusion and more capillary density. In humans, type I muscle fibers are associated with longer exercise endurance.
During contraction, the skeletal muscle releases various metabolites, such as the end products of glycolysis, pyruvic acid (PA) and lactic acid (LA), as well as intermediate metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, α-ketoglutarate (AKG) and succinate (SUC). LA and SUC have been shown to regulate vasodilation, which allows tissues to receive abundant oxygen and nutrients.
AKG is an important intermediate metabolite of the TCA cycle that can be released during exercise. Previous studies have shown that AKG plays biological functions such as regulating energy metabolism, promoting osteogenesis, improving immunity, and prolonging life span of animal organism. Oxoglutarate receptor 1 (OXGR1) is an endogenous receptor of AKG mainly expressed in the tissues of nervous system, adrenal gland and reproductive system.
A previous study demonstrated that addition of AKG to drinking water can reduce fat deposition, as well as increase skeletal muscle mass.
This study reports for the first time that OXGR1 in skeletal muscle is mainly distributed in vascular smooth muscle of soleus muscle (slow oxidizing muscle) and that OXGR1 is essential for type switching and metabolism of skeletal muscle.
Further study revealed that AKG/OXGR1 signaling pathway can relax vascular smooth muscle. Moreover, additional AKG supplementation not only helps to promote muscle development, but also promotes the conversion and metabolism of skeletal muscle to oxidative muscle fibers, finally leading to improving exercise capacity.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
AKG is made naturally in the body and can be supplemented.
Interestingly, the abstract states this, which could also be of benefit to some:
“Acute AKG administration gradually increased the blood flow in the lower limbs.”
Ping for later...
Thanks ConservativeMind!
*PING* to little jeremiah in case of interest to you.
Look for big pharma to squash this report. I’ve been taking vitamins, etc. for over 50 yrs. I’m 70 yrs old and feel great
Thanks; I am a total dummy about supplements other than herbs. It’s very sciencey and my eyes start crossing...
PS - I admire those who do delve into their use, keep it all balanced, etc.
Right now I have about 3 hours of sleep time between taking all the recommended vitamins and supplements.
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I know what you mean. One has to take supplements to prevent or reduce the effect of Covid should you get it. And for each issue one might have or want to prevent, there are supplements for that. I find myself not wanting to swallow one more darn pill.
AKG, where can I get it? I have a open spot on my 3PM calendar of supplements.
does akg decline with age?
How much are you taking?
I don’t see a need to take AKG, unless one is really intent on not moving.
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