Urolithin A is an important bioactive substance widely used in medicine and health care. It is an enzyme mainly produced by the kidneys and has the function of dissolving blood clots. The magical effects and functions of Urolithin A are mainly reflected in the following aspects.
Urolithin A prevents muscle degeneration
1. Promote muscle protein synthesis and activate mTOR signaling pathway
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is a key pathway for regulating muscle protein synthesis. Urolithin A can activate the mTOR signaling pathway and promote protein synthesis in muscle cells.
mTOR can sense signals such as nutrients and growth factors in cells. When activated, it will start a series of downstream signaling molecules, such as ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). Urolithin A activates mTOR, phosphorylating S6K1 and 4E-BP1, thereby promoting mRNA translation initiation and ribosome assembly, and accelerating protein synthesis.
For example, in experiments with in vitro cultured muscle cells, after adding urolithin A, it was observed that the phosphorylation levels of mTOR and its downstream signaling molecules increased, and the expression of muscle protein synthesis markers (such as myosin heavy chain) increased.
Regulates muscle-specific transcription factor expression
Urolithin A can regulate the expression of muscle-specific transcription factors that are essential for muscle protein synthesis and muscle cell differentiation. For example, it can upregulate the expression of myogenic differentiation factor (MyoD) and myogenin.
MyoD and Myogenin can promote the differentiation of muscle stem cells into muscle cells and activate the expression of muscle-specific genes, thereby promoting muscle protein synthesis. In the muscle atrophy model, after urolithin A treatment, the expression of MyoD and Myogenin increased, which helps maintain muscle mass and prevent muscle decline.
2. Inhibit muscle protein degradation and inhibit the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)
The UPS is one of the main pathways for muscle protein degradation. During muscle atrophy, some E3 ubiquitin ligases, such as muscle atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx) and muscle RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1), are activated, which can tag muscle proteins with ubiquitin and then degrade them through the proteasome.
Urolithin A can inhibit the expression and activity of these E3 ubiquitin ligases. In animal model experiments, urolithin A can reduce the levels of MAFbx and MuRF1, reduce the ubiquitination mark of muscle proteins, thereby inhibiting UPS-mediated muscle protein degradation and effectively preventing muscle decline.
Modulation of the autophagy-lysosomal system (ALS)
ALS plays a role in the renewal of muscle proteins and organelles, but overactivation can also lead to muscle atrophy. Urolithin A can regulate ALS to a reasonable level. It can inhibit excessive autophagy and prevent excessive degradation of muscle proteins.
For example, urolithin A can regulate the expression of autophagy-related proteins (such as LC3-II), so that it can maintain the homeostasis of the muscle cell environment while avoiding excessive clearance of muscle proteins, thereby helping to maintain muscle mass.
3. Improve the energy metabolism of muscle cells
Muscle contraction requires a lot of energy, and mitochondria are the main site of energy production. Urolithin A can enhance the function of muscle cell mitochondria and improve energy production efficiency. It can promote mitochondrial biogenesis and increase the number of mitochondria.
For example, urolithin A can activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), which is a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, promoting mitochondrial DNA replication and related protein synthesis. At the same time, urolithin A can also improve the function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, increase the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), provide sufficient energy for muscle contraction, and reduce muscle decline caused by insufficient energy.
Regulates sugar and lipid metabolism and supports muscle function
Urolithin A can regulate the glucose and lipid metabolism of muscle cells. In terms of glucose metabolism, it can enhance the uptake and utilization of glucose by muscle cells, and ensure that muscle cells have sufficient energy substrates by activating the insulin signaling pathway or other glucose transport-related signaling pathways.
In terms of lipid metabolism, urolithin A can promote fatty acid oxidation, providing another source of energy for muscle contraction. By optimizing glucose and lipid metabolism, urolithin A maintains the energy supply of muscle cells and helps prevent muscle decline.
Urolithin A improves metabolism
1. Regulate sugar metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity
Urolithin A can enhance insulin sensitivity, which is essential for maintaining blood sugar stability. It can act on key molecules in the insulin signaling pathway, such as insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins.
In the state of insulin resistance, the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS protein is inhibited, resulting in the failure of the downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway to be activated normally, and the cell's response to insulin is weakened.
Urolithin A can promote the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS protein, thereby activating the PI3K-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, enabling cells to better absorb and utilize glucose. For example, in animal model experiments, after the administration of urolithin A, the sensitivity of muscle and adipose tissue to insulin was significantly improved, and blood sugar levels were effectively controlled.
Regulates glycogen synthesis and degradation
Glycogen is the main form of glucose storage in the body, mainly stored in the liver and muscle tissue. Urolithin A can regulate the synthesis and decomposition of glycogen. It can activate glycogen synthase, promote the synthesis of glycogen, and increase the reserve of glycogen.
At the same time, urolithin A can also inhibit the activity of glycogenolytic enzymes, such as glycogen phosphorylase, and reduce the amount of glycogen decomposed into glucose and released into the blood. This helps stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent excessive fluctuations in blood sugar. In a diabetic model study, after urolithin A treatment, the glycogen content in the liver and muscles increased, and blood sugar control was improved.
2. Optimize lipid metabolism and inhibit fatty acid synthesis
Urolithin A has an inhibitory effect on the lipid synthesis process. In the liver and adipose tissue, it can inhibit key enzymes in fatty acid synthesis, such as fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC).
FAS and ACC are important regulatory enzymes in the de novo synthesis of fatty acids. Urolithin A can reduce the synthesis of fatty acids by inhibiting their activity. For example, in the fatty liver model induced by a high-fat diet, urolithin A can reduce the activity of FAS and ACC in the liver, reduce the synthesis of triglycerides, and thus alleviate lipid accumulation in the liver.
Promotes fatty acid oxidation
In addition to inhibiting fatty acid synthesis, urolithin A can also promote the oxidative decomposition of fatty acids. It can activate signaling pathways and enzymes related to fatty acid oxidation. For example, it can upregulate the activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1).
CPT-1 is a key enzyme in fatty acid β-oxidation, which is responsible for transporting fatty acids to mitochondria for oxidative decomposition. Urolithin A promotes β-oxidation of fatty acids by activating CPT-1, increases fat energy consumption, helps reduce body fat storage, and improves lipid metabolism.
3. Improve energy metabolism and enhance mitochondrial function
Mitochondria are the "energy factories" of cells, and urolithin A can enhance the function of mitochondria. It can regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and promote mitochondrial synthesis and renewal. For example, it can activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α).
PGC-1α is a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, which can promote the replication of mitochondrial DNA and the synthesis of mitochondrial-related proteins. Urolithin A increases the number and quality of mitochondria and improves the energy production efficiency of cells by activating PGC-1α. At the same time, urolithin A can also improve the respiratory chain function of mitochondria and increase the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
4. Regulating Cellular Metabolic Reprogramming
Urolithin A can guide cells to undergo metabolic reprogramming, making the cell's metabolism more efficient. Under certain stress or disease conditions, the cell's metabolic pattern may change, resulting in reduced efficiency in energy production and substance synthesis.
Urolithin A can regulate metabolic signaling pathways in cells, such as the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. AMPK is a "sensor" of cellular energy metabolism. After urolithin A activates AMPK, it can prompt cells to shift from anabolism to catabolism, making more efficient use of energy and nutrients, thereby improving overall metabolic function.
The application of urolithin A is not limited to the medical field. It is also gradually gaining attention in health products and cosmetics. Urolithin A is added to many health products to enhance immunity, improve blood circulation and promote metabolism. These products are usually in the form of capsules, tablets or liquids, suitable for the needs of different groups of people.
In the cosmetics field, urolithin A is widely used in skin care products due to its cell regeneration and anti-aging properties. It can improve blood circulation in the skin and promote collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin elasticity and radiance. Many high-end skin care brands have begun to use urolithin A as a core ingredient to launch anti-aging, repair and moisturizing products to meet consumers' pursuit of beautiful skin.
In conclusion, as a bioactive substance with multiple functions, urolithin A has shown broad application prospects in the fields of medicine, health care and beauty. With the deepening of scientific research, the application field of urolithin A will continue to expand, providing more choices for people's health and beauty.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not be construed as any medical advice. Some of the blog post information comes from the Internet and is not professional. This website is only responsible for sorting, formatting and editing articles. The purpose of conveying more information does not mean that you agree with its views or confirm the authenticity of its content. Always consult a health care professional before using any supplements or making changes to your health care regimen.
Post time: Dec-12-2024
