As females age and transition through menopause, the decline in oestrogen level profoundly affects skeletal muscle mass and function. HER-MUSCLE aims to unravel the differences in pre and post menopausal women, in regards to muscle size, strength and function.
Focusing on postmenopausal females, an increasingly at-risk demographic, HER-MUSCLE addresses a critical gap in understanding how oestrogen influences muscle mass and function.
The project involves:
1. Molecular Analysis: Advanced techniques will study the muscle microenvironment, focusing on muscle stem cells (MuSCs), fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), and other cells critical for muscle regeneration and maintenance. 2. Mitochondrial Function assessed in vivo via magnetic resonance spectroscopy: The impact of oestrogen on mitochondrial health will be examined, exploring how it preserves mitochondrial function and ability to recovery and resist fatigue in response to muscle contractions.
Our preliminary data indicate that oestrogen can promote muscle protein synthesis. HER-MUSCLE aims to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies to manage sarcopenia in postmenopausal women, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and enhanced well-being for this growing population segment.
Regular menstrual bleeding (21-35 days cycle).
At least 9 menstrual cycles the last year
Age >47 years old
BMI 20-30
Only premenopausal women: Follicular stimulating hormone > 30 mmol/L
Systematic strength training during the last year (> 1 strength training session per week)
Systematic high intensity cardiovascular training during the last year (<2 times per week)
Injuries to the legs which may prevent participation in the physical training program
Mette Hansen
Lead sponsor
University of Aarhus
Sponsor institution
Aalborg University
Collaborator
University of Copenhagen
Collaborator
Aarhus University Hospital
Collaborator