Low-dose lithium supplementation promotes musculoskeletal and metabolic health in ovariectomized female mice.

Bianca M Marcella, Jessica L Braun, Amélie A T Marais, Briana L Hockey, Mia S Geromella, Ryan W Baranowski, Rene Vandenboom, Rebecca E K MacPherson, Val A Fajardo

Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Postmenopausal women have an increased risk for age-related conditions like sarcopenia, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes. Here we examined the effects of low-dose lithium (Li) supplementation, a well-known glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) inhibitor, on ovariectomized (OVX) mice, focusing on muscle strength and endurance, bone mineral density (BMD) and insulin sensitivity. 28-week-old female sham and OVX C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: sham, OVX and OVX-Li, with the latter receiving 50 mg/kg/day of Li in their drinking water for 8 weeks. Li supplementation enhanced isometric specific force and fatigue resistance of the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. Potential cellular mechanisms underlying these benefits include enhanced Ca

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Research summary

Low-dose lithium supplementation enhances muscle strength and endurance, bone mineral density, and insulin sensitivity in ovariectomized female mice. The study addresses potential interventions for age-related conditions, which aligns with longevity research by exploring mechanisms that could mitigate the effects of aging.

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