This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Many individuals lose muscle mass and strength as they get older. One of the factors that may contribute to this loss is changes in the diet. Specifically, elderly individuals may not eat sufficient dietary protein or the protein they do eat may not be as efficiently assimilated into muscle tissue. Previous studies have examined the effect of protein supplements and amino acids on protein synthesis and muscle growth, but there is a lack of data examining the effect of common sources of dietary protein (i.e., beef) on muscle protein synthesis. The goal of this study is to measure changes in plasma concentrations of amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in young and elderly individuals following ingestion of 4 oz of lean beef. We will study a total of 20 healthy male and female volunteers between the ages of 20 and 50 (young) and 60 and 85 (elderly). We will use established techniques including stable isotope tracer methodology, blood sampling and muscle biopsies to measure changes in plasma hormone and amino acid concentrations and skeletal muscle synthesis. This project will examine changes in muscle protein synthesis in response to a common source of dietary protein. This study will address a number of the mechanisms contributing to muscle loss during aging. In particular, this project will have direct implications for both the quality and quantity of protein ingested as part of a daily diet.
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