Washington DC, July 24 -- A sulfur-based compound called LASSS appears to protect and supercharge a key protein involved in repairing damaged muscle. The discovery could eventually lead to new ways to slow muscle loss and preserve strength as people age.

Skeletal muscle begins to deteriorate relatively early during the ageing process. Over time, this leads to reduced strength, increased fibrosis, greater fat infiltration within muscle tissue, and a loss of fast-twitch muscle fibres responsible for rapid and forceful movements.

Researchers led by Professor Ryuichi Tatsumi of Kyushu University's Faculty of Agriculture have identified a molecule that could protect and enhance an important signal involved in muscle repair. The results were ...