Paraprobiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYO ameliorates dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy: implications for age-related sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, represents a major unmet need in geriatric health. Effective and safe interventions to prevent or ameliorate muscle atrophy are urgently required.

METHODS

This study evaluated the effects of LPM2, a heat-killed paraprobiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYO isolated from Panax ginseng sprouts, using a dexamethasone (DEX)-induced mouse model of muscle atrophy that recapitulates key features of age-related sarcopenia.

RESULTS

LPM2 administration significantly attenuated DEX-induced muscle wasting, preserving skeletal muscle mass and improving muscle performance. At the molecular level, LPM2 suppressed catabolic markers associated with muscle degradation, including Atrogin-1 and Myostatin, while restoring anabolic signaling pathways, particularly 4E-BP1. In addition, LPM2 exhibited a favorable safety profile, with no observable toxicity in major organs and beneficial effects on liver and kidney metabolic markers.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that LPM2 effectively modulates muscle protein turnover and protects against glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy. Given its paraprobiotic nature, ginseng-derived origin, and excellent safety profile, LPM2 represents a promising nutritional or therapeutic candidate for the prevention and management of age-related sarcopenia, supporting healthy aging and extended healthspan.