Composition for promoting muscle strengthening through mitochondrial synthesis containing azelaic acid as an active ingredient

Muscle-strengthening material that increases mitochondria by stimulating olfactory receptors in muscle cells using azelaic acid derived from grains

This technology utilizes azelaic acid—a dicarboxylic acid found in grains like wheat, barley, and oats, as well as cranberries—as an active ingredient. It provides pharmaceutical compositions for treating diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as sarcopenia and muscular dystrophy, as well as food compositions for enhancing muscle function and preventing muscle aging.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is known to be involved in adult diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as Parkinson's disease, dementia, and aging. However, methods to increase skeletal muscle mitochondria have primarily relied on endurance exercise. Azelaic acid was previously known only for its efficacy in treating skin conditions like acne and rosacea, and its target proteins or mechanisms of action in muscle were unknown, limiting its use as a muscle health ingredient.

This technology leverages the principle that azelaic acid acts as a ligand for the olfactory receptor Olfr544 expressed in muscle cells, increasing PGC1α expression and inducing both mitochondrial autophagy and biogenesis to boost intracellular mitochondrial density. As a natural ingredient found in everyday foods, it carries a low risk of side effects. It can be applied to health supplements for improving sarcopenia in the elderly, adjuvant therapies for muscular dystrophy, and sports nutrition products for enhancing athletic performance, providing exercise-like mitochondrial benefits even to those unable to exercise.

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Key Features:

• Pharmaceutical composition for treating mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases, such as sarcopenia or muscular dystrophy, containing azelaic acid as an active ingredient
• Azelaic acid-containing pharmaceutical composition for treating mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases by activating the olfactory receptor Olfr544
• Pharmaceutical composition with azelaic acid as an active ingredient that induces mitochondrial biogenesis by increasing PGC1α expression
• Food composition containing azelaic acid that enhances muscle function or prevents muscle aging by activating mitochondria and inducing autophagy

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for research into the mechanisms of lipid metabolism regulation by food aroma compounds through the modulation of ectopic olfactory receptor activity.

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