Physical Activity Increases Removal of Damaged Proteins

Ubiquitin is a protein that removes proteins that are worn-out, which prevents the accumulation of damaged proteins and helps keep muscles healthy. A new study has found that physical activity increases the activity of Ubiquitin and the elimination of worn-out proteins.

Participants in the study included 6 healthy, untrained men with an average age of 27. They completed an 8 to 11-minute training session on an exercise bike. The researchers took blood samples and muscle biopsies before and after the training session. Mass spectrometry was used to study the muscle biopsies for Ubiquitin activity. 

The researchers found that the training session resulted in increased activity of Ubiquitin and increased removal of worn-out proteins. Worn-out proteins are transformed into amino acids which are then reused in the production of new proteins. 

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Copenhagen. It was published online ahead of print on March 5, 2020 in the FASEB Journal.