Satellite cells and training in the elderly

In the present review, we describe the effects of ageing on human muscle fibres, underlining that each human muscle is unique, meaning that the phenotype becomes specifically changed upon ageing in different muscles, and that the satellite cells are key cells in the regeneration and growth of muscle fibres. Satellite cells are closely associated with muscle fibres, located outside the muscle fibre sarcolemma but beneath the basement lamina. They are quiescent cells, which become activated by stimulation, like muscle fibre injury or increased muscle tension, start replicating and are responsible for the repair of injured muscle fibres and the growth of muscle fibres. The degree of replication is governed by the telomeric clock, which is affected upon excessive bouts of degeneration and regeneration as in muscular dystrophies. The telomeric clock, as in dystrophies, does not seem to be a limiting factor in ageing of human muscle. The number of satellite cells, although reduced in number in aged human muscles, has enough number of cell divisions left to ensure repair throughout the human life span. We propose that an active life, with sufficient general muscular activity, should be recommended to reduce the impairment of skeletal muscle function upon ageing .