Mimicking Effects of Exercise with Drugs

Regular exercise enhances mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation in slow-twitch muscle fibers — which leads to better muscle function and endurance. Previous studies had indicated that this effect is mediated by two proteins, PPARδ and AMPK.

A U.S. research team tested one drug that stimulated production of PPARδ and another that increased levels of AMPK. The first drug, when given along with a program of regular exercise, enabled previously sedentary mice to run 60% to 75% longer and farther. To the investigators’ surprise, the second drug raised exercise endurance by 45% from baseline even without a regular exercise program.