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.