Anabolic Resistance

Pre-testing- The baseline evaluation will assess muscle function and strength, and an oral
glucose tolerance test. After the baseline visit, participants will be provided with a step
activity monitor to track their level of activity. This will provide a baseline of the
participant's normal level of physical activity so an accurate level of 75% activity
reduction can be determined. A 3-day daily dietary diary will be provided for the participant
to self-report prior to the experiment, as well.

Day 1- After the participant completes their normal activity log and dietary diary, they will
be asked to return to the research center for a body composition scan and a metabolic study.

The metabolic study will involve blood sampling from an arm vein and muscle biopsies from the
thigh before and after a leucine drink.

2-week period of inactivity- After the metabolic study, the participant will return home and
maintain a reduced level of activity (75% reduction) for a two-week period. During this time,
the participant will receive phone calls from research personnel in order to maintain
adherence to the intervention.

Day 14- After the 2-week reduced activity period, the participant will return to the research
center to receive a body composition scan and undergo a metabolic study identical to 'Day 1'.

Post-testing- After Day 14, the participant will be asked to return once again to the
research center for a oral glucose tolerance test and the exercise lab for muscle function
testing.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Age between 60-85 years

- Ability to sign informed consent

- Free-living, prior to admission

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion Criteria:

- Cardiac abnormalities considered exclusionary by the study physician (e.g., Chronic
heart Failure, right-to-left shunt)

- Uncontrolled endocrine or metabolic disease (e.g., hypo/hyperthyroidism, diabetes)

- History of kidney disease or failure

- Vascular disease or risk factors of peripheral atherosclerosis. (e.g., uncontrolled
hypertension, obesity, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia > 250 mg/dl, claudication or
evidence of venous or arterial insufficiency upon palpitation of femoral, popliteal
and pedal arteries)

- Risk of blood clotting including family history of thrombophilia, pulmonary emboli,
myeloproliferative diseases including polycythemia (Hb>18 g/dL) or thrombocytosis
(platelets>400x103/mL), and connective tissue diseases (positive lupus anticoagulant),
hyperhomocystinemia, deficiencies of factor V Leiden, proteins S and C, and
antithrombine III

- Use of anticoagulant therapy (e.g., Coumadin, heparin)

- Elevated systolic pressure >150 or a diastolic blood pressure > 100

- Cancer or history of successfully treated cancer (less than 1 year) other than basal
cell carcinoma

- Implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemakers, electronic infusion pumps,
stimulators)

- Currently on a weight-loss diet or body mass index > 30 kg/m2

- Recent anabolic or corticosteroids use (within 3 months)

- History of stroke with motor disability

- A recent history (<12 months) of GI bleed

- History of liver disease

- History of respiratory disease (acute upper respiratory infection, history of chronic
lung disease)

- Prior history of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

- An HbA1c value at or greater than 6.5%

- Subjects may not participate if they have utilized ionizing radiation (either
radioisotopes or diagnostic x-rays) during the past 12 months.

- Any other condition or event considered exclusionary by the PI and faculty physician