A Compound That Enhances the Repair of Aging Muscles

A key role here is played by hepatocyte growth factor, or HGF. Under normal conditions, it “sleeps” in the connective tissue surrounding muscle fibers. When damage or stress occurs, HGF is released, binds to c-met receptors on satellite cells (muscle stem cells), and triggers their division and the repair of muscle fibers.

With age, HGF often undergoes nitration—a chemical modification in which a nitro group is added to specific amino acids. After this, the protein binds less effectively to its receptor, like a “rusted key.” Scientists at Kyushu University led by Ryuichi Tatsumi sought a way to protect HGF.

They tested two sulfur-containing antioxidants—glutathione trisulfide and lipoic acid trisulfide (LASSS). Both reduced nitration, but only LASSS, at a certain concentration, unexpectedly enhanced HGF binding to its receptor more than twofold compared to the normal protein. The researchers called this enhanced variant “Super HGF.”

In a mouse model of muscle atrophy, preliminary administration of LASSS also reduced the level of HGF nitration. Glutathione trisulfide did not produce this effect.

So far, the data are limited to laboratory experiments and a mouse model. Studies in aging animals and safety assessments are needed. If the approach proves effective, it could help preserve muscle strength during aging, prolonged bed rest, and other conditions associated with reduced activity.

Sources:

Kyushu University. "Scientists discover a compound that could supercharge aging muscle repair." ScienceDaily (July 24, 2026).

Zushi K. et al. "Enhanced HGF with increased receptor affinity and nitration-dysfunction resistance through interaction with lipoic acid trisulfide." Scientific Reports (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-60835-w.