Apoptosis Regulation in Skeletal Muscles: Effects of Physical Exercise and Bioactive Compounds

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Abstract

Apoptosis is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis in skeletal muscles. However, its dysregulation due to obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or aging can result in increased muscle degeneration, decreased functional capacity, and metabolic disorders. This article reviews the regulatory mechanisms of apoptosis in skeletal muscles and examines the effects of two key factors: physical exercise and natural bioactive compounds. Scientific data analysis confirms that both physical activity and bioactive compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin exert a pronounced anti-apoptotic effect by reducing oxidative stress, improving mitochondrial function, and modulating signaling pathways such as Bcl-2 and AMPK/SIRT1. When combined, these interventions demonstrate a synergistic effect, offering a promising approach to the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, obesity, and associated metabolic diseases. Despite encouraging experimental findings, further clinical trials are needed to optimize physical activity protocols and identify the most effective combinations of natural compounds for preventing muscle atrophy and improving patients’ metabolic status.

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About the authors

Alina B. Marzhanova

Rostov State Medical University

Author for correspondence.
Email: murkudda@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0006-5910-8739
Russian Federation, Rostov-On-Don

Elizaveta K. Lapitskaya

Orenburg State Medical University

Email: liza.lapickaya@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0004-4535-4184
Russian Federation, Orenburg

Aminat Sungurova

The First Sechenov Moscow State Medical University

Email: Aammiiinnnkkaa@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0005-8692-4777
Russian Federation, Moscow

Marina A. Marzoeva

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University

Email: marzoeva_m99@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4391-0218
SPIN-code: 2365-8824
Russian Federation, Moscow

Regina I. Balagutdinova

Bashkir State Medical University

Email: regina.balagutdinova@inbox.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0008-3398-2721
Russian Federation, Ufa

Aigul R. Nasyrova

Bashkir State Medical University

Email: Shoning228@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0005-2164-044X
Russian Federation, Ufa

Taisa A. Khasukhanova

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University

Email: borealis.k@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0001-2124-6064
Russian Federation, Moscow

Azat I. Kutlubaev

Orenburg State Medical University

Email: kutlubaev_2015@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-6636-533X
Russian Federation, Orenburg

Kristina S. Ivanova

The First Sechenov Moscow State Medical University

Email: christina_ivanova01@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-6699-3432
Russian Federation, Moscow

Diana S. Ispieva

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University

Email: ispievadiana@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0005-4863-1957
Russian Federation, Moscow

Anastasia S. Nalivaiko

Vernadsky Crimean Federal University

Email: Anastasia.Nalivaiko01@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-2220-5174
Russian Federation, Simferopol

Eduard A. Sukasyan

Vernadsky Crimean Federal University

Email: sukasyan1999@bk.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0007-0054-5747
SPIN-code: 7667-1390
Russian Federation, Simferopol

Polina A. Bulgakova

Vernadsky Crimean Federal University

Email: pbulgakova75@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-6314-6093
Russian Federation, Simferopol

Elizaveta A. Fedotova

Volgograd State Medical University

Email: crosszery2610200143@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-8382-6345
Russian Federation, Volgograd

Danila D. Sattarov

Bashkir State Medical University

Email: danila.sattarov@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0001-4784-5997
Russian Federation, Ufa

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СМИ зарегистрировано Федеральной службой по надзору в сфере связи, информационных технологий и массовых коммуникаций (Роскомнадзор).
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