Overview
- Previous research found that aging chemically nitrates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) at two sites, Y198 and Y250, which stops HGF from binding the c‑met receptor and blocks muscle stem cell activation.
- The study, published July 24, 2026, reports that lipoic acid trisulfide (LASSS) both prevents HGF nitration and more than doubles HGF's binding affinity for c‑met in vitro.
- Two trisulfide compounds were tested and both reduced nitration in the lab, but only LASSS restored and enhanced receptor binding when used at a higher molar ratio.
- In a mouse tail‑suspension atrophy model, animals given LASSS had significantly lower HGF nitration than untreated mice, although effectiveness in aged animals has not yet been shown.
- The findings are early and preclinical, so the authors call for studies of mechanism, aged‑animal efficacy, dosing and toxicology before any human testing and note potential use for age- or disuse-related muscle loss.