08/29/2025
🧬 Myostatin is a natural protein that inhibits muscle growth. Several species of animals have developed inactivating mutations to the myostatin gene, including cattle, sheep, dogs, and humans. Genetically engineered animals in which the myostatin gene is knocked out have also been developed, including pigs, sheep, trout, and mice.
Drugs that target and block myostatin are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, unlike the results that occurred when myostatin was blocked from the start of development, inhibiting myostatin in adults has produced far less striking results, with 12 weeks of treatment of a myostatin blocker resulting in a 2-3 pound increase in muscle mass. Compared to testosterone therapy over 12 weeks, which can result in muscle mass gains of 12-15 pounds, myostatin inhibition results in negligible increases in muscle mass.
While myostatin inhibition in otherwise healthy individuals has resulted in a small impact on muscle size, there is still potential for the use of a myostatin inhibitor in treating moderate to severe muscle injuries. Several studies in animal models, including a study from our staff member Dr Mendias, have shown that myostatin inhibition can improve strength and recovery following major joint injuries or trauma. This is particularly important, as joint injuries can cause the muscle tissue in the area to become insensitive to testosterone signaling by downregulating the androgen receptor.
So while myostatin inhibition results in negligible changes in muscle physiology in otherwise healthy adults, the potential for the use of a myostatin inhibitor for the treatment of critical muscle and joint injuries remains exciting and highly promising.
If you have any questions about myostatin, or are suffering from a chronic muscle issue and haven't found an effective treatment solution, let’s explore the right plan to treat your condition. Call or text us at 602-606-8949 for more.
