Muscle homing peptide modified liposomes loaded with EGCG improved skeletal muscle dysfunction by inhibiting inflammation in aging mice

Skeletal muscle aging frequently leads to a reduction in muscle mass and strength, significantly compromising the quality of life in elderly individuals. Skeletal muscle dysfunction during aging is widely recognized to be closely linked to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this study, we confirmed the successful synthesis of M12 (muscle homing peptide)-modified EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) liposomes and validated their specific targeting to skeletal muscle through immunofluorescence analysis and in vivo imaging in small animal models. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that M12EGLP effectively suppressed the expression of inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and restoring mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle. These effects ultimately contributed to the improvement of skeletal muscle dysfunction in aging mice. We have developed M12-modified EGCG liposomes (M12EGLP), a targeted drug delivery system capable of specifically accumulating in skeletal muscle, thereby enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic potential of EGCG. M12EGLP enhances the exercise capacity of aging mice by reducing skeletal muscle inflammation, which subsequently alleviates oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial function. Therefore, as a novel and targeted drug delivery system, M12EGLP may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for the clinical management of age-related skeletal muscle dysfunction.