The mechanical stimulation of myotubes counteracts the effects of tumor-derived factors through the modulation of the activin/follistatin ratio
Activin negatively affects muscle fibers and progenitor cells in aging (sarcopenia) and in chronic diseases characterized by severe muscle wasting (cachexia). High circulating activin levels predict poor survival in cancer patients. However, the relative impact of activin in mediating muscle atrophy and hampered homeostasis is still unknown.