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

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.