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Muscle tissue changes with aging
Elena Volpi1, Reza Nazemi, Satoshi Fujita
1Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA. volpi@usc.edu
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|June 12, 2004
Summary
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle, can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. Exercise and nutrition are key interventions to improve muscle mass and function in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Muscle Physiology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Sarcopenia is characterized by the involuntary loss of muscle mass, strength, and function with aging.
- Metabolic alterations are central to sarcopenia's development and progression.
- Age-related endocrine changes, nutritional status, and physical inactivity contribute to sarcopenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review age-related changes in muscle, focusing on sarcopenia.
- To emphasize metabolic alterations and treatable causes of sarcopenia.
- To explore potential interventions for preventing and treating sarcopenia.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on sarcopenia.
- Analysis of metabolic, endocrine, nutritional, and physical activity factors.
- Evaluation of treatment strategies including pharmacological and lifestyle interventions.
Main Results:
- Insulin resistance may play a role in sarcopenia development.
- Androgens and growth hormone show potential in treating sarcopenia.
- Exercise (resistance and aerobic) and nutritional interventions can improve muscle mass and function.
Conclusions:
- Sarcopenia is a multifactorial condition leading to impaired physical function and disability.
- Lifestyle interventions and pharmacological treatments offer potential for prevention and management.
- Further research is needed to determine optimal intervention strategies for older adults.