Molecular mechanisms underlying sarcopenia in heart failure

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiology
• Muscle Physiology

Background:

• Sarcopenia, an aging-associated skeletal muscle disorder, disproportionately affects heart failure (HF) patients.
• HF patients with sarcopenia exhibit poorer clinical outcomes than the general HF population.
• The prevalence of sarcopenia in HF is projected to increase with global population aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the increased prevalence of sarcopenia in HF patients.
• To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting molecular signals involved in sarcopenia and HF.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current research on the molecular pathways connecting sarcopenia and HF.
• It examines emerging evidence on the pathophysiology of muscle loss in the context of cardiac dysfunction.

Main Results:

• Multiple mechanistic pathways contribute to the high prevalence of sarcopenia in HF.
• These pathways involve complex interactions between cardiac dysfunction and skeletal muscle molecular signaling.
• Understanding these molecular signals is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Conclusions:

• Novel treatment strategies are urgently needed to improve outcomes for HF patients with sarcopenia.
• Targeting specific molecular mechanisms offers a promising avenue for preventing or treating muscle loss in this cohort.
• Further research into the molecular links between HF and sarcopenia is warranted.