Adverse Skeletal Muscle Adaptations in Individuals Born Preterm-A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Developmental Biology
• Neonatology

Background:

• Infants born preterm face increased risks for lung, brain, metabolic disorders, and mortality.
• Preterm birth is linked to long-term health issues including obesity and diabetes.
• Long-term skeletal muscle health and hypertrophic potential in preterm infants are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential long-term effects of preterm birth on skeletal muscle health.
• To explore how preterm birth-associated factors may influence skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
• To identify research gaps concerning skeletal muscle development in individuals born preterm.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on preterm birth outcomes.
• Analysis of physiological pathways affecting skeletal muscle growth.
• Synthesis of evidence linking preterm birth complications to muscle anabolism and catabolism.

Main Results:

• Preterm birth is associated with increased risks for various health conditions later in life.
• Specific impacts of preterm birth on skeletal muscle hypertrophy remain largely uncharacterized.
• Potential mechanisms involve the interplay of anabolic and catabolic pathways affecting muscle growth.

Conclusions:

• Preterm birth may have significant, underrecognized consequences for lifelong skeletal muscle health.
• Further research is critical to understand and potentially mitigate the effects of preterm birth on muscle hypertrophic potential.
• Addressing these deficits could improve long-term health outcomes for individuals born prematurely.