Biomarkers of Sarcopenia: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Sarcopenia is an age-related skeletal muscle disorder characterized by progressive declines in muscle mass, strength, and physical function, which profoundly impair quality of life in older adults. Although current clinical guidelines propose various diagnostic approaches and cutoff values, considerable heterogeneity among criteria and assessment tools continues to pose challenges for the accurate and early diagnosis of sarcopenia. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have identified potential biomarkers associated with sarcopenia, which can be broadly classified into biochemical, imaging-based, and physical performance-related categories. The identification of these biomarkers has improved diagnostic accuracy, provided additional means for monitoring disease progression, and opened new avenues for therapeutic intervention. This narrative review aims to summarize currently established and emerging biomarkers related to sarcopenia, with a particular focus on their biological relevance, clinical applicability, and limitations. Furthermore, potential directions for future research are discussed to facilitate the development of integrated, multimodal biomarker strategies for the early detection, risk stratification, and personalized management of sarcopenia.