Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation in Sarcopenia: Diagnosis and Therapeutic Update

Abstract

Sarcopenia is generally an age-related condition that directly impacts the quality of life. It is also related to chronic diseases such as metabolic dysfunction associated with diabetes and obesity. This means that everyone will be vulnerable to sarcopenia at some point in their life. Research to find the precise molecular mechanisms implicated in this condition can increase knowledge for the better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sarcopenia. Our work gathered the most recent research regarding inflammation in sarcopenia and new therapeutic agents proposed to target its consequences in pyroptosis and cellular senescence. Finally, we compared dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US) as imaging techniques to diagnose and follow up on sarcopenia, indicating their respective advantages and disadvantages. Our goal is for the scientific evidence presented here to help guide future research to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in sarcopenia, new treatment strategies, and their translation into clinical practice.

Keywords: aging; imaging; inflammaging; muscle; pyroptosis; sarcopenia.

Figure 1

Illustration of factors involved in primary and secondary sarcopenia. New potential agents to treat sarcopenia as well as novel therapeutical approaches which are shown in green color. Created with BioRender.com, accessed on 30 May 2022.