Sarcopenia and Endocrine Ageing: Are They Related?

Abstract

Sarcopenia is an illness of the elderly defined by a widespread and gradual decline of skeletal muscle mass and function, with the possibility of negative effects such as poor physical performance, decreased quality of life, and death. Sarcopenia has complicated and multiple pathogeneses. The shift in pathways necessary for muscle regeneration, inflammatory process, and protein synthesis appears to be one of the leading causes of loss of strength and muscle due to age. Researchers have discussed the effects of hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction in this condition. Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise significantly influence body composition, physical function, and metabolic consequences. The effectiveness and tolerability of hormone replacement in treating sarcopenia will be determined through large-scale clinical trials. In this article, we present a summary of our current knowledge regarding the role of the endocrine system in sarcopenia and an overview of hormonal therapy to address endocrine abnormalities.

Keywords: exercise; hormones; igf-1; muscle loss; replacement; testosterone.

Figure 1. An integrative model showing downregulation of the physiological system in sarcopenia

VO2 max: maximum oxygen uptake; CV: cardiovascular This figure is authors' own creation

Figure 2. Relationship between hormone dysfunction and sarcopenia

This figure is the authors' own creation