Body Composition, Sarcopenia, and Serum Myokines in Acromegaly: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Patients with active acromegaly have a higher percentage of lean body mass, a lower percentage of fat body mass, and an increase in their extracellular water compartment compared to healthy individuals. However, muscle function appears to be compromised in patients with acromegaly, with some experiencing worsened physical performance and sarcopenia. Myokine alterations, insulin resistance, dysregulation of protein metabolism, muscle oxidative stress, neuromuscular junction impairment, and increased ectopic intramuscular fat deposits may play roles in muscle dysfunction in patients with acromegaly.

Keywords: Acromegaly; Body composition; Myokines; Sarcopenia.

Fig. 1

Flow chart of literature search. ^a)Ultrasonography, total body potassium, or total body water.

Fig. 2

Body composition alterations and possible mechanisms for muscle impairment in patients with acromegaly. ^a)Measured through multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry or magnetic resonance imaging. ^b)Trans-sphenoidal surgery or octreotide. GH, growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor 1.