Sarcopenia and the biological determinants of aging: A narrative review from a geroscience perspective

Abstract

Background: The physiopathology of sarcopenia shares common biological cascades with the aging process, as does any other age-related condition. However, our understanding of the interconnected pathways between diagnosed sarcopenia and aging remains limited, lacking sufficient scientific evidence.

Methods: This narrative review aims to gather and describe the current evidence on the relationship between biological aging determinants, commonly referred to as the hallmarks of aging, and diagnosed sarcopenia in humans.

Results: Among the twelve hallmarks of aging studied, there appears to be a substantial association between sarcopenia and mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic alterations, deregulated nutrient sensing, and altered intercellular communication. Although limited, preliminary evidence suggests a promising association between sarcopenia and genomic instability or stem cell exhaustion.

Discussion: Overall, an imbalance in energy regulation, characterized by impaired mitochondrial energy production and alterations in circulatory markers, is commonly associated with sarcopenia and may reflect the interplay between aging physiology and sarcopenia biology.

Keywords: Age-related diseases; Geroscience; Hallmarks of aging; Sarcopenia.