Immune-mediated interactions between sarcopenia and atherosclerosis in aging

Abstract

Sarcopenia and atherosclerosis are prevalent age-related conditions increasingly recognized as interconnected through shared immune-mediated pathways. This review elucidates how "inflammaging" driven by dysregulated immune responses. Key age-related mechanisms include macrophage polarization imbalance, T/B cell dysregulation, and activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. These processes promote oxidative stress, insulin resistance, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates muscle and vascular decline. Emerging therapeutic strategies offering potential for dual-benefit interventions. Understanding these immune interactions provides a foundation for integrated approaches to mitigate sarcopenia and atherosclerosis in aging.

Keywords: Aging; Atherosclerosis; Comorbidities; Inflammaging; Sarcopenia.

Fig. 1

Immune crosstalk between sarcopenia and atherosclerosis in aging, mainly mediated by inflammaging, macrophage and T cell, driving mutual decline via NLRP3, NF-κB, oxidative stress pathways