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Review
. 2024 Sep 27;16(19):3271.
doi: 10.3390/nu16193271.

Emerging Targets and Treatments for Sarcopenia: A Narrative Review

Affiliations
Review

Emerging Targets and Treatments for Sarcopenia: A Narrative Review

Stefano Cacciatore et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia is characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, significantly impacting overall health and quality of life in older adults. This narrative review explores emerging targets and potential treatments for sarcopenia, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of current and prospective interventions.

Methods: The review synthesizes current literature on sarcopenia treatment, focusing on recent advancements in muscle regeneration, mitochondrial function, nutritional strategies, and the muscle-microbiome axis. Additionally, pharmacological and lifestyle interventions targeting anabolic resistance and neuromuscular junction integrity are discussed.

Results: Resistance training and adequate protein intake remain the cornerstone of sarcopenia management. Emerging strategies include targeting muscle regeneration through myosatellite cell activation, signaling pathways, and chronic inflammation control. Gene editing, stem cell therapy, and microRNA modulation show promise in enhancing muscle repair. Addressing mitochondrial dysfunction through interventions aimed at improving biogenesis, ATP production, and reducing oxidative stress is also highlighted. Nutritional strategies such as leucine supplementation and anti-inflammatory nutrients, along with dietary modifications and probiotics targeting the muscle-microbiome interplay, are discussed as potential treatment options. Hydration and muscle-water balance are emphasized as critical in maintaining muscle health in older adults.

Conclusions: A combination of resistance training, nutrition, and emerging therapeutic interventions holds potential to significantly improve muscle function and overall health in the aging population. This review provides a detailed exploration of both established and novel approaches for the prevention and management of sarcopenia, highlighting the need for further research to optimize these strategies.

Keywords: hydration; inflammaging; mitochondrial dysfunction; muscle health; neuromuscular junction; physical performance; satellite cells.

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Conflict of interest statement

The funders had no role in the writing of the manuscript or in the decision to publish it. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Overview of emerging pathways and potential therapeutic approaches for age-related sarcopenia. Abbreviations: Ach, acetylcholine; AchE, acetylcholinesterase; Akt, protein kinase B; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor 1; mTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin; MuSK, muscle-specific kinase; NAD+, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; NMJ, neuromuscular junction; PGC-1α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase; SCFA, short-chain fatty acids.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Age-related changes in neuromuscular junction potentially contributing to sarcopenia. Abbreviations: nAchR, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; MuSK, muscle-specific kinase.

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