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Metabolic and Molecular Aspects of Sarcopenia

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Principles of Molecular Medicine

Abstract

Sarcopenia refers to the loss of skeletal muscle protein mass and function that occurs with advancing age. Sarcopenia impairs motor function, and is associated with dysregulated substrate metabolism and reduced quality of life in the elderly. This chapter outlines several phenotypic alterations that are associated with sarcopenia, and considers several physiological processes and molecular level signaling pathways that may be dysregulated and involved in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. The pathogenesis is complex and multifactorial. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms will help identify potential therapeutic targets, and lead to better treatments for sarcopenia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO

    W. Todd Cade & Kevin E. Yarasheski

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  1. W. Todd Cade
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  2. Kevin E. Yarasheski
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology Carolina Cardiovascular Biology Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC

    Marschall S. Runge MD, PhD  & Cam Patterson MD  & 

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© 2006 Humana Press Inc.

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Cade, W.T., Yarasheski, K.E. (2006). Metabolic and Molecular Aspects of Sarcopenia. In: Runge, M.S., Patterson, C. (eds) Principles of Molecular Medicine. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-963-9_50

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-963-9_50

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-202-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-963-9

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