A Comprehensive Review of Essential Aspects of Molecular Pathophysiological Mechanisms with Emerging Interventions for Sarcopenia in Older People

Abstract

Background: As people age, physical impairments may have a deleterious role in skeletal muscles. Sarcopenia Clinical Practice Guidelines 2017 and the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in older people are two organizations that have published essential guidelines on the definition of “sarcopenia". Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome, characterized by skeletal muscle mass degeneration brought on by ageing, which lowers muscular function and quality. Moreover, sarcopenia can be classified as primary or age-associated sarcopenia and secondary sarcopenia. Also, secondary sarcopenia occurs when other diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, cirrhosis, myocardial failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and inflammatory bowel disease also contribute to muscle loss. Furthermore, sarcopenia is linked with a high risk of negative outcomes, considering a gradual reduction in physical mobility, poor balance, and increased fracture risks which ultimately leads to poor quality of life. Objective: In this comprehensive review, we have elaborated on the pathophysiology, and various signaling pathways linked with sarcopenia. Also, discussed are the preclinical models and current interventional therapeutics to treat muscle wasting in older patients. Conclusion: In a nutshell, a comprehensive description of the pathophysiology, mechanisms, animal models, and interventions of sarcopenia. We also shed light on pharmacotherapeutics present in clinical trials which are being developed as potential therapeutic options for wasting diseases. Thus, this review could fill in the knowledge gaps regarding sarcopenia-related muscle loss and muscle quality for both researchers and clinicians.