Abstract
During aging and menopausal transition in women, a progressive muscle degeneration (i.e. decrease in quality and muscle function) occurs. This muscle dysfunction, caused by decreased proliferation of muscle satellite cells, increased levels of inflammatory markers, and altered levels of sex hormones, exposes women to a raised incidence of sarcopenia. In this regard, hormonal balance and, in particular, estradiol, seems to be essential in skeletal muscle function. The role of the estradiol on satellite cells and the release of inflammatory cytokines in menopausal women are reviewed. In particular, estradiol has a beneficial effect on the skeletal muscle by stimulating satellite cell proliferation. Skeletal muscle can respond to estrogenic hormonal control due to the presence of specific receptors for estradiol at the level of muscle fibers. Additionally, estradiol can limit inflammatory stress damage on skeletal muscle. In this review, we primarily focused on the role of estradiol in sarcopenia and on the possibility of using Estradiol Replacement Therapy, which combined with nutritional and physical activity programs, can counteract this condition representing a valid tool to treat sarcopenia in women.
Highlights
INTRODUCTIONSarcopenia is a typical condition of the aging processes that is characterized by decline in muscle mass and quality [1]
We primarily focused on the role of estradiol in sarcopenia and on the possibility of using Estradiol Replacement Therapy, which combined with nutritional and physical activity programs, can counteract this condition representing a valid tool to treat sarcopenia in women
Sarcopenia is a typical condition of the aging processes that is characterized by decline in muscle mass and quality [1]
Summary
Sarcopenia is a typical condition of the aging processes that is characterized by decline in muscle mass and quality [1]. The incidence of some common geriatric syndromes is sex-specific and, in particular, the onset of sarcopenia in women seems to be intimately linked to menopause [3]. One of the most striking phenomena marking women’s aging process is menopause, which brings about hormonal changes [4, 5] and, in particular, estradiol levels. Estradiol is the most potent estrogen hormone. It regulates the menstrual cycle and is responsible for the development and maintenance of female sexual characteristics. The skeletal muscle possesses specific estradiol receptors at the fiber levels. Estradiol can promote muscle regeneration stimulating the proliferative activity of muscle satellite cells and contributing to muscle health [6, 7]
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