Abstract
Sarcopenia is a chronic disease characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, force, and function during aging. It is an emerging public problem associated with poor quality of life, disability, frailty, and high mortality. A decline in mitochondria quality control pathways constitutes a major mechanism driving aging sarcopenia, causing abnormal organelle accumulation over a lifetime. The resulting mitochondrial dysfunction in sarcopenic muscles feedbacks systemically by releasing the myomitokines fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), influencing the whole-body homeostasis and dictating healthy or unhealthy aging. This review describes the principal pathways controlling mitochondrial quality, many of which are potential therapeutic targets against muscle aging, and the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and the myomitokines FGF21 and GDF15 in the pathogenesis of aging sarcopenia.
Highlights
Introduction to SarcopeniaImplications for Skeletal Muscle AgingCitation: Romanello, V
This review describes the principal pathways controlling mitochondrial quality, many of which are potential therapeutic targets against muscle aging, and the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and the myomitokines fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in the pathogenesis of aging sarcopenia
The maintenance of a functional mitochondrial network is critical for preserving skeletal muscle homeostasis throughout the lifespan
Summary
Sarcopenia is an age-related skeletal muscle disease recognized by the World Health Organization with an International Classification of Diseases 10 code [3] It is defined as a progressive and generalized decline in muscle mass and force. The plastic nature of skeletal muscle converges on the capacity of the mitochondrial network morphology, arrangement, and connectivity to adapt to each fiber type’s specific functional needs. In muscle the preservation of the mitochondrial network integrity relies on the coordination of mitochondria quality control systems, which are activated, according to the degree of mitochondrial damage, ranging from a local repair to a dysfunctional organelle’s whole degradation [26]. Alterations in mitochondrial content, morphology, and function are closely associated with muscle loss in sarcopenia and several age-related pathological conditions [26]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
