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KMID : 0948920080070010001
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Clinical Pain
2008 Volume.7 No. 1 p.1 ~ p.6
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Pathophysiology and Interventions of Sarcopenia
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Choi Eun-Seok
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Abstract
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Aging has been associated with a loss of muscle mass that is referred to as ’sarcopenia’. This decrease in muscle mass and strength with aging contributes to the high incidence of accidental falls observed among the elderly and compromises the quality of life. Moreover, the degree of sarcopenia in those population was found to be a significant prognostic factor for mortality. Among the typical clinical features of loss of muscle mass, strength and endurance, loss of muscle fiber number, particularly with type II fiber atrophy, is the principal cause of sarcopenia. Several physiological mechanisms have been suggested in the development of sarcopenia. Denervation with aging results in the loss of motor units and thus, muscle fibers. A decrease in the production of anabolic hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone impairs the capacity of skeletal muscle to synthesis proteins. Chronic inflammatory conditions common in the elderly with an increase in the release of catabolic agents, specifically interleukin-6, amplifies the rate of muscle wasting. Sarcopenia as well as frailty in the elderly are not inevitable parts of aging. These conditions can at least be postponed, and at best prevented. Resistive exercise should be included in interventional strategies for sarcopenia. Hormonal replacement therapy and nutritional supplementation are also possible options despite some controversies.
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KEYWORD
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Sarcopenia, Aging anorexia, Intervention, Resistive exercise, Hormonal replacement
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