Sarcopenia

Neuromuscular Research Group

Neuromuscular Research Group

We study muscle homeostasis and regeneration under normal and pathologic conditions. The main goal of our project is to define the tissue signals and to characterize the molecular mechanisms of muscle wasting. Although considerable information has accumulated regarding the physiopathology of muscle diseases, the associated molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood.

Sarcopenia and cardiovascular risk indices in patients with chronic kidney disease on conservative and replacement therapy

Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition with high cardiovascular mortality associated with emerging risk factors, including sarcopenia. Several mechanisms can affect muscle mass, such as vitamin D deficiency, low protein intake, physical inactivity, metabolic acidosis, and inflammation leading to a worsening of cardiovascular outcomes and cognitive function.

A call to action: Now is the time to screen elderly and treat osteosarcopenia, a position paper of the italian college of academic nutritionists med/49 (ican-49)

Aging is a risk factor for the development of multiple chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Life expectancy has increased in certain countries but this phenomenon is associated with a reduction of years of healthy life. Aging is associated with a number of physical and functional changes, especially sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is a clinical condition associated with a decrease in skeletal muscle and muscle strength, however, sarcopenia is a reversible condition.

Lean body mass wasting and toxicity in early breast cancer patients receiving anthracyclines

Background: Sarcopenia refers to the reduction of both volume and number of skeletal muscle fibers. Lean body mass loss is associated with survival, quality of life and tolerance to treatment in cancer patients. The aim of our study is to analyse the association between toxicities and sarcopenia in early breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant treatment. Materials and Methods: Breast cancer patients who have received anthracyclinebased adjuvant treatment were retrospectively enrolled.

A distinct pattern of circulating amino acids characterizes older persons with physical frailty and sarcopenia: results from the BIOSPHERE study

Physical frailty and sarcopenia (PF&S) are hallmarks of aging that share a common pathogenic background. Perturbations in protein/amino acid metabolism may play a role in the development of PF&S. In this initial report, 68 community-dwellers aged 70 years and older, 38 with PF&S and 30 non-sarcopenic, non-frail controls (nonPF&S), were enrolled as part as the "BIOmarkers associated with Sarcopenia and Physical frailty in EldeRly pErsons" (BIOSPHERE) study. A panel of 37 serum amino acids and derivatives was assayed by UPLC-MS.

The “Metabolic biomarkers of frailty in older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus” (MetaboFrail) study. Rationale, design and methods

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a leading cause of disability globally. Frailty is a high-impact geriatric condition that increases the risk of negative health outcomes and imposes remarkable health and social burden. Both frailty and T2DM show multifaceted pathophysiology, phenotypic heterogeneity, and fluctuating manifestations that challenge their management, especially when the two conditions co-occur.

Sufficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and protein intake required to increase muscle mass in sarcopenic older adults - The PROVIDE study

BACKGROUND:
Inadequate nutritional intake and altered response of aging muscles to anabolic stimuli from nutrients contribute to the development of sarcopenia. Nutritional interventions show inconsistent results in sarcopenic older adults, which might be influenced by their basal nutritional status.
OBJECTIVE:
To test if baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and dietary protein intake influenced changes in muscle mass and function in older adults who received nutritional intervention.
METHODS AND DESIGN:

Critical appraisal of definitions and diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity based on a systematic review

Sarcopenic obesity is a clinical and functional condition characterized by the coexistence of excess fat mass and sarcopenia. Currently, different definitions of sarcopenic obesity exist and its diagnostic criteria and cut-offs are not universally established. Therefore, the prevalence and sensitivity of this condition for any disease risk prediction is affected significantly.

Safety and tolerability of 6-month supplementation with a vitamin D, calcium and leucine-enriched whey protein medical nutrition drink in sarcopenic older adults

Aims: Safety and tolerability of prolonged supplementation with a vitamin D, calcium and leucine-enriched whey protein medical nutrition drink (WP-MND) was evaluated in sarcopenic older adults. Methods: A 13-week double-blinded, randomized, isocaloric placebo-controlled trial (PROVIDE study; n = 380) was extended with a voluntary 13-week open-label extension (OLE). OLE participants were randomized to receive daily 1 or 2 servings of WP-MND (21 g protein, 3 g leucine, 10 µg vitD and 500 mg calcium per serving).

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