Unravelling the complexity of sarcopenia through a systems biology approach

Abstract

Sarcopenia, a significant loss of muscle mass and strength, is an important healthcare problem in the geriatric population. While age-related muscle decline represents the most common form, sarcopenia may also develop as a secondary condition associated with chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and autoimmune disorders. It increases frailty, disability, and fall risk among the elderly while also raising hospitalization rates and associated healthcare costs. Although no pharmaceutical agents have been specifically approved for the treatment of sarcopenia to date, elucidating its underlying molecular mechanisms of sarcopenia through systems biology approaches is essential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and preventive interventions. This review examines the current definitions of sarcopenia, recent advancements in its management, and the emerging role of systems biology in uncovering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We discuss how these approaches may contribute to the development of novel interventions aimed at enhancing muscle health and improving the quality of life in older adults and provide a summary of the current progress achieved through systems biology methodologies in sarcopenia research.