Role of immunity and inflammation in sarcopenic obesity.

Yu-Cen Ma, Xiao-Ping Li, Xiao-Ye Lin, Ke-Xin Zhang, Ji-Yan Leng

Department of Cadre Ward, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.Department of Cadre Ward, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

The global aging population brings about various age-related clinical concerns, including sarcopenic obesity (SO), which poses a significant health risk for older individuals. SO is characterized by the coexistence of two phenotypes, namely, sarcopenia and obesity, and its pathogenesis is multifaceted. Current research indicates that both reduced muscle mass and excessive fat accumulation are associated with chronic low-grade inflammatory conditions. In addition, these two issues have the potential to exacerbate each other's effects. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the role of immunity and inflammation in the development of SO. Specifically, we provide a novel perspective by integrating how aging and obesity jointly contribute to SO through immune-inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, we discuss the influence of sex differences in immune responses and inflammatory processes, which may account for the variability observed in SO susceptibility and progression. Finally, we summarize current and emerging therapeutic strategies to provide potential directions for the treatment of SO.

The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.

Research summary

The paper claims that aging and obesity contribute to sarcopenic obesity through immune-inflammatory pathways. This research is relevant as it addresses the interplay between aging, inflammation, and muscle health, which are critical factors in understanding and potentially mitigating age-related decline.

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