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RESEARCH PAPER / 2026-01-17

The Important Role of Fatty Infiltration of Skeletal Muscle in Aging: Skeletal Muscle Function, Pathological Mechanisms and Intervention.

Mei Yang, Fangli Zhou, Cui Wang, Ting Sun, Wanyu Zhao, Lu Liu, Yang Meng, Li Tian

Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. · pubmed

Abstract

This review explores the various biological changes that occur during the aging process, elucidating the fundamental pathological mechanisms leading to a decline in muscle integrity and functionality. A primary focus of the review is the occurrence of fat infiltration within skeletal muscle, a phenomenon that becomes increasingly prevalent with advancing age. The study assesses the implications of fat infiltration on skeletal muscle performance, along with the regulatory signaling mechanisms potentially influenced by fat accumulation. Furthermore, it addresses a variety of intervention strategies aimed at alleviating these age-related changes, including nutritional supplements, exercise regimens, and pharmacological treatments. By integrating current findings in the field and addressing existing challenges, this review aims to conduct an in-depth exploration of the intricate connection between aging and skeletal muscle health, with the goal of guiding future research and clinical practices to improve the quality of life for older adults.

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

Fatty infiltration of skeletal muscle negatively impacts muscle function in aging, and interventions may mitigate these effects. The paper is relevant as it addresses the underlying biological changes associated with aging and explores potential interventions to improve skeletal muscle health, which is crucial for enhancing the quality of life in older adults.

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