About this Research Topic
Sarcopenic obesity is a term referring to the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass when coupled with increased adiposity. Such parallel changes in body composition has a dramatic effect on functional and metabolic health as we age and, as a result, quality and quantity of life. Although there seems to be clear relationships with the magnitude of muscle loss and fat gain through the lifespan, the precise characterization and/or diagnosis of sarcopenic obesity is still somewhat ambiguous and debated. Studying the interplay of protein and lipid metabolism, in various models, is beginning to reveal key physiological and molecular regulatory mechanisms that may underpin and characterize sarcopenic obesity. The development of this research area will undoubtedly be at the forefront of developing effective lifestyle and/or pharmacological countermeasures to support healthy ageing for this and future generations.
The physiological mechanisms that characterize and underpin sarcopenic obesity have begun to be addressed but are yet to be fully elucidated. Human and animal models are beginning to show that lipid metabolism (in terms of lipid oversupply and storage), and associated development of insulin resistance, may be intrinsically linked to muscle protein loss. However, to date, it is difficult to pinpoint which is cause, and which is consequence, and thus further research pinpointing potential molecular mechanisms associated with sarcopenic obesity is required. Many promising data have emerged to address the role of systemic and local inflammation in this space, and we encourage further research exploring this area. Importantly, more research is needed on the most promising current and future nutritional, physical activity and pharmacological countermeasures to support healthy ageing over the coming decades.
This goal of this Research Topic is to provide a contemporary and thorough overview of this important clinical and scientific research area. We encourage Original Research, Reviews, Perspectives or Commentaries.
Welcome subtopics include (but are not limited to):
• Human/animal models investigating physiological/metabolic mechanisms associated with, or underpinning, sarcopenic obesity
• Data on or discussion of model systems (human or animal) manipulating lipid/protein metabolism, studies of older adults and/or nutritional intervention studies aimed at understanding lipid/protein metabolic interplay
• Lifestyle effects of physical (in)activity and diet on the identified mechanisms
• Discussion or presentation where a molecular perspective has been applied the problem of sarcopenic obesity
• Specific molecular targets, correlates or molecules associated with relevant metabolic pathways (e.g., lipid/protein metabolism)
• The emerging role of systemic and local inflammation in ageing and sarcopenic obesity
• Data and discussion which address the current understanding of how nutrition, exercise and pharmacological approaches can be best applied to improve sarcopenic obesity
The physiological mechanisms that characterize and underpin sarcopenic obesity have begun to be addressed but are yet to be fully elucidated. Human and animal models are beginning to show that lipid metabolism (in terms of lipid oversupply and storage), and associated development of insulin resistance, may be intrinsically linked to muscle protein loss. However, to date, it is difficult to pinpoint which is cause, and which is consequence, and thus further research pinpointing potential molecular mechanisms associated with sarcopenic obesity is required. Many promising data have emerged to address the role of systemic and local inflammation in this space, and we encourage further research exploring this area. Importantly, more research is needed on the most promising current and future nutritional, physical activity and pharmacological countermeasures to support healthy ageing over the coming decades.
This goal of this Research Topic is to provide a contemporary and thorough overview of this important clinical and scientific research area. We encourage Original Research, Reviews, Perspectives or Commentaries.
Welcome subtopics include (but are not limited to):
• Human/animal models investigating physiological/metabolic mechanisms associated with, or underpinning, sarcopenic obesity
• Data on or discussion of model systems (human or animal) manipulating lipid/protein metabolism, studies of older adults and/or nutritional intervention studies aimed at understanding lipid/protein metabolic interplay
• Lifestyle effects of physical (in)activity and diet on the identified mechanisms
• Discussion or presentation where a molecular perspective has been applied the problem of sarcopenic obesity
• Specific molecular targets, correlates or molecules associated with relevant metabolic pathways (e.g., lipid/protein metabolism)
• The emerging role of systemic and local inflammation in ageing and sarcopenic obesity
• Data and discussion which address the current understanding of how nutrition, exercise and pharmacological approaches can be best applied to improve sarcopenic obesity
Keywords: Sarcopenia, Obesity, Inflammation, Skeletal Muscle, Ageing
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