Sarcopenic Obesity: Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Beneficial Role of Antioxidant Flavonoids

Abstract

Sarcopenic obesity, which refers to concurrent sarcopenia and obesity, is characterized by decreased muscle mass, strength, and performance along with abnormally excessive fat mass. Sarcopenic obesity has received considerable attention as a major health threat in older people. However, it has recently become a health problem in the general population. Sarcopenic obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome and other complications such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, liver disease, lung disease, renal disease, mental disease and functional disability. The pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity is multifactorial and complicated, and it is caused by insulin resistance, inflammation, hormonal changes, decreased physical activity, poor diet and aging. Oxidative stress is a core mechanism underlying sarcopenic obesity. Some evidence indicates a protective role of antioxidant flavonoids in sarcopenic obesity, although the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This review summarizes the general characteristics and pathophysiology of sarcopenic obesity and focuses on the role of oxidative stress in sarcopenic obesity. The potential benefits of flavonoids in sarcopenic obesity have also been discussed.

Personalized Nutritional Strategies to Reduce Knee Osteoarthritis Severity and Ameliorate Sarcopenic Obesity Indices: A Practical Guide in an Orthopedic Setting

“…Recently, oxidative stress has been suggested as playing a role in the physiopathology of OA and SO [ 67 , 68 ]. For this reason, the use of antioxidant supplementation has been proposed as a potential strategy to prevent and slow the progression and treat both clinical conditions (i.e., KOA and SO) [ 69 ].…”

“…On the other hand, the onset and progression of SO are related to oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance. Recent evidence suggests that flavonoids as antioxidants may be effective in preventing and treating SO due to their ability to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction [ 69 ]. However, very few clinical trials in humans have investigated the effectiveness of flavonoids in SO.…”

Effects of Physical Activity Program on Body Composition, Physical Performance, and Neuromuscular Strategies during Walking in Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Changing the body composition of individuals with SO presents significant challenges and complexities. It has been observed that individuals with SO may exhibit a blunted response to exercise, which can be attributed to poor insulin sensitivity [ 62 , 63 ]. Poor insulin sensitivity is known to impair muscle protein breakdown and hinder muscle protein synthesis [ 64 ].…”

Longitudinal association between possible sarcopenic obesity and depression among the middle-aged and the elderly: The evidence from CHARLS

“…Among the elderly, SO is primarily in uenced by ageing. In younger populations, it could be more signi cantly in uenced by factors linked to depression, including chronic in ammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, decreased physical activity or endocrine factors [25], as opposed to ageing. Simultaneously, younger individuals with SO were more prone to chronic metabolic diseases.…”