The relationships between sarcopenic skeletal muscle loss during ageing and macronutrient metabolism, obesity and onset of diabetes

Abstract

Skeletal muscle is integral to the metabolism and utilisation of macronutrients; however, substantial muscle loss and morphological changes occur with ageing. These are associated with loss of muscle function and accelerate rapidly from the age of 60 years, leading to the conditions of sarcopenia and frailty. As the relationship between muscle ageing and macronutrient metabolism and utilisation has seen limited research to date, this review focuses on the interactions between skeletal muscle changes during ageing, metabolism and utilisation of fat, carbohydrates and overall energy expenditure.Skeletal muscle contributes less to resting energy expenditure during ageing, potentially contributing to onset of obesity from middle age. Age-related changes to skeletal muscle lead to glucose dysregulation, with consequent reduction in glycaemic control, increased insulin resistance and ultimately onset of type-2 diabetes. Recent studies indicate that high total fat and SFA intake are detrimental to skeletal muscle, while higher intakes of PUFA are protective. Age-associated changes in skeletal muscle may also reduce total fatty acid utilisation.In conclusion, further research is needed to understand the relationships between macronutrient metabolism and utilisation and age-related changes to skeletal muscle. No dietary recommendations exist specifically for skeletal muscle health during ageing, but we advise individuals to follow healthy eating guidelines, by consuming sufficient protein, fruit and vegetables, and limited SFA and to maintain physically active lifestyles. Clinicians responsible for managing type-2 diabetes need to be aware of growing evidence relating age-related skeletal muscle changes to diabetes onset and progression.

Apitherapy for Age-Related Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction (Sarcopenia): A Review on the Effects of Royal Jelly, Propolis, and Bee Pollen

“…One of the major pathologies underlying age-related skeletal muscle failure is insulin resistance, which alters glucose metabolism [ 3 , 4 , 21 , 118 , 130 , 164 ]. Numerous studies signify that bee products may protect against muscle wasting by correcting metabolic dysregulations in skeletal muscle via activation of some of the key nutrient sensing molecules [ 69 , 96 , 100 , 106 , 109 , 111 ].…”

“…Neuronal denervation is a key factor that contributes to skeletal muscle loss, and it is related to a plethora of pathological conditions [ 3 , 149 ]. Experimental induction of oxidative stress and inflammation results in skeletal muscle atrophy through induction of denervation e.g., of sciatic nerve [ 150 ].…”

“…Loss of lean body mass is a direct effect of the inflammatory and oxidative conditions that develop with aging [ 1 , 2 ]—described as inflammaging. Both inflammatory mediators and free radicals, which are highly expressed in older seniors and in patients with chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cause remarkable shrinkage of fast-twitch type II fibers promoting their transformation into the slow-twitch type I fibers [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

Psychological Climacteric Symptoms and Attitudes toward Menopause among Emirati Women

“…Weight status is a key effector of menopausal and mood symptoms in peri-and postmenopausal women [27,30]. Aging is associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which promote the buildup of saturated ceramide and diacylglycerol fatty acids resulting in increased total body fat and visceral adipose tissue [31,32]. Emotional distress associated with menopausal symptoms boosts the production of cytokines and free radicals resulting in more fat deposition/obesity [27].…”

Lower Dietary and Circulating Vitamin C in Middle- and Older-Aged Men and Women Are Associated with Lower Estimated Skeletal Muscle Mass

“…Sarcopenia is characterized by a progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength ( 1 – 4 ). Increasing age is a well-recognized risk factor for sarcopenia such that worldwide the condition affects >50 million people over the age of 50 y ( 2 , 3 ).…”