Osteoporosis and sarcopenia: the connections

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2013 Oct:25 Suppl 1:S93-5. doi: 10.1007/s40520-013-0097-7. Epub 2013 Sep 18.

Abstract

Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders affecting older people. Osteoporosis is a widespread disorder affecting millions of individuals of all ethnic backgrounds worldwide, particularly among older women. It is characterized by reduced bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in the risk of fracture. Sarcopenia is considered to be one of the major factors responsible for functional limitations and motor dependency in elderly persons. In age-related muscle atrophy, a decrease in muscle fiber size and number, and a preferential loss of type II fibers have been reported. A decrease in the circulating levels of specific hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1) has been shown to be associated with sarcopenia and this appears to play an important role in its pathogenesis.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Estrogens / blood
  • Female
  • Frail Elderly
  • Human Growth Hormone / blood
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscles / pathology
  • Muscular Atrophy / pathology
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteoporosis / complications*
  • Quality of Life
  • Sarcopenia / complications*
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • IGF1 protein, human
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Testosterone
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I