Aim: To discuss the progress of extracellular matrix (ECM) characteristics, mitochondrial homeostasis, and their potential crosstalk in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia, a geriatric syndrome characterized by a generalized and progressive reduction in muscle mass, strength, and physical performance.Methods: This review focuses on the anatomy and physiology of skeletal muscle, alterations of ECM and mitochondria during ageing, and the role of the interplay between ECM and mitochondria in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia.Results: Emerging evidence points to a clear interplay between mitochondria and ECM in various tissues and organs. Under the ageing process, the ECM undergoes changes in composition and physical properties that may mediate mitochondrial changes via the systematic metabolism, ROS, SPARC pathway, and AMPK/PGC-1α signalling, which in turn exacerbate muscle degeneration. However, the precise effects of such crosstalk on the pathobiology of ageing, particularly in skeletal muscle, have not yet been fully understood.Conclusion: The changes in skeletal muscle ECM and mitochondria are partially responsible for the worsened muscle function during the ageing process. A deeper understanding of their alterations and interactions in sarcopenic patients can help prevent sarcopenia and improve its prognoses.
Keywords: Ageing; extracellular matrix; mitochondria; reactive oxygen species; sarcopenia.
Sarcopenia is a senile syndrome featured by a progressive and generalized decline of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. Given the complexity and importance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mitochondria of skeletal muscle, we, in this review, summarized current progress in the alterations of ECM properties and mitochondrial homeostasis in aged skeletal muscle, and have found several potential links between them. And we believe that this work could provide new insight into the prevention and treatment of age-related sarcopenia.