Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning Sarcopenic Obesity

Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning Sarcopenic Obesity

The coexistence of obesity and sarcopenia results in sarcopenic obesity, a high-risk geriatric condition associated with metabolic perturbations and several co-morbidities. Despite the rising numbers of older adults diagnosed with sarcopenic obesity, few studies have characterized this condition on the muscle cell and systemic level. This study sought to comprehensively assess the influence of sarcopenic obesity on muscle and blood-related parameters and compare it to non-sarocopenic obese and non-sarcopenic lean older adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Body fat % in accordance with previously defined criteria
• Free of smoking (since 10 years)
• Able to walk without assistance
• Able to perform bilateral leg extension exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of or present disease of myocardial, vascular, endocrine, hepatic, renal, pulmonary or neuromuscular origin
• Uncontrolled hypo/hypertension
• Use of anticoagulants (Warfarin, Trombyl)
• Use of metformin or other anti-diabetic medications
• Poor appetite and unexplained weight loss (4,5 kg) over the past 6 months
• Active malignancy
• Present infection
• Dementia or delirium
• Other conditions that may interfere with the study protocol in the opinion of the PI