The Aging Blueprint: Decoding Biomarkers of Bone and Muscle Health

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology and Clinical Metabolic Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 18

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
Interests: bone biology; muscle biology; tryptophan; aging; gut metabolites

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The burden of musculoskeletal decline, which includes osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and frailty, is increasing as the world's population ages. Developing predictive biomarkers and treatment strategies requires an understanding of the molecular and metabolic foundations of these disorders. The goal of this Special Issue of Metabolites is to highlight state-of-the-art studies investigating the biochemical markers that control aging-related alterations in the physiology of bones and muscles.

The discovery of circulating metabolites that correlate with muscle mass, bone mineral density, and functional performance—such as amino acids, lipid derivatives, and chemicals produced from the microbiota—has been made possible by recent developments in metabolomics. For example, β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) has demonstrated promise in modifying mitochondrial quality control in aging skeletal muscle, whereas branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine and valine have emerged as preventive factors against osteoporosis in senior populations.

Contributions that analyze the molecular mechanisms relating musculoskeletal aging to metabolic stress, inflammation, and cellular senescence are encouraged for this Special Issue. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nutrient-sensing mechanisms (such as mTOR and AMPK) are topics of interest. Particularly welcomed are studies that use transcriptomics, proteomics, and targeted or untargeted metabolomics to find new biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

This Special Issue aims to improve our knowledge of aging as a multi-organ, systemic phenomenon by combining metabolic profiling and molecular biology. The ultimate objective is to promote translational insights that can guide individualized interventions, early diagnosis, and enhanced aging-related quality of life.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Sagar Vyavahare
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • metabolomics
  • bone
  • muscle
  • aging
  • biomarker

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