Search Results (1,071)

Background: Dynapenia refers to the age-related decline in muscle strength that occurs even when muscle mass is preserved. It has become an important issue in older adults because reduced strength is strongly linked to many negative health outcomes. When dynapenia occurs together with obesity—referred to as dynapenic obesity or dynapenic abdominal obesity—the risks, including mortality, falls, and the development of multiple chronic conditions, appear to increase even further. This umbrella review aimed to bring together and summarize existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses that examined how dynapenia and its obesity-related subtypes are associated with mortality, falls, and multimorbidity among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 and JBI guidelines, six major databases and search engines (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, and Airiti Library) were searched from their inception to October 2025. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses involving adults aged 60 years and older and reporting quantitative results on the relationships between dynapenia-related conditions and adverse health outcomes were included. The methodological quality of each review was evaluated using AMSTAR 2, and the certainty of evidence was assessed with the GRADE approach. This umbrella review followed the PRIOR framework and was reported according to PRISMA 2020. The protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD 42023415232). Results: A total of four systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included, covering more than 73,000 community-dwelling older adults. The pooled data showed that dynapenic obesity significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality, with hazard ratios ranging from 1.50 (95% CI 1.14–1.96) to 1.73 (95% CI 1.38–2.16). Dynapenic abdominal obesity was also strongly linked to falls, with pooled estimates ranging from HR = 1.82 (95% CI 1.04–3.17) to RR = 6.91 (95% CI 5.42–8.80). For multimorbidity, older adults with dynapenia had 1.38 times higher odds of having two or more chronic diseases than those without dynapenia (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.10–1.72). Based on the GRADE evaluation, the certainty of evidence was moderate for mortality and falls and low for multimorbidity. Conclusions: Overall, the findings indicate that dynapenia and its obesity-related forms meaningfully increase the risks of mortality, falls, and multimorbidity among community-dwelling older adults. Importantly, these results position dynapenia not merely as a musculoskeletal condition, but as a clinically relevant marker of aging-related vulnerability. This underscores the need for early screening of muscle strength alongside obesity-related indicators, as well as the development of integrated preventive strategies that combine strength-oriented interventions with obesity management in older populations. Full article

Background: Protein–energy wasting (PEW) is a major predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), even before the initiation of dialysis. Its multifactorial pathogenesis includes reduced dietary intake, chronic inflammation, metabolic acidosis, hormonal disturbances, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Early recognition and targeted management are crucial for preventing muscle loss, functional decline, and adverse outcomes. Methods: This narrative review summarises and integrates current evidence from the literature on nutritional and metabolic interventions to prevent and treat protein–energy wasting in patients with nondialysis chronic kidney disease. Relevant clinical trials, meta-analyses, and experimental studies published up to date were evaluated, focusing on dietary strategies, metabolic modulation, physical exercise, and gut microbiome-targeted therapies. Results: Adequate energy and protein intake remain the cornerstone of PEW management, based on available clinical and observational evidence. Individualised diets emphasising high-quality and plant-based proteins, oral nutritional supplements, and ketoanalogues can attenuate muscle wasting. Correction of metabolic acidosis and inflammation enhances protein anabolism and nitrogen balance. Physical exercise acts synergistically with dietary interventions to preserve muscle mass and function. Novel approaches—such as modulating the gut–kidney axis with pre-, pro-, and postbiotics or supplementing with short-chain fatty acids—show promise in improving metabolic and inflammatory profiles. Conclusions: The management of PEW in nondialysis CKD requires a personalised approach that integrates nutrition, physical activity, metabolic correction and microbiome modulation. Early, coordinated intervention may help to slow the progression of CKD and improve patient survival and quality of life. Full article

Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by skeletal muscle loss concurrent with adipose tissue accumulation, has emerged as a global health threat. Exercise is established as an effective intervention; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its protective effects remain incompletely defined. This study investigated whether exercise mitigates high-fat diet (HFD)-induced sarcopenic obesity, and whether the mechanism was related to the activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Acetyl-CoA carboxylase pathway (ACC) pathway and the inhibition of ferroptosis. Cell experiments demonstrated that palmitic acid induced ferroptosis in C2C12 mouse myoblasts. Animal experiments confirmed that HFD promoted skeletal muscle ferroptosis in C57BL/6 mice, evidenced by iron metabolism imbalance (solute carrier family 39 member14 upregulation, ferroportin downregulation), impaired antioxidant capacity (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase 4), and elevated lipid peroxidation (increased malondialdehyde). Meanwhile, both flat treadmill running and uphill treadmill running may reverse these changes by activating AMPK/ACC phosphorylation, reducing non-transferrin iron uptake, enhancing iron export and storage, and improving antioxidant status, jointly inhibiting ferroptosis and attenuating muscle mass loss and lipid deposition. These findings confirm that ferroptosis acts as one of the key pathogenic drivers in sarcopenic obesity and suggests that exercise may improve sarcopenic obesity by activating the AMPK/ACC pathway and inhibiting ferroptosis. This study provides novel mechanistic insights into exercise-mediated regulation of iron-lipid metabolism crosstalk and informs targeted interventions for sarcopenic obesity. Full article

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening cardiopulmonary condition that frequently requires hospitalization and is often accompanied by reduced mobility, systemic inflammation, and nutritional impairment. These factors may contribute to the development or worsening of sarcopenia, a condition associated with adverse outcomes in hospitalized patients. However, its clinical relevance in patients with PE has not been sufficiently explored. This longitudinal observational cohort study evaluated the association between sarcopenia and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with confirmed PE. Participants were classified according to the presence of sarcopenia based on muscle mass and muscle strength criteria. Symptom severity, functional status, and health-related quality of life were assessed at hospital admission, at discharge, and three months after discharge. A total of 162 patients were included. Patients with sarcopenia exhibited a greater symptom burden, poorer functional status, and worse self-perceived health compared with non-sarcopenic patients. At discharge, sarcopenic patients reported higher levels of dyspnea and fatigue, poorer health-related quality of life, and experienced longer hospital stays. At the three-month follow-up, these patients continued to show significantly worse symptoms, reduced functionality, and lower quality of life. Sarcopenia was therefore associated with a persistently worse clinical and functional profile in patients hospitalized for PE. Early identification of sarcopenia may help identify patients at higher risk of poor recovery and support the implementation of targeted interventions aimed at improving functional outcomes and quality of life. Full article

Background: Although Capacitive–Resistive Electric Transfer (TECAR) and vibration therapy (VT) are increasingly used in sports recovery, their effects on muscle oxygenation remain unclear. Objectives: This study compared the short-term influence of TECAR and VT on muscle oxygenation following eccentric exercise in young, active adults. We hypothesized that both interventions would support early metabolic recovery, as reflected by changes in muscle oxygenation, and potentially reduce the risk of musculoskeletal overuse. Methods: Forty-one young, recreationally active adults (age: 19 ± 2 years; height: 168 ± 9 cm; body mass: 63 ± 13 kg) were randomized into two groups: TECAR therapy and VT. Muscle oxygenation was assessed at baseline, post-exercise, and post-intervention using the arterial occlusion method with a MOXY muscle oxygenation monitor (Fortiori Design LLC, USA). The primary variables were mVO₂ (muscle oxygen consumption), ΔSmO₂ (change in oxygen saturation during occlusion), and ΔtHb (change in hemoglobin level during occlusion). Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc Tukey tests, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Eccentric exercise significantly reduced mVO₂ in both groups (VT: −0.18 ± 0.40 to −1.62 ± 0.70; TECAR: −0.12 ± 0.40 to −1.24 ± 0.70), indicating decreased metabolic demand. Following recovery, mVO₂ increased in both groups (VT: −0.86 ± 0.50; TECAR: −0.35 ± 0.40), with no significant between-group differences (p > 0.05). ΔSmO₂ also decreased after exercise (VT: −0.7 ± 0.4 to −3.2 ± 0.9; TECAR: −0.9 ± 0.6 to −3.45 ± 0.7). After recovery, ΔSmO₂ partially returned to baseline (VT: −2.6 ± 0.8; TECAR: −1.35 ± 0.4), with no significant between-group differences. ΔtHb increased following exercise in both groups (VT: 0.03 ± 0.04 to 0.13 ± 0.09; TECAR: 0.03 ± 0.04 to 0.15 ± 0.07) and decreased after recovery to similar levels (VT: −0.05 ± 0.05; TECAR: −0.06 ± 0.04; p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both TECAR and VT were associated with improved muscle oxygenation during early recovery after eccentric exercise, as reflected by increases in mVO₂ and comparable ΔtHb responses. Although ΔSmO₂ tended to decrease more after VT, this difference was not statistically significant and should be interpreted cautiously. Overall, both modalities appear to be effective recovery-supporting strategies, while further controlled studies are needed to clarify their role in different athletic populations and exercise contexts. Full article

Obesity is increasingly recognized not only as a metabolic disorder but also as a condition marked by the structural and functional deterioration of skeletal muscle and tendon tissues. Central to this process is the dysregulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting in fibrosis and ectopic fat accumulation, factors that contribute to impaired tissue mechanics. Myostatin (GDF-8), a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is known as a negative regulator of muscle mass. It can also mediate interaction between adipose and other tissues including muscles and tendons. In obesity, elevated myostatin levels have been reported to be associated with insulin resistance, muscle atrophy, and activation of SMAD2/3 signaling, while experimental and preclinical studies indicate that myostatin inhibition can improve glucose homeostasis and increase lean mass. Emerging evidence suggests that myostatin also plays a critical role in muscle ECM and tendon remodeling. Restoring its physiological levels may help reverse ECM disorganization and reduce tissue fragility associated with musculotendinous dysfunction. This review highlights the multifaceted role of myostatin in obesity, beyond its role in muscle catabolism, to include modulation of structural integrity, metabolism, and mechanical adaptability of the musculotendinous system. Understanding how myostatin responds to metabolic stress and affects biomechanical remodeling offers novel insights into obesity-related muscle and tendon dysfunction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a major cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), accounting for approximately 5–10% of patients receiving dialysis worldwide. The large and numerous cysts in the liver and kidneys cause abdominal distention and poor appetite. Previous studies showed that renal arterial embolization (RAE) reduces total kidney volume (TKV), increases appetite, and improves quality of life. This article aims to evaluate the efficacy of RAE in increasing psoas muscle (PM) and paraspinal muscle (PS) mass in patients with polycystic kidney disease. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from May 2016 to December 2020. Thirty-five patients with PKD and ESKD who received RAE were enrolled. The clinical data, including age, sex, body weight, abdominal circumference, and laboratory results, including albumin, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and dialysis vintage, were collected. TKV was calculated with the ellipsoid formula method, and muscle mass was measured with bilateral PM and PS areas at the third lumbar level. The associated clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were compared before and after RAE. Results: There were 19 females and 16 males with a mean age of 59.9 for the final analysis. There were significant changes between baseline and 3-month, 6-month, 12-month after RAE, such as a decrease in TKV (4684 ± 3361 vs. 4079 ± 3456, 3675 ± 3401, 2459 ± 1706 mL, all p < 0.001), an increase in the PM area (12.6 ± 5.8 vs. 13.3 ± 5.7, 14.7 ± 6.9, 14.3 ± 7.1 cm², all p < 0.05), but no difference in body weight, body mass index, albumin, hemoglobin, creatinine, or estimated glomerular filtration rate. The increase in the PM and PS was more obvious in the sarcopenic group than in the non-sarcopenic group in the 12-month follow-up (p = 0.001 and 0.016 vs. p = 0.205 and 0.259). Conclusions: RAE effectively reduces TKV, increases PM and PS mass, and serves as a candidate to reverse muscle loss in patients with PKD. Full article

Background and Objectives: Obesity has been increasing sharply worldwide and is related to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, and cancer. Sleeve gastrectomy is the most used surgical approach to reduce body weight and treat metabolic implications observed in patients with moderate-to-severe obesity. On the other hand, this procedure affects the musculoskeletal system, and investigating skeletal muscle is not routinely recommended for bariatric surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the psoas muscle in patients in the preoperative period of sleeve gastrectomy and six months after the procedure using abdominal computed tomography scans. Materials and Methods: This clinical, exploratory, and observational study, with a prospective longitudinal observational study design, was conducted at a single center with 31 women who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. The evaluations were performed before and after six months of the procedures. Results: Anthropometric, muscle strength, hepatic ultrasound, and psoas computerized tomography evaluations were performed. A significant reduction in body weight, body mass index, waist, neck, and calf circumference was observed. There was also a substantial reduction in right-hand strength and the area and index of the psoas muscle (but with an increase in density). Most presented a routine abdominal ultrasound. Conclusions: Our results suggest that muscle evaluation provides valuable information for clinical monitoring before and after bariatric surgery, helping to identify potential risks and guide multidisciplinary follow-up. Psoas muscle area and psoas muscle index decreased, but psoas muscle density increased, all significantly. These results indicate that conducting a muscle evaluation is helpful for patients undergoing bariatric surgery, supporting the use of the clinical approach before and after the procedure, predicting possible complications, and providing more accurate prognoses. Full article

Cattle breeds are optimized either for milk or meat production and secrete consumed nutrients in the form of milk or accrete nutrients as skeletal muscle tissue, respectively. Surplus energy is usually stored in the form of fat in adipose tissues. To gain more insight into the physiological and genetic background of nutrient accretion as either protein or fat, an experimental F₂ population was generated crossing Charolais (CH) bulls and German Holstein (GH) cows. Mutations in two genes with known, profound effects on growth were segregating in this population: the I442M mutation in the non-SMC condensin I complex, subunit G (NCAPG) gene, and the Q204X mutation in the myostatin (MSTN) gene. The major aim of this study was to close the gap between the described effects of the NCAPG/LCORL region and MSTN SNPs on carcass and meat quality traits, as well as on the structure and composition of the underlying tissues. Whole carcass data, meat quality traits, composition of major cuts and their dominating muscles, including muscle and fat cell structure, were analyzed as well as chemical and fatty acid composition. Mutant alleles of both loci were associated with higher weights, increased muscularity, and reduced fatness, e.g., each explaining about 15% of the observed variance. However, both loci apparently affect traits in a specific manner, influencing either dimensional traits or mass accretion. Full article

Background and Objectives: Asymmetries in body composition and movement patterns are common in professional basketball due to the sport’s repetitive and unilateral demands. While both structural and functional asymmetries have been independently studied, little is known about their interaction under real training conditions. The aim of this study was to compare structural asymmetries, obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis, with functional asymmetries, measured through inertial devices in professional basketball players. Methods: Twenty-five male professional basketball players from two Spanish teams were monitored over a two-month period. Structural asymmetries were assessed via the TANITA MC-780MA multi-frequency analyzer, while functional asymmetries were quantified using WIMU Pro™ inertial units during 43 training sessions. Descriptive, correlational, and cluster analyses were performed, followed by linear mixed-effects models adjusted for individual random effects, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Descriptive results revealed low overall fat mass and no relevant group-level asymmetries in muscle mass or functional variables, although fat mass asymmetry showed greater variability across players. Correlation analyses indicated weak and non-significant relationships between structural and functional asymmetries. Cluster analysis grouped muscle mass and functional asymmetries together, while fat mass asymmetry formed a distinct cluster. Linear mixed-effects models confirmed significant differences for muscle mass asymmetry and demonstrated high inter-individual variability. Conclusions: Structural and functional asymmetries behave independently, with muscle mass asymmetry showing greater variability and functional relevance. These findings highlight the need for individualized monitoring approaches integrating morphological and functional assessments to optimize performance and reduce injury risk in elite basketball players. Full article

The purpose of this study was to examine morphological asymmetries in male youth judokas using an integrated assessment combining three-dimensional (3D) body scanning and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and to determine how these asymmetries relate to judo-specific performance. Twenty-seven competitive male youth judokas were evaluated for bilateral girth, segmental length, and lean mass asymmetries across upper- and lower-limb segments. The Absolute Asymmetry index, expressed as a percentage for individual body segments, and the average body symmetry across all variables were calculated, and associations with performance were assessed using the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Significant right-dominant asymmetries were found in elbow girth p < 0.001, forearm girth p < 0.001, thigh girth p = 0.028, and leg muscle mass p = 0.008. Upper-limb asymmetries were the primary contributors to total-body asymmetry, reflecting the unilateral gripping and rotational demands typical in judo. Only calf girth asymmetry was significantly associated with SJFT performance, with greater asymmetry linked to poorer outcomes, indicating a specific rather than general asymmetry–performance relationship (r = 0.405; p = 0.037). These findings underscore the importance of early detection of segment-specific asymmetries and suggest that rapid digital anthropometry is a practical tool for monitoring morphological development in youth judokas. Early targeted interventions may support balanced technical execution, enhance performance, and reduce the risk of uneven loading patterns as athletes progress to higher age categories and competition levels. Full article

Fecal retention is a distinctive reproductive strategy in certain leaf beetles, which enables females to use accumulated fecal material to protect their eggs and enhance offspring survival. The adult flea beetle Asiophrida xanthospilota (Baly, 1881) is a specialist herbivore that feeds on the leaves of Cotinus coggygria Scop. (Anacardiaceae). Using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and micro-computed tomography, we described and illustrated the hindgut anatomy of adult female A. xanthospilota during the pre-mated and post-mated reproductive phases. We further examined the physiological changes in the hindgut associated with fecal retention, and assessed hindgut muscle activity across these two reproductive stages. The hindgut of adult A. xanthospilota consists of three regions: ileum, colon, and rectum. The ileum is a thin, straight or coiled, tube enclosed by malpighian tubules and supported by circular and longitudinal muscles. The colon lies between the ileum and rectum, possesses a chitinized cuticle, and is externally covered with tracheae and tracheoles. A rectal valve separates the colon from the rectum, which forms the posterior end of the alimentary canal and is characterized by intimal spines and robust circular muscles. During the post-mated phase, fecal retention causes pronounced dilation of the hindgut, substantially increasing the volume occupied by food remnants. Electromyographic recordings revealed high hindgut muscle activity in pre-mated females, characterized by short and variable bursts, whereas post-mated females exhibited reduced activity with longer and more sustained bursts. The functional implications of these specialized structural features are discussed. Overall, these morphological and physiological adaptations enhance the fecal retention strategy by increasing fecal capacity, regulating hindgut motility, and enabling the formation of a protective fecal case around the egg mass. Full article

Background: Sclerostin, an osteocyte-derived glycoprotein, plays a key role in bone metabolism by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. While it is a recognized therapeutic target in osteoporosis, its relationship with sarcopenia remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between serum sclerostin levels, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis in older women. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 79 postmenopausal women aged ≥65 years. Sarcopenia was defined based on grip strength and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), osteoporosis was diagnosed according to femoral T-scores, and serum sclerostin levels were measured using ELISA. Associations with clinical variables and bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated using correlation and logistic regression analyses. Results: Sclerostin levels were significantly higher in women with sarcopenia (p = 0.036) and exhibited a negative correlation with grip strength (r = −0.298, p = 0.008) but not with ASM. Positive correlations were found between sclerostin and multiple femoral BMD parameters. In a logistic regression analysis, sclerostin was modestly associated with sarcopenia (p = 0.045); however, no significant association was observed with osteoporosis (p = 0.257). Conclusions: Elevated sclerostin levels are associated with reduced muscle strength and sarcopenia in older women, independent of muscle mass, indicating that sclerostin may reflect a functional decline in musculoskeletal health. Muscle strength should therefore be considered when interpreting sclerostin’s clinical implications in aging populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia is an age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, reducing mobility and functional independence and increasing the risk of falls. Non-pharmacological interventions remain the most effective strategies to prevent or delay its progression, with exercise recognized as the primary approach. Virtual reality (VR)-based training has recently emerged as a promising tool to promote physical activity; however, its application among the oldest-old individuals remains underexplored. This is a randomized controlled pilot study to evaluate the effects of VR-based intervention using the game “Beat Saber” on muscle strength and selected physical performance indicators related to sarcopenia risk in older adults. Methods: Thirty-eight residents (mean age: 87.2) of a long-term care facility were randomly assigned to either a VR group or a control group. The VR group participated in 12 supervised VR-based training sessions of 20 min per session, three times per week for four weeks. Handgrip strength, the arm curl test, 30-s chair stand, a 2-min step-in-place test, and an 8-foot up-and-go test were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Linear mixed-model analyses revealed significant group-by-time interactions for upper- and lower-limb strength (handgrip, arm curl, chair stand; p < 0.05), favoring the VR group. Agility and endurance (8-foot up-and-go, 2-min step-in-place) showed no significant interactions. In the VR group, the 30-s chair stand performance correlated positively with the arm curl and the 2-min step-in-place tests results, while handgrip strength correlated with the arm curl performance. In the control group, the 30-s chair stand test results correlated strongly with the 8-foot up-and-go and 2-min step-in-place tests, but no significant correlations were found for handgrip strength. Conclusions: The findings indicate short-term functional benefits of VR exercise among the oldest-old adults. VR-based training appears to be an effective and well-tolerated method to enhance physical performance in individuals aged 80 and older and may represent a valuable strategy for improving functional performance indicators associated with sarcopenia risk in adults aged 80 years and older. Full article

Background: Durative exercise-induced fatigue influences muscle structure and exercise performance. Dietary supplements combining bioavailable proteins with essential vitamins and minerals may help reduce fatigue. Compared with proteins, whey peptides, as easily absorbed energy sources, are regarded as better promoting the utilization of vitamins and minerals. This study investigated whether the combination of whey peptides and micronutrients could synergistically improve exercise-induced fatigue and exercise performance. Methods: Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were forced to exercise using a treadmill for four weeks to evaluate the supplemental effects of whey peptides and/or micronutrients on exercise performance. Results: Compared with mice receiving whey peptides or micronutrients alone, mice receiving a combination of whey peptides and micronutrients displayed increased muscle mass, muscle fiber cross-sectional area, muscle strength, and exercise performance, including running exhausting time and swimming exhausting time. Consistent results were obtained in detecting fatigue-associated serum metabolites and markers reflecting muscle injury. To elucidate the anti-fatigue mechanisms of whey peptides and micronutrients, RNA transcriptome in the muscle tissues were analyzed. Enrichment analysis results suggest that micronutrients and/or whey protein alleviate exercise-induced fatigue, not only via reducing oxidative stress but also repressing excessive immune activation in muscle tissue, thereby decreasing the tissue injury caused by strenuous exercise. Conclusions: Overall, the current study indicates that the combination of whey peptides and micronutrients produces a synergistic effect on promoting exercise performance. Our findings provide scientific evidence for the development of novel and efficient anti-fatigue functional foods using whey peptides and micronutrients. Full article