Association of Dietary Vegetable and Fruit Consumption with Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Previous studies have shown contradictory results regarding the association between vegetable and fruit consumption and the risk of sarcopenia. We aimed to evaluate this association using a meta-analysis, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through July 2023 using related keywords. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated based on the random-effects model. We included 14 observational studies with 11 cross-sectional and three cohort studies involving 6436 sarcopenias among 33,801 participants. Vegetable and fruit consumption were significantly associated with reduced sarcopenia risk (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.79; I2 = 59.8%). The association was significant in cross-sectional studies (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.84; I2 = 56.3%; n = 11) but not in cohort studies (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.22 to 1.11; I2 = 76.4%; n = 3). Moreover, the association was significant in age ≥60 (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.83; I2 = 58.0%; n = 10). This meta-analysis suggests that eating vegetables and fruit reduces sarcopenia risk. However, as cohort studies provide a higher level of evidence than case-control studies, further prospective cohort studies should be conducted.

Blood flow restriction Exercise in the perioperative setting to Prevent loss of muscle mass in patients with pancreatic, biliary tract, and liver cancer: study protocol for the PREV-Ex randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients diagnosed with pancreatic, biliary tract, and liver cancer often suffer from a progressive loss of muscle mass. Given the considerable functional impairments in these patients, high musculoskeletal weight loads may not be well tolerated by all individuals. The use of blood-flow restricted resistance training (BFR-T) which only requires low training loads may allow for a faster recovery of muscle due to avoidance of high levels of mechanical muscle stress associated with high-load resistance exercise. This study aims to investigate whether BFR-T can prevent or slow down the loss of skeletal muscle mass and enhance the functional capacity and mental health of patients with pancreatic, biliary tract, and liver cancer. METHODS: The PREV-Ex exercise trial is a multicenter two-armed randomized controlled trial. Patients will be randomized to an exercise program consisting of home-based low-load BFR-T during a combined pre- and postoperative period for a total of 6-10 weeks (prehabilitation and rehabilitation), or to a control group. Protein supplementation will be given to both groups to ensure adequate protein intake. The primary outcomes, skeletal muscle thickness and muscle cross-sectional area, will be assessed by ultrasound. Secondary outcomes include the following: (i) muscle catabolism-related and inflammatory bio-markers (molecular characteristics will be assessed from a vastus lateralis biopsy and blood samples will be obtained from a sub-sample of patients); (ii) patient-reported outcome measures (self-reported fatigue, health-related quality of life, and nutritional status will be assessed through validated questionnaires); (iii) physical fitness/performance/activity (validated tests will be used to evaluate physical function, cardiorespiratory fitness and maximal isometric muscle strength. Physical activity and sedentary behavior (assessed using an activity monitor); (iv) clinical outcomes: hospitalization rates and blood status will be recorded from the patients' medical records; (v) explorative outcomes of patients' experience of the exercise program which will be evaluated using focus group/individual interviews. DISCUSSION: It is worthwhile to investigate new strategies that have the potential to counteract the deterioration of skeletal muscle mass, muscle function, strength, and physical function, all of which have debilitating consequences for patients with pancreatic, biliary tract, and liver cancer. The expected findings could improve prognosis, help patients stay independent for longer, and possibly reduce treatment-related costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05044065. Registered on September 14, 2021.

Adipocyte secreted NRG4 ameliorates age-associated metabolic dysfunction.

With the progressive aging of society, there is an increasing prevalence of age-related diseases that pose a threat to the elderly's quality of life. Adipose tissue, a vital energy reservoir with endocrine functions, is one of the most vulnerable tissues in aging, which in turn influences systematic aging process, including metabolic dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism is still poorly understood. In this study, we found that NRG4, a novel adipokine, is obviously decreased in adipocyte tissues and serums during aging. Moreover, delivered recombinant NRG4 protein (rNRG4) into aged mice can ameliorate age-associated insulin resistance, glucose disorders and other metabolic disfunction. In addition, rNRG4 treatment alleviates age-associated hepatic steatosis and sarcopenia, accompanied with altered gene signatures. Together, these results indicate that NRG4 plays a key role in the aging process and is a therapeutic target for the treatment of age-associated metabolic dysfunction.

Higher dietary live microbe intake is associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the potential association between dietary live microbe intake and sarcopenia. METHODS: Data from 5368 participants were gathered from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Dietary information was assessed using a self-report questionnaire. The participants were categorized into low, medium, and high dietary live microbe groups. Sarcopenia was defined according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) definition (appendicular skeletal muscle mass/body mass index <0.789 for men and <0.512 for women). Multivariate regression analysis and stratified analyses were performed. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounding factors, individuals in the high dietary live microbe group exhibited a lower prevalence of sarcopenia compared to those in the low dietary live microbe group. The adjusted odds ratio (with 95% confidence intervals) was 0.63 (0.44-0.89) (p for trend <0.05). Subgroup analyses indicated a potential difference in the impact of dietary live microbe intake on sarcopenia between individuals with and without diabetes (p for interaction = 0.094). CONCLUSION: Higher dietary live microbe intake was associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia.

The role of dietary fats on cognition and sarcopenia in the elderly.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the role of dietary fats on the relationship between mild cognitive impairment and sarcopenia and help identifying and preventing the decline of cognitive and muscle function in elderly individuals. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: The study conducted involving a group of 1812 individuals between the ages of 61 and 92. Body composition and BMR were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cognitive function and dietary nutrition were evaluated by neuropsychological assessments and questionnaire of food intake frequency. Lipidomics analysis was performed using UHPLC-Qtrap-MS/MS. RESULTS: MCI and SA are mutual influencing factors, lower intake of MUFA, PUFA and higher intake of fat was associated with cognitive dysfunction and/or SA (p < 0.05). PUFA was important for MCI combined with SA (Compared with Q1, Q4 OR: 0.176, 95%CI: 0.058,0.533). Lipidomics analysis revealed that triacylglycerol (TAG) contain more carbon chains with saturated double bonds may be closely related to cognitive impairment and the progression of SA (p < 0.05). While, DAG with carbon chains of unsaturated double bonds is opposite. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient intake of unsaturated fatty acids was associated with the development of cognitive decline and the progression of SA. MUFA affecting muscle health, fats and PUFA has a greater impact on MCI combined with SA. Less MUFA intake and increasing saturated double-bonded fatty acid intake might be the key factors on promoting cognitive impairment and SA in the elderly. They have the potential to serve as prospective biomarkers indicating a higher risk of cognitive decline and/or SA in the elderly population.

Development of a community intervention combining social media-based health education plus exercise programme (SHEEP) to improve muscle function among young-old adults with possible sarcopenia: Co-design approach.

OBJECTIVES: There is no precedent for the use of social media in preventing sarcopenia. The aim of this study is to develop a social media-based intervention programme for the young-old population in the community in China to improve their awareness and behaviours regarding sarcopenia prevention. STUDY DESIGN: Using guidelines for developing complex interventions, this study was divided into two main phases: a co-development phase and a preliminary test phase. Both were carried out in Changsha, China. The development phase employed co-design methodology with relevant stakeholders, including two rounds of consultation with patient and public involvement (12 members) and two rounds of focus groups (30 participants); this was followed by the three-week preliminary test phase (22 participants). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: This study evaluated the consultation with patient and public involvement, and mainly collected qualitative data from the two rounds of focus group interviews and a final semi-structured interview following the preliminary test, so as to explore the participants' experiences, comments, and suggestions for revising the social media-based intervention. Handgrip strength was also evaluated. RESULTS: The health education included seven videos of 4-6 min each related to sarcopenia, including information on the concept, influencing factors, adverse effects, manifestations, screening methods, and preventions. The exercise video consisted of four types of training (warm-up, aerobic, resistance, and flexibility training) and lasted 30 min, with a suggested engagement of at least 3 days/week. The specific contents and "dosage" of the final intervention were unanimously favourable to the diverse stakeholders involved (older adults with possible sarcopenia, experts, researchers). After the preliminary test, an improvement in handgrip strength was observed, from M15.92±SD5.22 kg to M19.13±SD5.44 kg (T = -5.44, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that this improvement was evident in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: The social media-based intervention was universally endorsed by the participants and showed indications of a positive influence on sarcopenia. A feasibility study is now needed.

A Patented Dietary Supplement (Hydroxy-Methyl-Butyrate, Carnosine, Magnesium, Butyrate, Lactoferrin) Is a Promising Therapeutic Target for Age-Related Sarcopenia through the Regulation of Gut Permeability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Adequate diet, physical activity, and dietary supplementation with muscle-targeted food for special medical purposes (FSMP) or dietary supplement (DS) are currently considered fundamental pillars in sarcopenia treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a DS (containing hydroxy-methyl-butyrate, carnosine, and magnesium, for its action on muscle function and protein synthesis and butyrate and lactoferrin for their contribution to the regulation of gut permeability and antioxidant/anti-inflammation activity) on muscle mass (assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)), muscle function (by handgrip test, chair test, short physical performance battery (SPPB) test, and walking speed test), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), C-reactive protein (CRP), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)) and gut axis (by zonulin). A total of 59 participants (age 79.7 ± 4.8 years, body mass index 20.99 ± 2.12 kg/m2) were enrolled and randomly assigned to intervention (n = 30) or placebo (n = 28). The skeletal muscle index (SMI) significantly improved in the supplemented group compared to the placebo one, +1.02 (CI 95%: -0.77; 1.26), p = 0.001; a significant reduction in VAT was observed in the intervention group, -70.91 g (-13.13; -4.70), p = 0.036. Regarding muscle function, all the tests significantly improved (p = 0.001) in the supplemented group compared to the placebo one. CRP, zonulin, and TNF-alpha significantly decreased (p = 0.001) in intervention, compared to placebo, -0.74 mg/dL (CI 95%: -1.30; -0.18), -0.30 ng/mL (CI 95%: -0.37; -0.23), -6.45 pg/mL (CI 95%: -8.71; -4.18), respectively. This DS improves muscle mass and function, and the gut muscle has emerged as a new intervention target for sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia: A dive into metabolism to promote a multimodal, preventive, and regenerative approach.

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, poses a significant challenge in the field of geriatrics and gerontology, impacting the health and independence of older adults. Understanding and addressing sarcopenia is crucial for optimizing clinical outcomes and enhancing the quality of life along with aging. By synthesizing current research findings and theoretical frameworks, this review elucidates the multifaceted mechanisms underlying sarcopenia, mainly focusing on energy balance and metabolic processes. Furthermore, the manuscript explores the implications of sarcopenia on overall health outcomes, functional decline, and quality of life in older individuals. The study concludes with a perspective on the role of preventive and regenerative medicine in sarcopenia, where the two main lifestyle pillars (exercise and diet) represent key factors.

Investigating the effects of synbiotic supplementation on functional movement, strength and muscle health in older Australians: a study protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Aging has been associated with a progressive loss of skeletal muscle quality, quantity and strength, which may result in a condition known as sarcopenia, leading to a decline in physical performance, loss of independence and reduced quality of life. While the cause of impaired physical functioning observed in elderly populations appears to be multifactorial, recent evidence suggests that age-associated alterations in gut microbiota could be a contributing factor. The primary objective will be to assess the effects of a dietary synbiotic formulation on sarcopenia-related functional outcomes such as handgrip strength, gait speed and physical performance within older individuals living independently. The secondary objective will be to examine associations between changes in gut microbiota composition, functional performance and lean muscle mass. METHODS: Seventy-four elderly (60-85 years) participants will be randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion to either an intervention or control group. The intervention group (n = 37) will receive oral synbiotic formulation daily for 16 weeks. The control group (n = 37) will receive placebo. Assessments of physical performance (including Short Physical Performance Battery, handgrip strength and timed up-and-go tests) and muscle ultrasonography will be performed at 4 time points (baseline and weeks 8, 16 and 20). Likewise, body composition via bioelectric impedance analysis and blood and stool samples will be collected at each time point. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry will be performed at baseline and week 16. The primary outcomes will be between-group changes in physical performance from baseline to 16 weeks. Secondary outcomes include changes in body composition, muscle mass and architecture, fecal microbiota composition and diversity, and fecal and plasma metabolomics. DISCUSSION: Gut-modulating supplements appear to be effective in modifying gut microbiota composition in healthy older adults. However, it is unclear whether these changes translate into functional and/or health improvements. In the present study, we will investigate the effects of a synbiotic formulation on measures of physical performance, strength and muscle health in healthy older populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000652774) in May 2022.

Endurance Training Inhibits the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway to Alleviate Sarcopenia.

Aging leads to a decrease in muscle function, mass, and strength in skeletal muscle of animals and humans. The transcriptome identified activation of the JAK/STAT pathway, a pathway that is associated with skeletal muscle atrophy, and endurance training has a significant effect on improving sarcopenia; however, the exact mechanism still requires further study. We investigated the effect of endurance training on sarcopenia. Six-month-old male SAMR1 mice were used as a young control group (group C), and the same month-old male SAMP8 mice were divided into an exercise group (group E) and a model group (group M). A 3-month running exercise intervention was performed on group E, and the other two groups were kept normally. Aging caused significant signs of sarcopenia in the SAMP8 mice, and endurance training effectively improved muscle function, muscle mass, and muscle strength in the SAMP8 mice. The expression of JAK2/STAT3 pathway factor was decreased in group E compared with group M, and the expression of SOCS3, the target gene of STAT3, and NR1D1, an atrophy-related factor, was significantly increased. Endurance training significantly improved the phenotypes associated with sarcopenia, and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway is a possible mechanism for the improvement of sarcopenia by endurance training, while NR1D1 may be its potential target. Keywords: Sarcopenia, Endurance training, Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3), Nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group D member 1 (Nr1d1).

Combination of Parenteral Amino Acid Infusion and Intermittent Loading Exercise Ameliorates Progression of Postoperative Sarcopenia in Rat Model.

Postoperative sarcopenia is associated with poor outcomes in hospitalized patients. However, few studies have focused on short-term postoperative sarcopenia. Furthermore, the influence of nutritional management using amino acids (AAs) comprising a peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) solution and its combination with exercise (Exc) is unclear. Hence, we established a postoperative sarcopenic rat model to evaluate the effects of parenteral AA infusion combined with Exc on skeletal muscles and investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the amelioration of muscle atrophy. Male F344 rats underwent surgery followed by hindlimb suspension (HS) for 5 days. The rats were divided into AA (-), AA (+), AA (-)-Exc, and AA (+)-Exc groups. They were continuously administered a PPN solution with or without AA at 98 kcal/kg/day. The Exc groups were subjected to intermittent loading for 1 h per day. Postoperative sarcopenic rats exhibited decreased muscle strength and mass and an upregulated ubiquitin-proteasome system, autophagy-lysosome system, and fast-twitch fiber-related genes, especially in the AA (-) group. The AA (+)-Exc group exhibited attenuated decreased muscle strength, increased gastrocnemius mass, and a suppressed upregulation of muscle atrophy- and fast-twitch fiber-related genes. Therefore, parenteral AA infusion combined with Exc may be effective in preventing postoperative sarcopenia in hospitalized patients.

Association of Habitual Green Tea Consumption with Sarcopenia Assessed Using SARC-F in Community-Dwelling Japanese Older People: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To ascertain whether habitual green tea consumption is associated with sarcopenia among Japanese older adults, using the screening tool for sarcopenia (SARC-F). This cross-sectional study in Mukawa, Hokkaido, Japan, was conducted between June and September 2022 and included 364 Japanese participants older than 65 y. Habitual green tea consumption and energy intake were ascertained using a validated self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Sarcopenia was evaluated using the SARC-F. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of sarcopenia risk across participant tertiles of green tea consumption, with adjustments for age, sex, body mass index, living alone, habitual exercise, walking hours, current smoking status, current alcohol consumption status, energy intake, protein intake, vegetable intake, and fruit intake. In this study of 364 participants (154 men and 210 women), the prevalence of sarcopenia risk was 9.3%. The multivariable-adjusted OR [95% CI] of green tea consumption for ≥1 cup/d compared with that of <1 cup/wk of sarcopenia was 0.312 [0.129-0.752]. Higher habitual green tea consumption was inversely associated with sarcopenia among Japanese older adults. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings.

[Effects of Personalized Exercise Prescriptions on Sarcopenia in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis].

Sarcopenia is a major factor affecting the health and quality of life of the patients undergoing hemodialysis.Exercise can effectively ameliorate sarcopenia in these patients.However,the type,intensity,time,and frequency of exercise influence the effect of exercise.This review describes the effects of different exercise prescriptions on sarcopenia in the patients undergoing hemodialysis.It aims to assist medical staff in developing personalized exercise prescriptions,guiding patients to engage in exercise,and provide effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in the patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Active vitamin D treatment in the prevention of sarcopenia in adults with prediabetes (DPVD ancillary study): a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies show inverse associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and sarcopenia incidence; however, it remains unclear whether treatment with vitamin D prevents its development. We aimed to assess whether treatment with active vitamin D (eldecalcitol [0·75 µg per day]) can reduce the development of sarcopenia among adults with prediabetes. METHODS: This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial as an ancillary study was conducted at 32 clinics and hospital sites in Japan. Participants were assigned (1:1) by using a central randomisation method in which a randomisation list was made for each hospital separately using a stratified permuted block procedure. The primary endpoint was sarcopenia incidence during 3 years in the intention-to-treat population defined as weak handgrip strength (<28 kg for men and <18 kg for women) and low appendicular skeletal muscle index (<7·0 kg/m2 for men and <5·7 kg/m2 for women in bioelectrical impedance analysis). Although the usual criterion of hypercalcaemia was 10·4 mg/dL (2·6 mmol/L) or higher, hypercalcaemia that was enough to discontinue the study was defined as 11·0 mg/dL or higher. This study is registered with the UMIN clinical trials registry, UMIN000005394. FINDINGS: A total of 1094 participants (548 in the eldecalcitol group and 546 in the placebo group; 44·2% [484 of 1094] women; mean age 60·8 [SD 9·2] years) were followed up for a median of 2·9 (IQR 2·8-3·0) years. Eldecalcitol treatment as compared with placebo showed statistically significant preventive effect on sarcopenia incidence (25 [4·6%] of 548 participants in the eldecalcitol group and 48 [8·8%] of 546 participants in the placebo group; hazard ratio 0·51; 95% CI 0·31 to 0·83; p=0·0065). The incidence of adverse events did not differ between the two groups. INTERPRETATION: We found that treatment with eldecalcitol has the potential to prevent the onset of sarcopenia among people with prediabetes via increasing skeletal muscle volume and strength, which might lead to a substantial risk reduction of falls. FUNDING: Kitakyushu Medical Association. TRANSLATION: For the Japanese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

One-bite-sized 3D printed finger foods, oriented to malnutrition, sarcopenia and frailty prevention in the older people.

BACKGROUND: In this study, innovative chocolate, citrus and mixture flavoured tofu-based nutritionally customised, dysphagia-oriented, comfortably consumed, appetising, one-bite-sized finger foods, oriented to malnutrition, sarcopenia and frailty prevention in older people were created by using 3D printing technology. Developed products were characterised by evaluating chemical composition and physical properties and performing sensory evaluation among geriatric clinic residents (≥60 years). RESULTS: The dietary composition of the developed foods was: 19-21 g (100 g)-1 protein, 6-8 g (100 g)-1 fibre, 8-9 g (100 g)-1 fat, 11 mg (100 g)-1 iron, 14 mg (100 g)-1 zinc, 70 µg (100 g)-1 selenium. Foods were also enriched with branched-chain amino acids, such as leucine, isoleucine and valine. All formulated foods were classified as level 6 by International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative classification. Chocolate-flavoured food was much harder (4914 g) with lower adhesiveness value (-33.6 g s), compared to the citrus- or mixture-flavoured foods. Older people evaluated all finger foods as very easy handled by hand, soft, easy to swallow, having a moderate flavour intensity and a weak afterfeel. Despite the fact that the chocolate food was evaluated as having the highest hardness and gumminess values by the instrumental method, this difference was not noticeable to the evaluators. However 7% of the participants said that 3D printed foods were sticky to dentures. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that it is possible to create nutrient-dense comfortably consumed 3D printed foods, oriented to malnutrition, sarcopenia and frailty prevention in older people. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.