The biological mechanisms that lead to sarcopenia, the decrease in muscle capacity, have been identified. A better understanding of genetic contributions makes it possible to imagine therapeutic interventions earlier in life to prevent the onset of this muscle weakness.
- Sarcopenia affects about 10% of people over 50.
- Osteoarthritis and diabetes play an important role in muscle susceptibility.
- In all, 15 areas of the genome are associated with muscle weakness.
As we age, we lose muscle strength. In some people, this weakness affects their ability to live well on a daily basis. This is the case when it reaches a stage called sarcopenia, which affects around 10% of people over 50. A new genetic analysis of more than 250,000 people has discovered biological mechanisms that contribute to muscle weakness. The study, published on January 28 in the journal NatureCommunicationsalso reveals that osteoarthritis and diabetes may play an important role in muscle susceptibility.
15 areas of the genome associated with muscle weakness
The international team of researchers who conducted the study retrieved data from 250,000 participants over the age of 60 from the UK Biobank, a large British study launched in 2006 which studies the respective contributions of genetic predisposition and environmental exposure to the development of diseases, and 21 other cohorts. Scientists examined grip strength using muscle function loss thresholds derived from international definitions of sarcopenia. They then performed genetic analysis to investigate the biological mechanisms involved.
The results identified 15 areas of the genome, or loci, associated with muscle weakness. Of these, 12 loci have not been implicated in previous analyzes of grip strength measurements. Blood biomarkers, such as red blood cells and inflammation, have also been identified as possibly sharing causal pathways with sarcopenia. These findings, the researchers note, highlight specific areas of intervention and help identify areas that are most at risk.
Common genetic pathways with diabetes and autoimmune conditions
“The strongest associations we found were close to regions of the genome regulating the immune system, as well as the growth and development of the musculoskeletal system.details Garan Jones, lead author of the article. However, we also discovered associations with regions not previously known to be related to musculoskeletal traits..”
The researchers also found that muscle weakness in older adults shares common genetic pathways with metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and autoimmune conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. “In subgroups of people at increased risk for these conditions, sarcopenia may be a key finding to monitor and prevent.“, continues the researcher.
The objective of the researchers is now to be able to anticipate these muscular weaknesses with age in order to avoid them. “We hope that by understanding the genetic contributions to muscle weakness with age, we will be able to point to possible therapeutic interventions earlier in life that would lead to a happier and healthier old age.”, concluded Garan Jones.
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