Sarcopenia: Twenty Open Questions for a Research Agenda

The term “sarcopenia” is used to indicate the progressive reduction in muscle mass and muscle strength that affect older persons and cause a large percentage of late-life disability. Searching for potential targets for intervention, many studies are currently focusing on the pathophysiologic mechanisms that may explain the development of sarcopenia, and in particular on the signaling pathways involved in this process. Other mechanisms being studied include physical inactivity, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and general changes in body composition. Exercise is the only intervention that can prevent and, to a certain extent, reduce sarcopenia in older individuals. However, the relationship between physical activity and the intrinsic process of sarcopenia remain unclear. Current efforts are aimed at understanding whether some genetic characteristics exist that increase the risk of sarcopenia. In this review, we provide a list of 20 research questions that are likely to find answers in the near future.