Selecting Potential Pharmacological Interventions in Sarcopenia

Amanda J. Kilsby (Lead / Corresponding author), Avan A. Sayer, Miles D. Witham

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debatepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)
248 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Sarcopenia of age is prevalent and costly and proven pharmacological interventions are currently lacking. The pathophysiology of sarcopenia is incompletely understood but appears to involve multiple pathways, including inflammation, hormonal dysregulation, impaired regeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction and denervation. There are several ways in which we might select potential pharmacological interventions for testing in clinical trials. These include a 'bottom-up' approach using basic science to elucidate the molecular processes involved and identify potential targets from this knowledge-a strategy that has led to the development of myostatin inhibitors. A 'top-down' approach might use observational data to examine the association between physical function and use of certain medications, such as the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors with slower decline in physical function. Once a pharmacological intervention has been proposed, efficacy must be demonstrated in this complex multi-morbid population. Both muscle mass and muscle function need to be measured as outcomes, but these outcomes require large sample sizes and sufficient follow-up to detect change. Biomarkers that can predict the response of sarcopenia to intervention after a short time would greatly assist our ability to select candidate interventions in short proof-of-concept trials. Further development of trial methods is required to accelerate progress in this important area of medicine for older people.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)223-240
Number of pages8
JournalDrugs & Aging
Volume34
Issue number4
Early online date28 Feb 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2017

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