Research

15 pages, 9253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ALS-L1023 from Melissa officinalis Alleviates Liver Fibrosis in a Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model

by Eun Jeoung Lee, Yun Kim, Ji Eun Kim, Eileen Laurel Yoon, Sung Ryol Lee and Dae Won Jun

Life 2023, 13(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13010100 - 29 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1754

ALS-L1023 is an ingredient extracted from Melissa officinalis L. (Labiatae; lemon balm), which is known as a natural medicine that suppresses angiogenesis. Herein, we aimed to determine whether ALS-L1023 could alleviate liver fibrosis in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model. C57BL/6 wild-type [...] Read more.

ALS-L1023 is an ingredient extracted from Melissa officinalis L. (Labiatae; lemon balm), which is known as a natural medicine that suppresses angiogenesis. Herein, we aimed to determine whether ALS-L1023 could alleviate liver fibrosis in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model. C57BL/6 wild-type male mice (age, 6 weeks old) were fed a choline-deficient high-fat diet (CDHFD) for 10 weeks to induce NAFLD. For the next 10 weeks, two groups of mice received the test drug along with CDHFD. Two doses (a low dose, 800 mg/kg/day; and a high dose, 1200 mg/kg/day) of ALS-L1023 were selected and mixed with feed for administration. Obeticholic acid (OCA; 10 mg/kg/day) was used as the positive control. Biochemical analysis revealed that the ALS-L1023 low-dose group had significantly decreased alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. The area of fibrosis significantly decreased due to the administration of ALS-L1023, and the anti-fibrotic effect of ALS-L1023 was greater than that of OCA. RNA sequencing revealed that the responder group had lower expression of genes related to the hedgehog-signaling pathway than the non-responder group. ALS-L1023 may exert anti-fibrotic effects in the NAFLD model, suggesting that it may provide potential benefits for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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12 pages, 2562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regulation of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α Attenuated Lipotoxicity but Increased Bile Acid Toxicity in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

by Yoon Jin Roh, Yun Kim, Jae Sun Lee, Ju Hee Oh, Seung Min Lee, Eileen Laurel Yoon, Sung Ryol Lee and Dae Won Jun

Life 2022, 12(11), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12111682 - 22 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1957

Abstract

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) is a key master transcriptional factor for hepatic fat and bile acid metabolic pathways. We aimed to investigate the role of HNF4α in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The role of HNF4α was evaluated in free fatty [...] Read more.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) is a key master transcriptional factor for hepatic fat and bile acid metabolic pathways. We aimed to investigate the role of HNF4α in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The role of HNF4α was evaluated in free fatty acid–induced lipotoxicity and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA)-induced bile acid toxicity. Furthermore, the role of HNF4α was evaluated in a methionine choline deficiency (MCD)-diet-induced NAFLD model. The overexpression of HNF4α reduced intracellular lipid contents and attenuated palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipotoxicity. However, the protective effects of HNF4α were reversed when CDCA was used in a co-treatment with PA. HNF4α knockdown recovered cell death from bile acid toxicity. The inhibition of HNF4α decreased intrahepatic inflammation and the NAFLD activity score in the MCD model. Hepatic HNF4α inhibition can attenuate bile acid toxicity and be more effective as a therapeutic strategy in NAFLD patients; however, it is necessary to study the optimal timing of HNF4α inhibition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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Graphical abstract

10 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association between Low Muscle Mass and Hepatic Steatosis in Asymptomatic Population in Korea

by Goh-Eun Chung, Hyo-Eun Park, Min-Joo Kim, Min-Sun Kwak, Jong-In Yang, Su-Jin Chung, Jeong-Yoon Yim and Ji-Won Yoon

Life 2021, 11(8), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11080848 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1588

Abstract

Background: An association between low muscle mass and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been suggested. We investigated this relationship using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Methods: A retrospective cohort of subjects had liver FibroScan^® (Echosens, Paris, France) and bioelectrical impedance analyses during [...] Read more.

Background: An association between low muscle mass and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been suggested. We investigated this relationship using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Methods: A retrospective cohort of subjects had liver FibroScan^® (Echosens, Paris, France) and bioelectrical impedance analyses during health screening exams. Low muscle mass was defined based on appendicular skeletal muscle mass/body weight ratios of one (class I) or two (class II) standard deviations below the sex-specific mean for healthy young adults. Results: Among 960 subjects (58.1 years; 67.4% male), 344 (45.8%, class I) and 110 (11.5%, class II) had low muscle mass. After adjusting for traditional metabolic risk factors, hepatic steatosis, defined as a CAP ≥ 248 dB/m, was associated with low muscle mass (class I, odds ratio (OR): 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–2.78; class II, OR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.77–6.26). A dose-dependent association between the grade of steatosis and low muscle mass was also found (class I, OR: 1.88, for CAP ≥ 248, <302; OR: 2.19, in CAP ≥ 302; class II, OR: 2.33, for CAP ≥ 248, <302; OR: 6.17, in CAP ≥ 302). High liver stiffness was also significantly associated with an increased risk of low muscle mass (class I, OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.31–2.95; class II, OR: 2.96, 95% CI: 1.51–5.78). Conclusion: Hepatic steatosis is independently associated with low muscle mass in a dose-dependent manner. The association between hepatic steatosis and low muscle mass suggests that particular attention should be given to subjects with NAFLD for an adequate assessment of muscle mass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

11 pages, 4071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences among Three Skeletal Muscle Mass Indices in Predicting Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Korean Nationwide Population-Based Study

by A-Ra Cho, Jun-Hyuk Lee and Yu-Jin Kwon

Life 2021, 11(8), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11080751 - 26 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1750

Abstract

Recent studies have investigated the relationship between sarcopenia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, there is no unified definition of sarcopenia. Thus, we aimed to investigate the differences among three skeletal muscle mass indices (SMI) in predicting NAFLD. This study included 8133 [...] Read more.

Recent studies have investigated the relationship between sarcopenia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, there is no unified definition of sarcopenia. Thus, we aimed to investigate the differences among three skeletal muscle mass indices (SMI) in predicting NAFLD. This study included 8133 adults from the 2008–2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey. SMI was calculated as appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by height-square (hSMI), weight (wSMI), or body mass index (bSMI). The presence of NAFLD was defined by using the NAFLD-liver fat score. On the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the predictive power of wSMI for NAFLD was significantly higher than those of hSMI and bSMI in men (wSMI vs. hSMI, p = 0.003; wSMI vs. bSMI, p < 0.001). In women, the predictive power of hSMI was only significantly higher than that of bSMI (p = 0.023), and other predictive powers were not significantly different. In addition, hSMI was correlated with insulin resistance and NAFLD-liver fat score in the opposite direction to wSMI and bSMI in both men and women. Among the three definitions of SMI, wSMI showed the highest diagnostic performance for predicting NAFLD in men, suggesting the importance of defining sarcopenia for its association with specific diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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11 pages, 1365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sarcopenia—The Impact on Physical Capacity of Liver Transplant Patients

by Maciej Miarka, Krzysztof Gibiński, Maciej K. Janik, Renata Główczyńska, Krzysztof Zając, Ryszard Pacho and Joanna Raszeja-Wyszomirska

Life 2021, 11(8), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11080740 - 24 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1883

Abstract

Optimizing patients’ condition before liver transplantation (LT) could potentially improve survival of LT patients. We focused on sarcopenia, as a common factor in liver transplant candidates that can impact their cardiopulmonary performance at the point of listing, morbidity, and mortality after LT. We [...] Read more.

Optimizing patients’ condition before liver transplantation (LT) could potentially improve survival of LT patients. We focused on sarcopenia, as a common factor in liver transplant candidates that can impact their cardiopulmonary performance at the point of listing, morbidity, and mortality after LT. We performed a single-center cohort study on 98 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis who were transplanted between March 2015 and December 2017. The third lumbar vertebra skeletal muscle index (L3SMI) was calculated using CT imaging to distinguish sarcopenia at listing for LT. Data regarding liver function, body mass index (BMI), cardiac biomarkers, the peak oxygen uptake (VO2) and LT outcome were collected and correlated to L3SMI. For data analysis the Dell Statistica (Version 13. Dell Inc., Rondrock, TX, USA) was used. In total, 98 cirrhotic patients were included. Fifty-five (56.1%) patients, mostly males, had sarcopenia according to L3SMI, with the lowest L3SMI in males with alcohol-related liver disease. Lower L3SMI correlated with lower BMI, lower VO2 peak, and higher NTproBNP (all p < 0.001) and revealed an essential correlation with prolonged ICU stay (r = −0.21, p < 0.05). 33 patients were unable to perform cardio-pulmonary exercise test, mostly sarcopenic (67%), with more advanced liver insufficiency (assessed with CPC and MELD scores) and longer stay at ICU after LT (all p < 0.001). Sarcopenia was common among LT recipients. It was associated with inferior result in cardio-pulmonary performance before LT and prolonged ICU stay after grafting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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15 pages, 859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resistance Training in Hypoxia as a New Therapeutic Modality for Sarcopenia—A Narrative Review

by Won-Sang Jung, Sung-Woo Kim, Jeong-Weon Kim and Hun-Young Park

Life 2021, 11(2), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11020106 - 30 Jan 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4524

Abstract

Hypoxic training is believed to be generally useful for improving exercise performance in various athletes. Nowadays, exercise intervention in hypoxia is recognized as a new therapeutic modality for health promotion and disease prevention or treatment based on the lower mortality and prevalence of [...] Read more.

Hypoxic training is believed to be generally useful for improving exercise performance in various athletes. Nowadays, exercise intervention in hypoxia is recognized as a new therapeutic modality for health promotion and disease prevention or treatment based on the lower mortality and prevalence of people living in high-altitude environments than those living in low-altitude environments. Recently, resistance training in hypoxia (RTH), a new therapeutic modality combining hypoxia and resistance exercise, has been attempted to improve muscle hypertrophy and muscle function. RTH is known to induce greater muscle size, lean mass, increased muscle strength and endurance, bodily function, and angiogenesis of skeletal muscles than traditional resistance exercise. Therefore, we examined previous studies to understand the clinical and physiological aspects of sarcopenia and RTH for muscular function and hypertrophy. However, few investigations have examined the combined effects of hypoxic stress and resistance exercise, and as such, it is difficult to make recommendations for implementing universal RTH programs for sarcopenia based on current understanding. It should also be acknowledged that a number of mechanisms proposed to facilitate the augmented response to RTH remain poorly understood, particularly the role of metabolic, hormonal, and intracellular signaling pathways. Further RTH intervention studies considering various exercise parameters (e.g., load, recovery time between sets, hypoxic dose, and intervention period) are strongly recommended to reinforce knowledge about the adaptational processes and the effects of this type of resistance training for sarcopenia in older people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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12 pages, 2620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Critical Appraisal of the Definition of Sarcopenia in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Pitfall of Adjusted Muscle Mass by Body Weight

by Huiyul Park, Dae Won Jun, Hoon-ki Park, Kye-Yeung Park, Minki Kim and Hwan-Sik Hwang

Life 2020, 10(10), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10100218 - 23 Sep 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2383

Abstract

Traditionally, sarcopenia has defined as amount of absolute muscle mass adjusted by height in the elderly people. However, relative muscle mass adjusted by weight has been used extensively in most non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) studies. Here, we attempted to investigate the pitfall [...] Read more.

Traditionally, sarcopenia has defined as amount of absolute muscle mass adjusted by height in the elderly people. However, relative muscle mass adjusted by weight has been used extensively in most non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) studies. Here, we attempted to investigate the pitfall of adjusted muscle mass by weight to evaluate association between sarcopenia and NAFLD. Adult subjects (n = 1343) who underwent a health check-up were finally included for analysis. The weight-adjusted skeletal muscle mass index (wSMI) and height-adjusted SMI (hSMI) calculated by dividing the total appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) by weight or the square of height, respectively. Prevalence of sarcopenia defined by wSMI in the NAFLD group was significantly higher than in the control group (1.3% vs. 8.8%, p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in the prevalence of sarcopenia defined by hSMI between the control and NAFLD groups (2.0% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.055). Since body weight was the most potent independent risk factor for NAFLD in multivariable logistic regression analysis, abnormal rates (<−1 SD) of almost all parameters increased in the NAFLD population, after weight adjustment. However, abnormal rates of non-metabolic parameter did not increase in NAFLD, after height adjustment. Only metabolic parameters showed relationship with NAFLD, after height adjustment. As NAFLD is highly associated with body weight, careful attention should be given in the case of studying the relationship of NAFLD with sarcopenia adjusted by body weight. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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15 pages, 2947 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Muscle Hypertrophy and Architectural Changes in Response to Eight-Week Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training in Healthy Older People

by Tereza Jandova, Marco V. Narici, Michal Steffl, Danilo Bondi, Moreno D’Amico, Dagmar Pavlu, Vittore Verratti, Stefania Fulle and Tiziana Pietrangelo

Life 2020, 10(9), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10090184 - 08 Sep 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4515

Abstract

Loss of muscle mass of the lower limbs and of the spine extensors markedly impairs locomotor ability and spine stability in old age. In this study, we investigated whether 8 w of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) improves size and architecture of the lumbar [...] Read more.

Loss of muscle mass of the lower limbs and of the spine extensors markedly impairs locomotor ability and spine stability in old age. In this study, we investigated whether 8 w of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) improves size and architecture of the lumbar multifidus (LM) and vastus lateralis (VL) along with locomotor ability in healthy older individuals. Eight volunteers (aged 65 ≥ years) performed NMES 3 times/week. Eight sex- and age-matched individuals served as controls. Functional tests (Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST)), VL muscle architecture (muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), and fiber length (FL)), along with VL cross-sectional area (CSA) and both sides of LM were measured before and after by ultrasound. By the end of the training period, MT and CSA of VL increased by 8.6% and 11.4%, respectively. No significant increases were observed in FL and PA. LM CSA increased by 5.6% (left) and 7.1% (right). Interestingly, all VL architectural parameters significantly decreased in the control group. The combined NMES had a large significant effect on TUG (r = 0.50, p = 0.046). These results extend previous findings on the hypertrophic effects of NMES training, suggesting to be a useful mean for combating age-related sarcopenia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

13 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessReview

Clinical Impact of Sarcopenia on Cholangiocarcinoma

by Suk-Pyo Shin and Dong-Hee Koh

Life 2022, 12(6), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12060815 - 30 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1564

Abstract

Sarcopenia is considered an important factor affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. Only complete surgical resection confers the chance of curing cholangiocarcinoma with sarcopenia. However, the prognosis is poor, even for patients who undergo surgical resection. Data from 13 trials of patients with [...] Read more.

Sarcopenia is considered an important factor affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. Only complete surgical resection confers the chance of curing cholangiocarcinoma with sarcopenia. However, the prognosis is poor, even for patients who undergo surgical resection. Data from 13 trials of patients with sarcopenia and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) or perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) were collected and reviewed. During all trials, sarcopenia was assessed using the psoas muscle or total skeletal muscle at the L3 level on cross-sectional images. The data showed heterogeneity among the subjects and treatment options and discrepancies in methods of measuring muscle mass and setting the cut-off level. Despite conflicting results regarding morbidity, mortality, and recurrence, sarcopenia may be associated with poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) for ICC patients. The impact of sarcopenia on the morbidity of ICC patients remains unclear. The impact of PHC on morbidity, mortality, and RFS is also unclear. Further well-designed studies are needed to elucidate the effects of sarcopenia on ICC and PHC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

13 pages, 3837 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sarcopenia and Frailty in Liver Cirrhosis

by Hiroki Nishikawa, Shinya Fukunishi, Akira Asai, Shuhei Nishiguchi and Kazuhide Higuchi

Life 2021, 11(5), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11050399 - 27 Apr 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3330

Abstract

Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the body, and skeletal muscle atrophy results from a shift in the balance of protein synthesis and degradation toward protein breakdown. Primary sarcopenia is defined as a loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength or physical [...] Read more.

Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the body, and skeletal muscle atrophy results from a shift in the balance of protein synthesis and degradation toward protein breakdown. Primary sarcopenia is defined as a loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength or physical function due to aging, and secondary sarcopenia is defined as a loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength or physical function due to underlying diseases. Liver cirrhosis (LC) is one of the representative diseases which can be complicated with secondary sarcopenia. Muscle mass loss becomes more pronounced with worsening liver reserve in LC patients. While frailty encompasses a state of increased vulnerability to environmental factors, there is also the reversibility of returning to a healthy state with appropriate intervention. Several assessment criteria for sarcopenia and frailty were proposed in recent years. In 2016, the Japan Society of Hepatology created assessment criteria for sarcopenia in liver disease. In Japan, health checkups for frailty in the elderly aged 75 years or more started in April 2020. Both sarcopenia and frailty can be adverse predictors for cirrhotic patients. In this review article, we will summarize the current knowledge of sarcopenia and frailty in LC patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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18 pages, 350 KiB

Open AccessReview

Definition of Sarcopenia in Chronic Liver Disease

by Seong Wan Son, Do Seon Song, U Im Chang and Jin Mo Yang

Life 2021, 11(4), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11040349 - 16 Apr 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2944

Abstract

Sarcopenia, which is characterized by decline in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance, is common in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Several consensus definitions for community-dwelling elderly people have been proposed, and these recommend [...] Read more.

Sarcopenia, which is characterized by decline in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance, is common in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Several consensus definitions for community-dwelling elderly people have been proposed, and these recommend the use of various tools and tests to assess muscle properties and performance. These measurement tools have also been applied in patients with CLD and have been useful for predicting prognosis. However, sarcopenia and its diagnostic criteria specific to patients with CLD have not yet been clearly defined. In addition, fluid retention and body composition should be considered when sarcopenia is assessed in patients with CLD. This review aims to introduce definitions of sarcopenia and diagnostic tools used in patients with CLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

16 pages, 736 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emerging Treatment Options for Sarcopenia in Chronic Liver Disease

by Yun Kim

Life 2021, 11(3), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11030250 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5059

Abstract

Sarcopenia is characterized by a skeletal muscle disorder with progressive and generalized loss of muscle mass and function, and it increases the risk of adverse outcomes with considerable prevalence in patients with chronic liver disease. Sarcopenia in chronic liver disease underlies complicated and [...] Read more.

Sarcopenia is characterized by a skeletal muscle disorder with progressive and generalized loss of muscle mass and function, and it increases the risk of adverse outcomes with considerable prevalence in patients with chronic liver disease. Sarcopenia in chronic liver disease underlies complicated and multifactorial mechanisms for pathogenesis, including alterations in protein turnover, hyperammonemia, energy disposal, hormonal changes, and chronic inflammation. The key contribution to sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver diseases can be the hyperammonemia-induced upregulation of myostatin, which causes muscle atrophy via the expression of atrophy-related genes. Several clinical studies on emerging treatment options for sarcopenia have been reported, but only a few have focused on patients with chronic liver diseases, with mostly nutritional and behavioral interventions being carried out. The inhibition of the myostatin-activin receptor signaling pathway and hormonal therapy might be the most promising therapeutic options in combination with an ammonia-lowering approach in sarcopenic patients with chronic liver diseases. This review focuses on current and emerging treatment options for sarcopenia in chronic liver diseases with underlying mechanisms to counteract this condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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12 pages, 493 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sarcopenia and Cognitive Function: Role of Myokines in Muscle Brain Cross-Talk

by Lucia Scisciola, Rosaria Anna Fontanella, Surina, Vittoria Cataldo, Giuseppe Paolisso and Michelangela Barbieri

Life 2021, 11(2), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11020173 - 23 Feb 2021

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 9918

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by the progressive degeneration of muscle mass and function, and it is associated with severe complications, which are falls, functional decline, frailty, and mortality. Sarcopenia is associated with cognitive impairment, defined as a decline in one or [...] Read more.

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by the progressive degeneration of muscle mass and function, and it is associated with severe complications, which are falls, functional decline, frailty, and mortality. Sarcopenia is associated with cognitive impairment, defined as a decline in one or more cognitive domains as language, memory, reasoning, social cognition, planning, making decisions, and solving problems. Although the exact mechanism relating to sarcopenia and cognitive function has not yet been defined, several studies have shown that skeletal muscle produces and secrete molecules, called myokines, that regulate brain functions, including mood, learning, locomotor activity, and neuronal injury protection, showing the existence of muscle-brain cross-talk. Moreover, studies conducted on physical exercise supported the existence of muscle-brain cross-talk, showing how physical activity, changing myokines' circulating levels, exerts beneficial effects on the brain. The review mainly focuses on describing the role of myokines on brain function and their involvement in cognitive impairment in sarcopenia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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8 pages, 1137 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sarcopenic Obesity in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease—The Union of Two Culprits

by Saad Emhmed Ali and Mindie H. Nguyen

Life 2021, 11(2), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11020119 - 04 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3017

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) continues to rise and has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease among all ages and ethnicities. Metabolic disorders, such as obesity and insulin resistance, are closely associated with sarcopenia and NAFLD. Sarcopenic obesity is a [...] Read more.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) continues to rise and has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease among all ages and ethnicities. Metabolic disorders, such as obesity and insulin resistance, are closely associated with sarcopenia and NAFLD. Sarcopenic obesity is a clinical disorder characterized by the simultaneous loss of skeletal muscle and gain of adipose tissue. It is associated with worse outcomes in individuals with NAFLD. It is projected that NAFLD and sarcopenia will rise as the prevalence of obesity continues to increase at an unparallel rate. Recently, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity have gained considerable interest, but we still lack a well-defined definition and a management approach. Therefore, it is imperative to continue shining the light on this topic and better understand the underlying mechanism as well as treatment options. In this review article, we aimed to address the pathophysiology, impact, and outcomes of sarcopenic obesity on NAFLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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16 pages, 1805 KiB

Open AccessReview

Radiologic Definition of Sarcopenia in Chronic Liver Disease

by Chul-min Lee, Bo Kyeong Kang and Mimi Kim

Life 2021, 11(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11020086 - 25 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3991

Abstract

Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease, and affected patients tend to have worse clinical outcomes and higher mortality. However, relevant analyses are limited by heterogeneity in the definition of sarcopenia and in the methodological approaches in assessing it. We reviewed [...] Read more.

Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease, and affected patients tend to have worse clinical outcomes and higher mortality. However, relevant analyses are limited by heterogeneity in the definition of sarcopenia and in the methodological approaches in assessing it. We reviewed several radiologic methods for sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can measure muscle mass, but it is difficult to evaluate muscle quality using this technique. Computed tomography, known as the gold standard for diagnosing sarcopenia, enables the objective measurement of muscle quantity and quality. The third lumbar skeletal muscle index (L3 SMI) more accurately predicted the mortality of subjects than the psoas muscle index (PMI). Few studies have evaluated the sarcopenia of chronic liver disease using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, and more studies are needed. Unification of the measurement method and cut-off value would facilitate a more systematic and universal prognosis evaluation in patients with chronic liver disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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Other

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18 pages, 696 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Association between Diet Quality and Sarcopenia in Older Adults: Systematic Review of Prospective Cohort Studies

by Eun-Hee Jang, Ye-Ji Han, Seong-Eun Jang and Seungmin Lee

Life 2021, 11(8), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11080811 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3365

Abstract

(1) Background: Nutrition is a key determinant of sarcopenia in later life. (2) Methods: A systematic review of prospective cohort studies examining association of diet quality with muscle mass (MM), muscle strength (MS) or physical performance (PP) among older adults was conducted. A [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Nutrition is a key determinant of sarcopenia in later life. (2) Methods: A systematic review of prospective cohort studies examining association of diet quality with muscle mass (MM), muscle strength (MS) or physical performance (PP) among older adults was conducted. A total of 22,885 results were obtained from a literature search in MEDLINE via PubMed and EMBASE up to November 2020. Inclusion criteria included diet quality assessment via dietary indices or statistical approaches, a sample of adults aged 45 years and over at baseline in a longitudinal study design. (3) Results: Of the 22,885 cohort studies, 14 studies were eligible. Meaningful results were obtained for the Mediterranean diet and Nordic diet regarding the decrease of sarcopenia risk, however results from non-European countries were inconsistent. In addition, due to the insufficient number of studies on Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top (JFG-ST), dietary variety score (DVS), and dietary quality index-international (DQI-I), effectiveness was difficult to prove. Studies using factor analysis to examine dietary patterns suggested that the risk of sarcopenia is increased with a high in saturated fat diet such as westernized pattern etc. (4) Conclusion: In this systematic review it was found that various diet qualities are meaningful to a decreased risk of sarcopenia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcopenia and Liver Disease: Current and Future Perspectives)

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