Scientists from the University of Exeter have made an important discovery about why some people become more prone to muscle weakness as they age.
Their research is published in the journal Nature Communications by Garan Jones and his team. It sheds light on the biological factors that contribute to this condition, known as sarcopenia.
Sarcopenia is a condition where people lose muscle strength as they get older.
It’s not just a simple part of aging – in about 10% of people over 50, it’s severe enough to affect their daily lives. This loss of muscle strength is more than just an inconvenience; it’s linked to a higher risk of dying.
To dive deeper into this issue, the researchers looked at genetic data from over 250,000 people aged 60 and above. This data came from the UK Biobank and 21 other databases.
They specifically focused on how strong people’s handgrips were, which is a key indicator of muscle function and is used to diagnose sarcopenia.
What they found was quite revealing. Their genetic analysis pointed to specific biological processes that make certain people more likely to develop sarcopenia, while others seem to be naturally protected against it.
They found 15 different areas in our DNA that are linked to muscle weakness. Interestingly, 12 of these areas hadn’t been connected to grip strength in previous studies.
The most significant findings were near parts of our DNA that control the immune system and the growth and development of muscles and bones.
Also, they noticed that certain markers in the blood, like red blood cell levels and signs of inflammation, might be intertwined with sarcopenia.
Another key discovery was the link between muscle weakness in older people and metabolic diseases like type-2 diabetes, as well as autoimmune conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
This connection suggests that people who are at higher risk of these diseases might also need to be on the lookout for sarcopenia.
These insights are not just interesting for scientists; they have real implications for how we approach aging.
By understanding the genetic factors behind sarcopenia, we can better identify who is most at risk and potentially find ways to intervene.
This knowledge could lead to new treatments or preventative measures, helping older adults maintain their muscle strength and independence for longer.
If you care about muscle, please read studies about factors that can cause muscle weakness in older people, and scientists find a way to reverse high blood sugar and muscle loss.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about an easy, cheap way to maintain muscles, and results showing these vegetables essential for your muscle strength.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
