Sarcopenia and metabolic health

The objective of this review is to assess the relevance of sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome comorbidity, describe the common mechanisms of development of these pathological conditions, and determine the clinical significance of the coexistence of these diseases. The number of patients with concomitant sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide. Recent scientific studies demonstrate that these conditions share common pathogenic mechanisms that can trigger and aggravate their course. Sarcopenia leads to impaired glucose utilization and insulin resistance, which triggers the development of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome, in turn, contributes to the development of atherosclerosis of the great vessels and potentiates chronic inflammation and muscle steatosis. Patients with these comorbidities experience a reduced quality of life and an increased risk of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome should be considered within the context of multimorbidity as two independent diseases, the coexistence of which leads to the formation of a vicious cycle of progressive muscle loss, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance, which negatively impacts the prognosis of comorbid patients.