THE DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF SARCOPENIA

The Developmental Origins of Sarcopenia



Medicine and Health

The Developmental Origins of Sarcopenia

Introduction

Background of the study

Few of the most common consequences and signs of ageing are its effects on the muscles and specifically the progressive loss of function and muss which affects the quality of life and ultimately its impacts on the survival. The term “sarcopenia” was initially used by physicians and specialists to denote the loss of muscle mass with increasing age. Recently with consensus the definition of “sarcopenia” has been established. Sarcopenia is a condition which is associated with frailty. It is defined as a low muscle mass due to the lack of macro-nutrients such as proteins and calories, specific nutrients, and a lack of tropic factors.

The progressive loss of muscle in older people increased risk of disability, morbidity, and mortality. There have been many studies showing that there is a strong relationship between the physical size at the time of birth and grip strength in older people and the interest is increasing for carrying research on this subject and the impact of developmental influences in later life. The underline reason for sarcopenia is still not known perfectly, but there is significant evidence taken from animal models that low birth weight due to the paternal under nutrition is related with a reduction of muscle fibers. Therefore, it has been proposed that there is a strong relationship between the low birth weight and impairment of muscle strength among older people.

Hypothesis

“Low birth weight is responsible for smaller size of muscles in older women and men”.

Aim of the research paper

The basic aim and rationale behind the research paper was to explore and carry out a research on the “developmental origins of sarcopenia” by using peripheral quantitative computed tomography in order to assess muscle size in old age people.

Methods

The method used for the research paper was “quantitative” by using Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography technique. During the research, 318 women and 313 men were interviewed who were born in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom between the years 1931-1939. The information was collected related to their growth in their early life and life style and all the participants underwent peripheral quantitative computed tomography to measure the calf and forearm muscle size. Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT, Quantitative Computed Tomography) is the only technique used for noninvasive measurement of actual density of bone in a given volume, in mg / cm 3 Without superimposition of other tissues, unlike other methods of "projective" (as the ray Densitometry X, DXA) to measure the bone content in a specific area. Bone density can be calculated separately in the trabecular component, in the cortex, or both, in the whole skeleton.

The QCT is generally performed at the lumbar spine and uses common scanner on the market provided with the software for bone densitometry. First run a scout view of the spine lumbar and lateral digital radiographs obtained with a cursor select the plan scan after the gantry tilted so that the scan plane parallel to that of limiting somatic ...