Emerging research on importance of muscle mass and function

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength with impaired function, is progressively documented as a major issue in geriatric medicine. It is remarkable that the study of this condition has recently extended beyond the borders of geriatrics, highlighting the importance of muscle physiology to the overall health status. Definitely, the assessment of sarcopenia is increasingly raised as an important tool for the risk stratification of patients suffering from different medical conditions, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, chronic kidney failure, among others. The wide range of negative health-related events to which sarcopenia contributes has activated rigorous research efforts in the attempt to untangle its multifaceted pathophysiology and develop effective specific treatments.