The crucial role of dysregulated lipid metabolism in sarcopenia-related skeletal muscle loss

Liu Xuan; Tan Shanjun; Wu Guohao

doi:10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.02.002

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Electronic Journal of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer ›› 2026, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (2) : 180-185. DOI: 10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.02.002

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The crucial role of dysregulated lipid metabolism in sarcopenia-related skeletal muscle loss

Liu Xuan,Tan Shanjun,Wu Guohao

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Abstract

Sarcopenia is a progressive and systemic skeletal muscle disorder characterized by the loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function. Etiologically, it can be categorized into primary and secondary sarcopenia. Sarcopenia not only significantly increases the risks of frailty, falls, disability, and mortality among older adults, but also substantially worsens the clinical outcomes of surgical patients and those with chronic diseases. Emerging evidence underscores a crucial role for dysregulated lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia-related skeletal muscle loss. In both primary and secondary sarcopenia, dysregulated lipid metabolism contributes to the disruption of skeletal muscle homeostasis through multiple mechanisms, including ectopic fat deposition, accumulation of lipotoxic metabolites, and dysregulation of the fat-muscle endocrine axis. Collectively, these alterations impair the balance between protein synthesis and degradation, thereby possibly accelerating muscle wasting. Consequently, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying dysregulated lipid metabolism and identifying new therapeutic targets are of great significance for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Integrating recent advances in research and clinical practice, this review comprehensively and systematically summarizes the roles and mechanisms of dysregulated lipid metabolism in sarcopenia-related skeletal muscle loss, aiming to provide novel insights and a theoretical framework for the precision management of sarcopenia, and to highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting lipid metabolic pathways.

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Sarcopenia / Skeletal muscle loss / Dysregulated lipid metabolism / Insulin resistance / Mitochondrial function / Molecular target / Skeletal muscle homeostasis / Mechanism

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Liu Xuan, Tan Shanjun, Wu Guohao. The crucial role of dysregulated lipid metabolism in sarcopenia-related skeletal muscle loss[J]. Electronic Journal of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer. 2026, 13(2): 180-185 https://doi.org/10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.02.002

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