Frailty, sarcopenia, and hormones

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2013 Jun;42(2):391-405. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2013.02.006.

Abstract

Frailty is now a definable clinical syndrome with a simple screening test. Age-related changes in hormones play a major role in the development of frailty by reducing muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia). Selective Androgen Receptor Molecules and ghrelin agonists are being developed to treat sarcopenia. The role of Activin Type IIB soluble receptors and Follistatin-like 3 mimetics is less certain because of side effects. Exercise (resistance and aerobic), vitamin D and protein supplementation, and reduction of polypharmacy are keys to the treatment of frailty.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Androgens / agonists
  • Androgens / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dietary Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Drugs, Investigational / therapeutic use
  • Endocrine Glands / growth & development
  • Endocrine Glands / metabolism*
  • Frail Elderly
  • Ghrelin / agonists
  • Ghrelin / analogs & derivatives
  • Ghrelin / therapeutic use
  • Hormones / blood
  • Hormones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Motor Activity
  • Sarcopenia / blood
  • Sarcopenia / etiology
  • Sarcopenia / physiopathology
  • Sarcopenia / therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D / metabolism
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Drugs, Investigational
  • Ghrelin
  • Hormones
  • Vitamin D