Chronic inflammation as a driving factor for sarcopenia: an update on pathophysiology and future therapeutic targets

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by an age-related progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. It represents a significant public health concern because of its adverse impact on the quality of life and prognosis of older adults. Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of sarcopenia through multiple pathways, including cellular senescence(definition), immunosenescence, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction(definition), hormonal alterations, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. To elucidate the role of chronic inflammation in the development of sarcopenia, we systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science databases using combinations of keywords such as "sarcopenia," "chronic inflammation," "inflammaging(definition)," "cytokines" and "muscle atrophy," which specifically addressed mechanistic pathways linking inflammation to muscle loss and emerging therapeutic targets. Moreover, obesity, a chronic inflammatory condition, is associated with sarcopenia, leading to sarcopenic obesity, which further exacerbates muscle loss and functional impairment. In terms of interventions, exercise, nutritional supplementation, and combined approaches have demonstrated efficacy in improving muscle mass and function, as well as conferring demonstrable anti-inflammatory benefits. In addition to conventional hormonal therapies, pharmacological strategies, particularly anti-inflammatory agents and treatments targeting inflammatory pathways, show considerable therapeutic promise. This review systematically examines the central role of chronic inflammation in the development and progression of sarcopenia, as well as its underlying mechanistic basis. It also elaborates on the roles of key inflammatory cytokines, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in regulating muscle protein metabolic balance and their potential utility as biomarkers. A deeper understanding of the relationship between inflammation and sarcopenia will not only help elucidate its complex pathogenesis but also offer critical directions for the future development of early diagnostic tools and targeted anti-inflammatory interventions.