Clinical and Physiopathological Mechanism of Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is defined the loss of muscle mass and strength with aging. Although the etiology and the pathogenesis, the diagnosis of sarcopenia are obscure, the sequel of sarcopenia, i.e. morbidity and mortality, metabolic complications, are a major public health problem. Particularly, aged people in Korea are increasing rapidly more than expected; therefore the interest of sarcopenia is also increasing rapidly. This article provides an overview of the pathogenesis, and diagnosis, epidemiology, clinical results. (Korean J Med 2012;83:444-454)