Work

Intermuscular Fat: A Review of the Consequences and Causes

Year: 2014

Type: review

Abstract: Muscle's structural composition is an important factor underlying muscle strength and physical function in older adults. There is an increasing amount of research to support the clear disassociation between the loss of muscle lean tissue mass and strength with aging. This disassociation implies that factors in addition to lean muscle mass are responsible for the decreases in strength and function seen with aging. Intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is a significant predictor of both muscle function and mobility function in older adults and across a wide variety of comorbid conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, diabetes, and COPD. IMAT is also implicated in metabolic dysfunction such as insulin resistance. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide a review of the implications of increased IMAT levels in metabolic, muscle, and mobility function. Potential treatment options to mitigate increasing levels of IMAT will also be discussed.

Source: International Journal of Endocrinology

DOI: 10.1155/2014/309570

Authors: Odessa Addison, Robin L. Marcus, Paul C. LaStayo, Alice S. Ryan

Institutions: University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore VA Medical Center, University of Utah

Language: English

Topic: Adipose Tissue and Metabolism

Subfield: Physiology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,830