Sex differences in adipose tissue distribution. Predictors of sarcopenia

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Abstract

The replacement of muscle tissue with fat plays the leading role in the development of sarcopenia against the background of weakening muscle function. Normally, the distribution of adipose tissue in the body has gender differences. The redistribution of fat deposits is noted with age under the influence of sex hormones: from the neonatal period, with changes in prepubertal and pubertal age, to changes in the premenopausal and climacteric periods. Racial and genetic characteristics also affect the excess deposition of visceral and subcutaneous fat. This literature review covers aspects of regulation of adipose tissue distribution in age and gender aspects, variants of pathological fat deposition, and possible health effects. Particular attention is paid to the genetic regulation of fat metabolism, the gene ERS1 (rs2175898), BDNF (rs6265), LEPR (rs1137101), FTO (rs9939609), AGT (rs4762 and rs699), FABP2 (rs179988), and only with the PPARG Pro/Pro locus were found to be associated with obesity. We discuss herein possible ways of modification of fat deposits in the human body under the influence of food stimulation, physical exercise and changes in the intestinal microbiome. These same ways are characteristic for preventing the development of sarcopenia in both the elderly and young people with secondary sarcopenia.

About the authors

Anna N. Zavyalova

Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Email: anzavjalova@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9532-9698
SPIN-code: 3817-8267

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Assistant Professor

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Milena N. Yakovleva

Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Email: milena-yakovleva@bk.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8986-7599
SPIN-code: 1601-5595
Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Kseniya I. Smirnova

Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Email: aksinya2010@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0007-8570-6772
SPIN-code: 4011-2223
Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Ivan A. Lisitsa

Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Email: ivan_lisitsa@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3501-9660
SPIN-code: 4937-7071
Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Laura Dzh. Shogiradze

Children’s City Polyclinic No. 19

Email: laura-leona@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-2909-9417
SPIN-code: 6206-8390
Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Valeriya P. Novikova

Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Author for correspondence.
Email: novikova-vp@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-0992-1709
SPIN-code: 1875-8137

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

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