Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Review article

Aging
Vitamin B deficiency and sarcopenia: an integrated narrative review of metabolic, inflammatory, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and myokine signaling pathways: Kisang Kwon, Sangmin Lee, Jenny Kwon, Seung Whan Kim; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2026;43:51. Published online August 3, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2026.43.51 [Epub ahead of print]

418 View
36 Download

Abstract PDF: Sarcopenia is an age-related skeletal muscle disorder characterized by progressive decline in muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, leading to frailty, disability, falls, and increased mortality. Although its pathogenesis is multifactorial, growing evidence indicates that vitamin B complex deficiency contributes to muscle deterioration through interconnected metabolic and signaling pathways. This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding the roles of B vitamins in skeletal muscle biology and their potential contribution to sarcopenia. Vitamin B deficiency impairs mitochondrial energy metabolism by reducing cofactor availability and adenosine triphosphate production, thereby increasing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. These disturbances may trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress and the integrated stress response, leading to activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-dependent induction of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) expression. Collectively, these changes disrupt protein homeostasis, suppress anabolic signaling, impair neuromuscular function, and alter myokine secretion by reducing anabolic mediators while increasing catabolic and inflammatory myokines, thereby accelerating muscle loss and functional decline. Current evidence is the strongest for vitamins B6, B9, and B12, whereas mechanistic and clinical data for B2, B3, B5, and B7 remain limited. Overall, vitamin B deficiency can be viewed as a modifiable biological contributor to sarcopenia. Well-designed prospective studies and randomized clinical trials are required to clarify causality, validate biomarkers, and determine whether targeted vitamin B supplementation can enhance exercise- and nutrition-based strategies for preserving muscle health in older adults.

Original article

Neurology
Characteristics of mDIXON-Quant and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging of thigh skeletal muscles in patients with stroke-related sarcopenia: a prospective case-control study: Ruihong Yao, Bu-Lang Gao, Jihong Hu, Wei Zhao, Yang Tian, Liqing Yao, Yongneng Jiang; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:49. Published online August 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2025.42.49

1,934 View
59 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
This study was performed to investigate the imaging features of mDIXON-Quant sequence (Philips Healthcare) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of thigh muscles in patients with stroke-related sarcopenia (SRS).
Methods
This prospective case-control study was conducted in 40 patients with SRS, 40 patients without sarcopenia who had a stroke, and 40 healthy volunteers using mDIXON-Quant and 1H-MRS scanning. Skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat fraction (FF) were analyzed.
Results
The skeletal muscle FF value was significantly higher (p<0.05) in patients with SRS and on the affected side. The extracellular fat content of the rectus femoris muscle in normal controls was 4× to 10× the intracellular fat content. A significant increase (p<0.05) in intra- and extracellular fat content was detected in the SRS group. The degree of fat content increase in the SRS group was significantly lower (p<0.05) for extracellular fat than intracellular fat, with a ratio of extracellular to intracellular fat content of <4. The intracellular fat content was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the SRS group. A moderate-to-strong positive correlation existed between intracellular fat content (area 1) and muscle fat percentage. The degree of decrease in CSA in the posterior muscle group was significantly greater (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Thigh muscle CSA significantly decreased in SRS, while FF increased. The intra- and extracellular fat content of the skeletal muscle was significantly increased, especially the intracellular fat content. SRS was confirmed when the ratio of extracellular fat content to intracellular fat content was <4.

Review article

Geriatrics and Gerontology
Multidisciplinary approach to sarcopenia: a narrative review: Wook Tae Park, Oog-Jin Shon, Gi Beom Kim; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2023;40(4):352-363. Published online September 7, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2023.00724

32,671 View
505 Download
26 Web of Science
26 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Sarcopenia is a condition in which muscle mass and strength are decreased and muscle function is impaired. It is an indicator of frailty and loss of independence in older adults. It is also associated with increased physical disability, which increases the risk of falls. As a multifactorial disease, sarcopenia is caused by a combination of factors including aging, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and physical inactivity. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology of sarcopenia and identifying its different causes is critical to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. This review summarizes the pathophysiology, consequences, diagnostic methods, and multidisciplinary approaches to sarcopenia.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Underlying Mechanisms of Osteoporosis in the Context of Multimorbidity: Clinical Challenges and Management Strategies
Alberto Castagna, Carmelo Pujia, Elisa Mazza, Samantha Maurotti, Yvelise Ferro, Valeria Rizzo, Martina Formica, Rosy Conforto, Caterina Mercuri, Angela Sciacqua, Carmine Gazzaruso, Arturo Pujia, Tiziana Montalcini
Nutrients.2026; 18(2): 262. CrossRef
The Clinical Impact of Sarcopenia and Delirium in Hospitalized Elderly Patients: An Analysis Using Muscle Ultrasound
Thomas Fraccalini, Laura Santos Ribeiro, Andrea Trogolo, Beatrice Tarozzo, Valerio Piras, Julia Michelin Vecchini, Rouslan Senkeev, Oksana Sukhova, Luciano Cardinale, Giuseppe Maina, Salvatore Di Gioia, Davide Minniti, Truce Massimiliano, Binello Elisa, F
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Advances in electrical stimulation-based therapeutic technologies for sarcopenia prevention and treatment
Khandoker Asiqur Rahaman, Min-Jung Kim, Yuna Jung, Seung-Kyun Kang, Hyung-Seop Han
Bioactive Materials.2026; 60: 678. CrossRef
Medicinal plants in the management of muscle loss and sarcopenia: A narrative review of preclinical and clinical evidence from eight species
Zahra Yazdanpanah, Hossein Sobhani, Sina Vossoughinia, Saboura Sahebi, Jalileh Jalali, Mahboobeh Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar
Phytomedicine.2026; 153: 157958. CrossRef
The impact of temporal muscle thickness as an indicator of sarcopenia on clinical status in Parkinson's disease
Basak Atalay, Kendal Erincik, Mahmut Bilal Dogan, Merve Gezgin, Huseyin Yildiz, Betul Ozdilek
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery.2026; 265: 109388. CrossRef
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Sarcopenia: Integrating Fiber‐Type Remodeling, Contractile Protein Dynamics, and Systemic Regulatory Pathways
Nikam Rutuja Dilesh, Divyansh Khatri, Richa Shrivastava, Sapana Kushwaha
Cell Biochemistry and Function.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Multimodal AI Model for Sarcopenia Detection: Integrating Chest CT and Clinical Parameters in Older Adults
Yunfei Pan, Feimin Zhao, Xiaojun Chen, Jingjing Ren
Clinical Interventions in Aging.2026; Volume 21: 1. CrossRef
Uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as a novel biomarker for sarcopenia: a national study with machine learning insights
Ruonan Yang, Zesong Cheng, Pei Yang, Xiujuan Yang, Wanlin Liao, Siwei Zhai, Jay Magaziner
The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Mit Schnellkraft gegen den biologischen Bankrott – Sarkopenie und Powerpenia entgegenwirken
David Pfaller
physiopraxis.2026; 24(06): 18. CrossRef
Nutritional prehabilitation for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: A proposed clinical framework integrating body composition analysis
Jing Zhao, Tong Tang
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN.2026; 74: 103371. CrossRef
Development of Sarcopenia Management Systems for Former Homeless Older Adults Residing in Supportive Housing: Mixed Methods Study
Phatcharaphon Whaikid, Noppawan Piaseu, Tiraporn Junda, Kamonrat Kittipimpanon, Anita M Souza, Kulapong Jayanama
Asian/Pacific Island Nursing Journal.2026; 10: e95347. CrossRef
Association of frailty index with sarcopenia: Mediation analysis of triglyceride-glucose-related indices: a cross-sectional study
Zhuanhong Yang, Zhihao Wei, Anran Cheng, Honghong Yang
Medicine.2026; 105(27): e49640. CrossRef
Prevalence of, and factors associated with, sarcopenia in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Mobin Marzban Abbas Abadi, Danial Hosseinzade, Majid Khalilizad
Frontiers in Nutrition.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
A scoring system and seven factors associated with certification for Japanese long-term care insurance in older people
Keisuke Takahashi, Katsumasa Ideo, Masaru Uragami, Yuko Fukuma, Takehiro Koga, Kazuhiro Yoshiura, Shuken Boku, Naoto Kajitani, Minoru Takebayashi, Takeshi Miyamoto
Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism.2025; 43(4): 419. CrossRef
Frailty in COPD: Clinical Impact, Diagnosis, Biomarkers, and Management Strategies
Rakhima Azhimamatova, Rana Salieva, Tazagul Zalova, Kunduzkhan Karimova, Dilshat Karimova, Shekerbubu Dyikanova, Roman Kalmatov, Urmatbek Tynaliev
International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.2025; Volume 20: 2445. CrossRef
Sarcopenia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: mechanisms, diagnosis, and management strategies
Muhammad Hamza Khan, Maham Fatima, Ahmad Adnan, Alishba Jawaid, Syed Muhammad Hassan, Muhammad Talal, Shazia Rahim, Zaib Un Nisa Mughal, Aly Omer Patel, Achit Kumar Singh
Annals of Medicine & Surgery.2025; 87(8): 5106. CrossRef
Impact of resistance exercise variants on sarcopenia: a scoping review
Stuti Sharma, Mahak Sharma, Divya Tripathi, Gulshan Lal Khanna
Discover Public Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Amino acid (Leu, Gln, Cys)–EGCG mixture mitigates dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy via PI3K-Akt-mTOR and SIRT1-PGC1α pathway regulation
Sang Min Kim, Hyung Joo Suh, Won Chel Lee, Yain Choi, Yeok Boo Chang
Food Bioscience.2025; 73: 107665. CrossRef
Muscle Fiber Recruitment Characteristics in Trained Older Adults: An EMG Frequency Analysis During Voluntary Contraction
Tatsuhiko Matsumoto, Yutaka Takamaru, Chikao Nakayama, Shuji Sawada, Shuichi Machida
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology.2025; 10(3): 355. CrossRef
Mediation of fasting blood glucose between relative muscle strength and hypertension: insights from two cohorts
Pengyu Wang, Li Huang, Zhou Zhu, Xinyue Hu, Bingxin Wu, Xiaofang Yang
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Associations Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Sarcopenia in South Korean Adults: Based on the 2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Sunhye Shin, Mi Joung Kim
Nutrients.2025; 17(20): 3292. CrossRef
Retrospective Analysis of the Association Between Sarcopenia and Fall Risk in Older Breast Cancer Patients Using Real World Data (TriNetX)
Asmaa Namoos, Rana Ramadan, Dina Ramadan, Annie Liang, Nicholas Thomson
Cancer Medicine.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Sarcopenia in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management
Yuliya Fedorchenko, Nurzhamal Imanbayeva, Umida Khojakulova, Meirgul I. Assylbek, Olena Zimba
Rheumatology International.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Optimising Patient Care: Cutting-Edge Nutritional Strategies in Oncology
Helen Boreham
EMJ Oncology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Head and Neck Cancer and Sarcopenia: An Integrative Clinical and Functional Review
Kazuhira Endo, Mariko Ichinose, Eiji Kobayashi, Takayoshi Ueno, Nobuyuki Hirai, Yosuke Nakanishi, Satoru Kondo, Tomokazu Yoshizaki
Cancers.2024; 16(20): 3460. CrossRef
Economic burden of sarcopenia-related disability in the elderly population: a study in Iran
Ali Darvishi, Adeleh Nikkhah, Gita Shafiee, Rajabali Daroudi, Ramin Heshmat
BMC Research Notes.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Original article

Immunology and Allergy
Age-related low skeletal muscle mass correlates with joint space narrowing in knee osteoarthritis in a South Korean population: a cross-sectional, case-control study: Hyun-Je Kim, Young-Hoon Hong; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2022;39(4):285-293. Published online February 3, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2021.01536

9,461 View
97 Download
2 Web of Science
3 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Background
This study was conducted to analyze the effects of low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and obesity on aging-related osteoarthritis (OA) in the Korean population.
Methods
A total of 16,601 participants who underwent a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and 3,976 subjects with knee X-rays according to the modified Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) system were enrolled. Knees of ≥KL grade 2 were classified as radiologic OA. The severity of joint space narrowing (JSN) was classified by X-rays as normal, mild-to-moderate, and severe JSN in radiologic OA. The subjects were grouped as normal SMI (SMI of ≥–1 standard deviation [SD] of the mean), low SMI class I (SMI of ≥–2 SDs and <–1 SD), and low SMI class II (SMI of <–2 SDs). Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥27.5 kg/m2.
Results
The modified KL grade and JSN severity were negatively correlated with the SMI and positively correlated with BMI and age. The SMI was negatively correlated with age. JSN severity was significantly associated with a low SMI class compared to a normal SMI, which was more prominent in low SMI class II than class I. Obesity was significantly associated with more severe JSN, only for obesity with a low SMI class. Furthermore, patients with a low SMI class, regardless of obesity, were prone to having more severe JSN.
Conclusion
This study suggested that a low SMI class was associated with aging and that an age-related low SMI was more critically related to the severity of JSN in OA.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The Impact of Preoperative Muscle Mass on Postoperative Functional Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty：An Investigation under a Criteria-Based Protocol
Keita Kawabuchi, Shota Maniwa, Kenta Yamane, Ryoka Taniguchi, Kyohei Inoue, Masatoshi Nakamura
The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine.2026; 63(5): 509. CrossRef
Prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in patients with osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Qi Xie, Yujie Su, Juanping Zhong, Jundan Huang, Hui Feng
Geriatric Nursing.2025; 66: 103701. CrossRef
Causal relationship between sarcopenia and osteoarthritis: a bi-directional two-sample mendelian randomized study
Jiyong Yang, Peng Liu, Shuai Wang, Tao Jiang, Yilong Zhang, Wengang Liu
European Journal of Medical Research.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search