Emerging drugs for the treatment of sarcopenia in cirrhosis of the liver.
Expert Opin Emerg Drugs
; 29(2): 81-91, 2024 Jun.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38549232
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Malnutrition and sarcopenia are common and impact the prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. The etiology is multifactorial and includes periods of reduced caloric intake, increased catabolism and direct molecular mechanisms that inhibit muscle synthesis. Although these conditions are widely acknowledged, and there is a growing interest in their diagnosis, robust evidence regarding the treatment and reversibility of these conditions is still lacking. AREAS COVERED We have explored the current evidence on the pharmacological treatment of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. Additionally, we have searched for drugs already in use and ongoing trials for other chronic diseases. EXPERT OPINION The current guidelines recommend the use of a protein-adequate diet and moderate physical activity for treating sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. Currently, robust evidence is derived only from the supplementation of Branched-Chain Amino Acids, capable of increasing muscle mass and function. There are many drugs targeting various pathways that contribute to sarcopenia. However, evidence is sporadic and insufficient to suggest their use in clinical practice.Novel drugs specifically designed to enhance muscle mass and function should be developed. Finally, gender significantly influences the type of muscle alteration and therapeutic mechanisms; therefore, future studies should be designed taking gender differences into consideration.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Sarcopenia
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Desarrollo de Medicamentos
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Cirrosis Hepática
Límite:
Animals
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Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Expert Opin Emerg Drugs
Asunto de la revista:
TERAPIA POR MEDICAMENTOS
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido