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Muscle atrophy, or muscle wasting, is the loss of skeletal muscle mass, which can lead to muscle weakness and cause disability. It is often caused by immobility, aging, malnutrition, medications, or a wide range of injuries or diseases that impact the musculoskeletal or nervous system. Physiologic atrophy, the most common type, is caused by not using muscles enough and can often be reversed with exercise and better nutrition. Pathologic atrophy is seen with aging, starvation, and diseases such as Cushing's disease. Neurogenic atrophy occurs due to nerve problems or diseases, and physical damage to nerves may be irreversible. Treatments for muscle atrophy include physical therapy, functional electric stimulation, and surgery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Wasting or loss of muscle tissue |
| Loss of muscle mass | 20-40% |
| Types | Physiologic, pathologic, neurogenic |
| Physiologic atrophy causes | Sedentary lifestyle, malnourishment, lack of exercise, desk jobs, old age, etc. |
| Pathologic atrophy causes | Ageing, starvation, diseases (Cushing's disease, etc.) |
| Neurogenic atrophy causes | Nerve problems, nerve diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, etc. |
| Symptoms | Reduced muscle mass, muscle weakness, poor balance, etc. |
| Treatments | Physical therapy, functional electric stimulation, surgery, strength training, cardio, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Physiologic atrophy is caused by not using muscles enough
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or loss of muscle tissue. This can occur due to nutrition issues, age, genetics, lack of physical activity, or certain medical conditions. Physiologic atrophy, or disuse atrophy, is a type of muscle atrophy caused by insufficient muscle use. This can be the result of a sedentary lifestyle, old age, injury, illness, or any prolonged period of inactivity.
When muscles are not in use, the body stops wasting energy on maintaining them, and they begin to break down, leading to a decrease in muscle size and strength. This process can start within two to three weeks of muscle disuse. Physiologic atrophy is often reversible with physical therapy, strength training, cardio, flexibility exercises, and a nutrition plan that includes more protein and calories. Weight training with dumbbells and resistance bands is ideal for rebuilding lost muscle. Other muscle-building exercises include rowing, swimming, walking, and cycling.
The amount of time it takes for muscles to atrophy depends on the individual's age, fitness level, and cause of atrophy. For older adults, resistance exercises have been shown to be beneficial in reducing muscle atrophy. Adequate calories and protein are crucial to preventing muscle atrophy. High-protein supplementation may be beneficial, as protein needs can vary depending on metabolic factors and disease state. Functional electrical stimulation can be used to externally stimulate the muscles of patients who cannot exercise due to physical limitations.
Disuse atrophy should not be confused with neurogenic atrophy, which is caused by nerve problems or diseases. When nerves connecting to the muscles are damaged, they cannot trigger the muscle contractions needed to stimulate muscle activity, and the condition may not be reversible. Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle atrophy, is a natural part of getting older and can be slowed by exercise.
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Pathologic atrophy is linked to ageing, starvation and disease
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or loss of muscle tissue, which can lead to reduced muscle mass, weakness, poor balance, and frailty. Pathologic atrophy is one of the three types of muscle atrophy, the other two being physiologic and neurogenic. Pathologic atrophy is linked to ageing, starvation, and disease.
Ageing is a common cause of muscle atrophy. As people age, their ability to maintain skeletal muscle function and mass decreases. This condition is called sarcopenia. While the exact cause of sarcopenia is unknown, it may be due to a combination of a gradual failure of satellite cells, which help regenerate skeletal muscle fibres, and a decrease in the availability of critical secreted growth factors necessary for maintaining muscle mass. People over the age of 65 are especially vulnerable to muscle atrophy, and it can take longer for their bodies to recover from muscle loss.
Starvation and malnutrition can also induce skeletal muscle atrophy. Nutritional deprivation activates the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and the autophagy-lysosomal system (ALS), leading to the degradation of muscle proteins and a loss of skeletal muscle mass. Fasting and malnutrition can also alter levels of insulin growth factors and glucocorticoids, contributing to muscle atrophy.
Diseases such as cancer, AIDS, congestive heart failure, and liver disease can induce a body wasting syndrome called cachexia, characterised by severe muscle atrophy. Polio, an infectious disease that attacks the nervous system, can result in permanent paralysis and muscle atrophy. Cushing's disease, caused by the overuse of corticosteroids, can also lead to pathological muscle atrophy. Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction can affect muscle tissue regulation and lead to skeletal muscle atrophy.
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Neurogenic atrophy is caused by nerve problems or diseases
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or loss of muscle tissue. People may lose 20 to 40 percent of their muscle and their strength as they age. Physiologic atrophy is caused by not using the muscles enough, and it can often be reversed with exercise and better nutrition. Pathologic atrophy is seen with ageing, starvation, and diseases such as Cushing's disease.
Neurogenic atrophy is a type of muscle atrophy caused by nerve problems or diseases. It occurs when the nerves that connect to the muscles are damaged, resulting in a loss of muscle contractions and muscle activity. This can be due to an injury or various diseases, including:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Spinal cord injury
- Multiple sclerosis
Neurogenic atrophy typically cannot be reversed because of the physical damage to the nerves. However, it can sometimes be treated with a special kind of physical therapy called electrical stimulation, where electrodes are placed on the skin to send electrical impulses to the nerves and muscles. Ultrasound therapy and, in some cases, surgery to correct contractures may also be used.
The amount of time it takes for neurogenic atrophy to develop depends on the individual's age, fitness level, and specific health condition. Neurogenic atrophy is considered the most severe type of muscle atrophy, and it tends to occur more suddenly than physiologic atrophy.
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Genetic factors can increase susceptibility to muscle atrophy
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass. It can be caused by various factors, including age, nutrition issues, genetics, and a lack of physical activity. Physiologic atrophy, the most common type, is caused by not using muscles enough and can often be reversed with exercise and better nutrition.
Genetic factors can indeed increase susceptibility to muscle atrophy. For example, people with muscular dystrophy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are more prone to muscle atrophy due to the genetic nature of these disorders. Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction, which can be caused by genetic factors, affects muscle tissue regulation and can lead to skeletal muscle atrophy.
Furthermore, peripheral nerve injuries are a common cause of skeletal muscle atrophy, and the underlying molecular mechanisms involve genetic factors. Transcription factors, which are involved in gene expression, play a key role in denervated muscle atrophy. Studies have identified specific upregulated and downregulated transcription factors that may be potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
Additionally, genetic factors may influence the expression of certain genes during muscle atrophy. For instance, the Nr4a1 (Nur77) isoform is highly expressed in type 2 glycolytic myofibers, which are more susceptible to atrophy during aging. While the exact mechanism remains unclear, it may be related to mitochondrial function and the aging process.
Understanding the genetic factors involved in muscle atrophy is crucial for developing targeted therapies and interventions. While some cases of muscle atrophy can be prevented or treated through exercise and nutrition, genetic counselling and targeted genetic therapies may be necessary for individuals with underlying genetic predispositions.
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Certain medications can cause muscle atrophy
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or loss of muscle tissue. It is a decrease in muscle size and can cause a loss of strength. Physiologic atrophy is caused by not using the muscles enough, and pathologic atrophy is associated with ageing, starvation, and diseases such as Cushing's disease.
Medications that treat mental health conditions can also cause muscle atrophy. For example, antipsychotics are a class of drugs used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They work by blocking the receptors in the brain that dopamine acts on, reducing the intensity of psychotic episodes. However, one of the side effects of antipsychotics is muscle atrophy. This is because dopamine plays a role in muscle growth and repair. By blocking dopamine receptors, antipsychotics can inhibit muscle growth and lead to atrophy.
Additionally, beta-blockers, which are commonly prescribed to treat cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms, can also cause muscle atrophy. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which help increase the heart rate and blood pressure. While they are effective in treating cardiovascular conditions, beta-blockers can also cause muscle atrophy. This is because adrenaline and noradrenaline are involved in muscle growth and repair. By blocking their effects, beta-blockers can contribute to muscle wasting.
It is important to note that while these medications can cause muscle atrophy, the risk and severity depend on various factors, including dosage, duration of use, individual health status, and other medications being taken. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to weigh the benefits and risks of any medication and to address any concerns regarding muscle atrophy.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or loss of muscle tissue. It involves a significant shortening of the muscle fibres and a loss of overall muscle mass.
Muscle atrophy can be caused by immobility, aging, malnutrition, medications, or a wide range of injuries or diseases that impact the musculoskeletal or nervous system. Physiologic atrophy is caused by not using the muscles enough. Pathologic atrophy is seen with aging, starvation, and diseases such as Cushing's disease. Neurogenic atrophy occurs due to nerve problems or diseases.
Treatment for muscle atrophy depends on the type and underlying cause. Physiologic atrophy can be treated with exercise and better nutrition. Neurogenic atrophy can be treated with a special kind of physical therapy called electrical stimulation or functional electric stimulation.
