Role of immunity and inflammation in sarcopenic obesity

The global aging population brings about various age-related clinical concerns, including sarcopenic obesity (SO), which poses a significant health risk for older individuals. SO is characterized by the coexistence of two phenotypes, namely, sarcopenia and obesity, and its pathogenesis is multifaceted. Current research indicates that both reduced muscle mass and excessive fat accumulation are associated with chronic low-grade inflammatory conditions. In addition, these two issues have the potential to exacerbate each other's effects. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the role of immunity and inflammation in the development of SO. Specifically, we provide a novel perspective by integrating how aging and obesity jointly contribute to SO through immune-inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, we discuss the influence of sex differences in immune responses and inflammatory processes, which may account for the variability observed in SO susceptibility and progression. Finally, we summarize current and emerging therapeutic strategies to provide potential directions for the treatment of SO.