* University of New Mexico-School of Medicine/Department of Internal Medicine. ** University of New Mexico-School of Medicine/Department of Pathology. Correspondence to: Debra L. Waters, Ph.D., University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 2701 Frontier Pl. NE Surge Bldg Rm 215, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA. Phone: 505-272-4725. Fax: 505-27-9513 o Email: dwaters@salud.unm.edu

Abstract: The development of sarcopenia is a complex multi-factorial process which begins in mid-life and accelerates after the age of 75 years. Although exercise, nutritional supplementation, hormone replacement and pro-inflammatory cytokine therapy may improve health status and reduce mortality, a better understanding of the complex interactions between these factors are needed. This review will focus on current information regarding the roles that physical activity, hormonal changes, energy intake, oxidative stress, and inflammatory processes play on the development and progression of sarcopenia.

Key words: sarcopenia, age-related changes, muscle, physical activity, energy intake, thermogenesis, hormones, oxydative damage, inflamatory response