Gut microbiota in muscular atrophy development,progression,and treatment:New therapeutic targets and opportunities

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a debilitating condition that significantly affects quality of life and often lacks effective treatment options.Muscle atrophy can have various causes,including myogenic,neurogenic,and other factors.Recent investigation has underscored a compelling link between the gut microbiota and skeletal muscle.Discerning the potential differences in the gut microbiota associated with muscle atrophy-related diseases,understanding their influence on disease development,and recognizing their potential as intervention targets are of paramount importance.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of the gut microbiota in muscle atrophy-related diseases.We summarize clinical and pre-clinical studies that investigate the potential for gut microbiota modulation to enhance muscle performance and promote disease recovery.Furthermore,we delve into the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and muscle atrophy-related diseases,drawing from an array of studies.Emerging evidence suggests significant differences in gut microbiota composition in individuals with muscle atrophy-related diseases compared with healthy individuals.It is conceivable that these alterations in the microbiota contribute to the pathogenesis of these disorders through bacterium-related metabolites or inflammatory signals.