Osteosarcopenia: Bone, Muscle and Fat Interactions

Readers will find a highly translational approach that starts with a summary of recent discoveries on stem cells biology, muscle and bone interactions - including the role of local bone and muscle fat -  followed by comprehensive reviews on myokines (i.e. myostatin), osteokines (i.e.osteocalcin) and adipokines (i.e. interleukins) as major players and determinants of bone and muscle loss with aging. In addition, the role of sex steroids (i.e. estrogens, androgens), and calciotropic hormones (i.e. parathyroid hormone, vitamin D) in the pathogenesis of this syndrome is also reviewed. Moreover, using practical diagnostic and therapeutic tips, this book summarizes the clinical characteristics of osteosarcopenic patients thus facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome in clinical practice. Finally, the book presents the case for the Falls and Fractures Clinic as the optimal model of care for this syndrome, aimed to avoid fragmentation and optimize osteosarcopenia care, and simultaneously prevent falls and fractures in older persons. This book offers relevant information on the mechanisms of osteosarcopenia, and a practical guide on how to identify and treat this geriatric syndrome and its adverse outcomes, which are dramatically affecting ouraging population. The work is written by leaders in the field and is especially suited not only to any researcher in the musculoskeletal arena but also to medical specialists and allied health professionals involved in the care of older persons.