Sarcopenia: the role of apoptosis and modulation by caloric restriction.

The mechanisms of sarcopenia have been slowly unraveled and likely involve activation of apoptosis. It is hypothesized that caloric restriction may, in part, attenuate sarcopenia by affecting apoptotic signaling. The signaling pathways responsible for the execution of apoptosis in aging muscle and the modulation of these pathways by caloric restriction are discussed.