Sex differences in adipose tissue distribution. Predictors of sarcopenia

The replacement of muscle tissue with fat plays the leading role in the development of sarcopenia against the background of weakening muscle function. Normally, the distribution of adipose tissue in the body has gender differences. The redistribution of fat deposits is noted with age under the influence of sex hormones: from the neonatal period, with changes in prepubertal and pubertal age, to changes in the premenopausal and climacteric periods. Racial and genetic characteristics also affect the excess deposition of visceral and subcutaneous fat. This literature review covers aspects of regulation of adipose tissue distribution in age and gender aspects, variants of pathological fat deposition, and possible health effects. Particular attention is paid to the genetic regulation of fat metabolism, the gene ERS1 (rs2175898), BDNF (rs6265), LEPR (rs1137101), FTO (rs9939609), AGT (rs4762 and rs699), FABP2 (rs179988), and only with the PPARG Pro/Pro locus were found to be associated with obesity. We discuss herein possible ways of modification of fat deposits in the human body under the influence of food stimulation, physical exercise and changes in the intestinal microbiome. These same ways are characteristic for preventing the development of sarcopenia in both the elderly and young people with secondary sarcopenia.