Research Progress on Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Intervention of Sarcopenia through Regulation of the mTOR Signaling Pathway and Satellite Cell Function

Abstract

Sarcopenia is an age-related syndrome characterized by declines in skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in skeletal muscle protein synthesis, energy metabolism, and the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells, and is considered one of the key mechanisms underlying the development and progression of sarcopenia. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated advantages in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia through multi-target and multi-pathway synergistic regulation, and its effects are closely associated with the mTOR signaling pathway and satellite cell function. This review summarizes the roles of the mTOR signaling pathway and muscle satellite cells in sarcopenia, as well as recent advances in TCM-mediated regulation of the mTOR pathway to promote satellite cell activation, proliferation, and myogenic differentiation, thereby improving skeletal muscle mass and function. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis and therapeutic insights for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia using TCM.