Circulating Muscle Markers for Sarcopenia in Peritoneal Dialysis.

Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive decline in muscle mass and function, is an important complication among patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Despite its prevalence, there is a notable lack of comprehensive research focused on early diagnosis or treatment target for sarcopenia in PD patients. This review explores the pathophysiology of sarcopenia and examines the potential role of various biomarkers related to muscle mass and function. These markers include myokines (cytokines produced by skeletal muscle) such as myostatin, follistatin, activin A, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), and irisin, as well as adiponectin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), vitamin D, myoglobin, and cortisol. These markers hold promise for early diagnosis and as therapeutic targets for managing sarcopenia. By reviewing the current literature in this area, we aim to identify directions for further research on diagnostic strategies and therapeutic options for sarcopenic PD patients.