Exploring the Gut-Muscle axis in sarcopenia: The TEMPUS-FUGIT study (Trial in Elderly with Musculoskeletal Problems due to Underlying Sarcopenia - Faeces to Unravel Gut and Inflammation Translationally)

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, is a hot topic, because of the adverse outcomes such as immobility, falls and death, and because its prevalence increases due to the ageing population. There is growing interest in the role of the gut flora in healthy aging, and an unhealthy gut flora has been linked to diseases such as dementia, depression and asthma. It is also clear that the gut flora influences muscle metabolism, but whether it also plays a role in the development of age-related sarcopenia has not been investigated so far. Therefore, the TEMPUS-FUGIT study aims to investigate the gut-muscle axis in older persons with sarcopenia. More specifically, we will investigate whether, compared to healthy older persons, older persons with sarcopenia have a different composition of the gut flora and increased markers of inflammation in the stools. Subsequently, we will examine whether there is an association between the composition of the gut flora or these faecal markers of inflammation on the one hand and muscle mass or muscle function on the other. Finally, the effect of interventions for sarcopenia (exercise, proteins and/or omega-3 supplement) on the gut flora will be investigated. TEMPUS-FUGIT is the first study to investigate these elements in persons with sarcopenia. As such, this study will provide crucial insights in the role of the gut flora in sarcopenia and will be the basis for new treatments such as pre- or probiotics that affect gut flora.