What is the Disease of Muscle Fat?
Myosteatosis is the disease of abnormal fat accumulation within skeletal muscles. This condition is distinct from sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. While both involve changes in muscle composition, myosteatosis specifically focuses on the infiltration of fat into the muscle tissue itself. This infiltration can impair both metabolic function and musculoskeletal health.
Myosteatosis, also known as muscle fat infiltration (MFI), is characterized by the deposit of lipids (fats) in skeletal muscle. This excessive fat accumulation negatively impacts muscle function and overall health. Several conditions can contribute to or be associated with myosteatosis, including:
- Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD): A muscular dystrophy where muscle tissue is replaced by fat, with the distal ends of leg muscles being a primary location for disease initiation. Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43856-022-00217-1
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): A degenerative muscle disorder where muscle cell damage leads to fat replacement. Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004224004425
- Chronic kidney disease: Muscle fat infiltration is a marker associated with this condition. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10090035/
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Muscle fat content is strongly associated with the severity of NAFLD. Source: https://www.journal-of-hepatology.eu/article/S0168-8278(21)00234-8/abstract
It is important to note that myosteatosis is not a single disease itself but rather a pathological feature found in various conditions affecting the muscle. The underlying causes and implications will vary depending on the associated disease.
