RESUMEN
Sarcopenia is characterized by a loss of skeletal muscle mass and a decrease in muscle strength and function.The major etiological factors of sarcopenia include lack of exercise,decline of neuromuscular function,malnutrition and so on.Sarcopenia is associated with decreased numbers and function of muscle stem cells(also known as satellite cells).Muscle stem cells have a strong ability of self-renewal,with multi-potency,immune privilege,and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and are capable of promoting skeletal muscle regeneration.The mechanisms underlying cell proliferation,differentiation and self-renewal of satellite cells are not clear,but the number and activity of satellite cells are related to sarcopenia.Satellite cells work together with a variety of proliferation and differentiation factors to regulate muscle cell formation and muscle repair.Especially noteworthy is that p38α binds to a large number of myogenic gene promoters to regulate the proliferation and differentiation of satellite cells.In animal experiments,muscle stem cell therapy has shown regeneration and repair of muscle cells.Studies on changes at the molecular and gene levels in muscle fibers and their environment will be of great significance for the prevention and treatment of muscular disorders in the elderly.