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Scholar reveals development of sarcopenia
By Lu Hongyan (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-03-26 15:12

A recent study by Liu Xiaogang, a researcher at Xi'an Jiaotong University in Shaanxi province, shows that sarcopenia, a muscle-wasting disease is closely linked to the human body's genetic mutation.

Through an analysis of the entire genome related to muscle volume, Liu is reportedly the first in the world to discover that the genetic mutation of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) has a significant impact on the change in the human muscle volume.

His research result has been included in a recent issue of “The American Journal of Human Genetics”, a top international genetics journal, and the website of Science-Business eXchange which reports the latest research results which could result in business and investment potential.

Sarcopenia is a disease that leads to the decline of the quality and quantity of the skeletal muscle, resulting in an increased risk for high blood pressure, diabetes and hyperlipidemia.

China Daily Shaanxi Bureau