Salivary Microbiome and Muscle Ageing

The Saliva and Muscle (SaMu) study investigates how the oral microbiome might be linked to sarcopenia, a condition where older adults experience accelerated muscle loss. While the gut microbiome’s role in muscle health is well-known, SaMu focuses on the largely unexplored role of the salivary microbiome. In the first phase, researchers will examine saliva samples from 200 people over 70 to study links between oral bacteria and muscle strength, size, and function. In the second phase, a subset of 50 participants will undergo deeper muscle tissue analysis to explore potential biological pathways involved in sarcopenia. The final phase involves a two-year follow-up to track health outcomes such as falls and hospitalizations. SaMu aims to identify biomarkers that could help predict sarcopenia risk and highlight new targets for prevention and treatment. Read more