Towards Precision in Sarcopenia Assessment: The Challenges of Multimodal Data Analysis in the Era of AI.

Journal: International journal of molecular sciences
Published Date:

Abstract

Sarcopenia, a condition characterised by the progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass and function, presents significant challenges in geriatric healthcare. Despite advances in its management, complex etiopathogenesis and the heterogeneity of diagnostic criteria underlie the limited precision of existing assessment methods. Therefore, efforts are needed to improve the knowledge and pave the way for more effective management and a more precise diagnosis. To this purpose, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) can facilitate the identification of novel and accurate biomarkers by modelling complex data resulting from high-throughput technologies, fostering the setting up of a more precise approach. Based on such considerations, this review explores AI's transformative potential, illustrating studies that integrate AI, especially machine learning and deep learning, with heterogeneous data such as clinical, anthropometric and molecular data. Overall, the present review will highlight the relevance of large-scale, standardised studies to validate biomarker signatures using AI-driven approaches.

Authors

  • Valerio Caputo
    Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
  • Ivan Letteri
    Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, P.le Salvatore Tommasi, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
  • Silvano Junior Santini
    Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, School of Emergency and Urgency Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
  • Gaia Sinatti
    Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, P.le Salvatore Tommasi, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
  • Clara Balsano
    Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences MESVA, University of L'Aquila, Piazza S. Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila. Italy; Francesco Balsano Foundation, Via Giovanni Battista Martini 6, 00198, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: clara.balsano@univaq.it.