Ultrasound Insights on Skeletal Muscle’s Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Roles from Childhood to Adulthood

Once considered primarily for its role in movement and posture control, skeletal muscle is now recognized as an endocrine organ with significant effects on systemic inflammation and metabolic health. A breakthrough in understanding this role was the discovery of myokines, such as IL-6, which are released by skeletal muscle during physical activity. These myokines mediate the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses in the body, underscoring skeletal muscle’s critical role in promoting health and preventing diseases. This evolving view highlights how muscle function contributes to overall health beyond mere mobility, acting as a modulator of inflammation and metabolic function. Advances in ultrasound technology have enabled more detailed assessments of muscle thickness, composition, and fat distribution, providing new insights into muscle health and its systemic effects. By combining imaging techniques with molecular biology, researchers have uncovered a complex interaction between muscle function, cytokine production, and broader health impacts. These findings show how muscles adapt to physical stress, notably by producing myokines that regulate metabolism and inflammation. Such adaptability positions skeletal muscle as a key factor in managing and potentially improving metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The implications of these discoveries are far-reaching, suggesting that skeletal muscle health could play a crucial role in therapies aimed at metabolic and inflammatory conditions. Ultrasound, as a non-invasive tool, enhances the ability to monitor these effects in various age groups, from children to adults, paving the way for tailored approaches in healthcare based on muscle health and inflammatory status.