ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia in liver cirrhosis. MethodThe relevant literatures on studies of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia in liver cirrhosis in recent years were searched and reviewed. ResultsThe sarcopenia was a major complication that could not be ignored in patients with liver cirrhosis, and was closely related to the patient’s quality of life and prognosis. Various mechanisms such as metabolic abnormalities, malnutrition, myostatin, hyperammonemia, hormonal regulation of muscle homeostasis, ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy, physical activity, and dysbiosis of the intestinal flora were involved in the development of sarcopenia. There were various diagnostic methods for sarcopenia, but a unified gold standard was still lacking. In addition, some progress had been made in the treatment of sarcopenia in recent years. ConclusionsAlthough current studies obtains preliminary results about relation between liver cirrhosis and sarcopenia, there still exists many problems to be solved. Further research in future will benefit diagnosis and treatment of patients with sarcopenia in liver cirrhosis.
