Autoimmune and metabolic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, significantly affect health, primarily by altering body composition, including increased fat, muscle loss (sarcopenia), and decreased bone density. These conditions also increase the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. However, the mechanisms linking these diseases to body composition changes and health risks remain unclear.
This study aims to use clinical, multi-omics, imaging, and biological data to investigate how autoimmune and metabolic diseases affect body composition (fat, muscle, bone), cardiovascular health, and neurodegenerative diseases. Key research questions include: How do these diseases influence body composition? Are these changes associated with cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases? What is the prevalence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity? How do these factors affect disease outcomes? Can body composition changes predict these diseases early? How do lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and psychological factors influence body composition? What are the genetic mechanisms behind sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and sarcopenic obesity?
