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Relationship of anabolic and catabolic biomarkers with muscle strength and physical performance in older adults: a population-based cross-sectional study

Meng Y, Wu H, Yang Y, Du H, Xia Y, Guo X, Liu X, Li C et al.

BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2015

1,131 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found inflammation, growth factors, and androgen signaling pathways all contribute to sarcopenia. However, few studies simultaneously have investigated the association between these potential risk factors and sarcopenia among older people. The aim of the study was to investigate whether elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines combined with low levels of anabolic hormone have a synergy effect on muscle strength and functional decline in older people.

METHODS: We designed a cross-sectional study of 1,131 subjects aged 60 years and older. Concentrations of serum C-reactive protein, insulin-like growth factor 1 and dehydroepiandrosteronesulphate were assessed using chemiluminescent immunoassays. Handgrip strength was measured using a dynamometer, and physical performance was assessed using a four-meter gait speed and Timed Up and Go test. We defined poor physical performance as a 4-m gait speed <0.8 m/s or Timed Up and Go test ≥13.5 s.

RESULTS: After adjustment for potential confounding factors, in multiple linear regression analysis, C-reactive protein levels are inversely related to handgrip strength (P <0.01), and in multiple logistic regression analysis, C-reactive protein levels are inversely related to poor physical performance (P for trend <0.05) in males, but not in females. After combining three biomarkers, no significant results were observed between biomarker scores and muscle strength or physical performance.

CONCLUSIONS: In older…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 1,131 participants or records.

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