SARcopenia Assessment in Hypertension: The SARAH Study

Renin angiotensin system-induced muscle wasting: putative mechanisms and implications for clinicians

Renin angiotensin system (RAS) alters various mechanisms related to muscle wasting. The RAS system consists of classical and non-classical pathways, which mostly function differently. Classical RAS pathway, operates through angiotensin II (AngII) and angiotensin type 1 receptors, is associated with muscle wasting and sarcopenia. On the other hand, the non-classical RAS pathway, which operates through angiotensin 1-7 and Mas receptor, is protective against sarcopenia. The classical RAS pathway might induce muscle wasting by variety of mechanisms. AngII reduces body weight, via reduction in food intake, possibly by decreasing hypothalamic expression of orexin and neuropeptide Y, insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), signaling, AngII increases skeletal muscle proteolysis by forkhead box transcription factors (FOXO), caspase activation and muscle RING-finger protein-1 transcription. Furthermore, AngII infusion in skeletal muscle reduces phospho-Bad (Ser136) expression and induces apoptosis through increased cytochrome c release and DNA fragmentation. Additionally, Renin angiotensin system activation through AT1R and AngII stimulates tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 which induces muscle wasting, Last but not least classical RAS pathway, induce oxidative stress, disturb mitochondrial energy metabolism, and muscle satellite cells which all lead to muscle wasting and decrease muscle regeneration. On the contrary, the non-classical RAS pathway functions oppositely to mitigate these mechanisms and protects against muscle wasting. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of RAS-induced muscle wasting and putative implications for clinical practice. We also emphasize the areas of uncertainties and suggest potential research areas.

Serum calcium levels and the risk of sarcopenia in young adults: insights from NHANES 2011-2018

Background

Sarcopenia, the accelerated loss of muscle mass and function, is commonly associated with aging, especially in older adults. While low serum calcium has been linked to muscle loss in individuals over 50, its relationship with sarcopenia in younger adults (20-60 years) is unclear. This study examines this association using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018.

Methods

This population-based, cross-sectional study analyzed participants aged 20-60 from NHANES 2011-2018. Individuals with missing data were excluded. Sarcopenia was assessed using appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, defined by ASM/BMI or ASM/Weight. Multiple logistic regression and stratified analyses were used to explore the correlation between serum calcium levels and sarcopenia prevalence.

Results

Among 7,309 adults, 578 (7.91%) had sarcopenia by ASM/BMI and 1,363 (18.65%) by ASM/Weight. Higher serum calcium levels were significantly associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia (ASM/BMI: OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.02-0.20; ASM/Weight: OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.04-0.19). The trend was consistent across age, gender, education, poverty income ratio, and race, with some exceptions.

Conclusion

This study highlights a negative association between serum calcium and sarcopenia risk in young and middle-aged adults, suggesting that calcium interventions could be beneficial in preventing sarcopenia in this population. However, the cross-sectional design precludes any inference of causality, and further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Understanding the Complexity of Hypertension with Sarcopenia by Scientometric Analysis

Objective

The scientometric analysis was aim to focus on recent studies and clarify new research directions on hypertension with sarcopenia. We hope to provide comprehensive insights or actionable recommendations for clinicians or policymakers.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection database (WoSCC) from 2004 to 2023 for analysis was used. And VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Origin software were utilized for scientometric analyses.

Results

The United States was the primary contributor to 1,994 studies on hypertension with sarcopenia. The University of São Paulo emerged as the most prolific institution, with Morrell Nicholas W. being the most influential scholar and Cruz-Jentoft A.J. being the most co-cited author. PLoS One was the most prolific journal, whereas Circulation was the most relevant journal. Research has focused not only on physiological, biochemical, and cell biological mechanisms but also on sarcopenia associated with other diseases and involved in various fields, highlighting the complexity of the area and the need for integrative treatment. Keyword analysis revealed that, in addition to hypertension and sarcopenia, other topics such as obesity, pulmonary hypertension, old age, metabolic syndrome, inflammation, hypoxia, exercise, insulin resistance, and revascularization attracted attention. In recent years, COVID-19, mitochondria, handgrip strength, etc. have been hot topics, but aging, skeletal muscle, weight loss, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, heart failure, mitochondria, mortality, exercise, and physical activity seems to bridge hypertension and sarcopenia research.

Conclusion

This study highlights the distribution of fields, the structure of knowledge and the evolution of major research topics related to hypertension in patients with sarcopenia. Identifying keyword hotspots enhanced the comprehension of occurrence, development, and future research trends related to the topic.

Associations of metabolic syndrome and its components with sarcopenia, and the mediating role of insulin resistance: Findings from NHANES database

BACKGROUND

To investigate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components with sarcopenia, and to explore the extent to which insulin resistance (IR) mediates this association, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

METHODS

We analyzed cross-sectional data from 15,779 adults in the NHANES from 1999 to 2006 and 2011-2018. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the odds ratios (ORs) between MetS, its components, the number of MetS components, and sarcopenia. Mediation analysis was performed to explore the role of the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in MetS and its components-induced sarcopenia.

RESULT

In the fully adjusted model, MetS increased the prevalence of sarcopenia by 1.96-fold (95% CI: 1.73-2.22). Among the individual components, central obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia were associated with an increased prevalence of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia prevalence also increased linearly with the number of MetS components, with the highest prevalence observed in the presence of all five components (OR: 3.80, 95% CI: 2.79-5.16). Sex-stratified analysis showed that the prevalence of MetS for sarcopenia was higher in males than females. The mediating effects of HOMA-IR on the association between MetS and its components (central obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia) with sarcopenia were significant, with mediation effects of 51.7%, 30.7%, 33.2%, and 79.1%, respectively. There was no significant direct association between hyperglycemia and sarcopenia beyond the HOMA-IR pathway.

CONCLUSION

MetS and its individual components, excluding hypertriglyceridemia and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol, were associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia, especially in males. This association was partially or fully mediated by IR.

Sarcopenia as a Robust Predictor of Readmission within 6 Months among Individuals Experiencing Acute Stroke

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia negatively affects the short-term prognosis of hospitalized older adults. However, no evidence currently supports a direct relationship between sarcopenia and readmission among individuals who have experienced an acute stroke. Therefore, we investigated whether sarcopenia is associated with readmission after discharge.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients who had experienced acute stroke. Sarcopenia was defined as the coexistence of low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and grip strength. We applied the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to analyze whether sarcopenia, low SMI, and low grip strength were associated with readmission within 6 months.

RESULTS

Among 228 included patients (mean age, 72.8 years; 146 males), the prevalence of sarcopenia was 24.6% (n=56; male 17.8%; female 36.6%). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis using the propensity score as a covariate revealed that sarcopenia (hazard ratio [HR]=7.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45-35.8; p=0.016) and low skeletal muscle mass (HR=7.40; 95% CI 1.14-48.1; p=0.036), but not low grip strength (HR=1.42; 95% CI 0.281-7.21; p=0.670), were significantly associated with readmission for stroke within 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia was negatively associated with readmission within 6 months of stroke onset in patients in Japan who had experienced an acute stroke. These findings suggest that the identification of sarcopenia may facilitate prognostic prediction from the acute stage and intervention(s) to prevent rehospitalization.

Association of remnant cholesterol with sarcopenia in Korean adults: a nationwide population-based study using data from the KNHANES

Background

Mounting evidence indicates the importance of the interplay between skeletal muscles and lipid metabolism. Remnant cholesterol (remnant-C) is considered one of the principal residual risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders; however, there are limited studies on the impact of remnant-C on sarcopenia.

Methods

Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) between 2008 and 2011 were used in this nationwide population-based study. In total, 17,408 participants were enrolled in this study. The subjects were categorized into four groups according to the quartile of remnant-C values. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between remnant-C and muscle mass measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

A total of 1,791 participants (10.3%) presented low muscle mass, and there was a sequential increase in the percentage of low muscle mass across remnant-C quartiles (Q1, 5.2%; Q2, 8.7%; Q3, 11.5%; Q4, 15.7%). In the full adjusted model, those in the highest remnant-C quartile group showed significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for low muscle mass compared with those in the lowest remnant-C group after adjusting for various confounding factors (OR = 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.68, P <0.05). A wide range of subgroups and sensitivity analyses showed consistent results, supporting the robustness of our findings.

Conclusions

Increased remnant-C value was associated with a high risk of low muscle mass in the Korean population. Remnant-C may be a novel marker for the prediction and management of sarcopenia in aging societies.

Association between dietary magnesium intake and muscle mass among hypertensive population: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND

Magnesium is critical for musculoskeletal health. Hypertensive patients are at high risk for magnesium deficiency and muscle loss. This study aimed to explore the association between magnesium intake and muscle mass in patients with hypertension.

METHODS

In this population-based cross-sectional study, 10,279 U.S. hypertensive adults aged 20 years or older were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 1999-2006 and 2011-2018. Magnesium (Mg) intake from diet and supplements was assessed using 24-hour diet recalls. Muscle mass was evaluated by appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI, total ASM in kilograms [kg] divided by square of height in meters [m2]). The association of Mg intake with ASMI was estimated using weighted multivariable-adjusted linear regression models and restricted cubic splines.

RESULTS

Dose-response analyses showed a positive linear correlation between dietary Mg intake and ASMI. Every additional 100 mg/day in dietary Mg was associated with 0.04 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.06 kg/m2) higher ASMI. The ASMI in participants who met the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for dietary Mg was 0.10 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.04-0.16 kg/m2) higher than those whose dietary Mg was below estimated average requirement (EAR). However, the relationship of Mg intake from supplements with ASMI was not identified.

CONCLUSION

Higher level of dietary Mg intake rather than Mg supplements was associated with more muscle mass in U.S. adults with hypertension, which highlights the importance of meeting the recommended levels for dietary Mg intake.

Association of sarcopenia with rapid kidney function decline and chronic kidney disease in adults with normal kidney function

The association between sarcopenia and kidney function remains poorly investigated. We aimed to evaluate the associations between sarcopenia status and kidney function (rapid kidney function decline and chronic kidney disease (CKD)) in middle-aged and older Chinese population. A total of 9375 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011 were included in the cross-sectional analyses. A total of 5864 participants with eGFRcr-cys ≥ 60 ml/min per 1·73 m2 at baseline were included in the longitudinal analyses and were followed up in 2015. Sarcopenia status was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. In the cross-sectional analyses, possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia were significantly associated with an increased risk of CKD. During the 4 years of follow-up, 359 (6·12 %) participants experienced rapid decline in kidney function and 126 (2·15 %) participants developed CKD. After multivariable adjustment of baseline eGFRcr-cys level and other risk factors, possible sarcopenia (OR, 1·33; 95 % CI 1·01, 2·12) and sarcopenia (OR, 1·49; 95 % CI 1·05, 2·12) were associated with an increased risk of primary outcome (composite of rapid decline in kidney function (annualised decline in eGFRcr-cys ≥ 5 ml/min per 1·73 m2) and progression to CKD (eGFRcr-cys < 60 ml/min per 1·73 m2). Individuals with low muscle mass or low muscle strength alone also had an increased risk of rapid decline in kidney function and progression to CKD.

The relationship between serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio and mortality in hypertensive patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sarcopenia is a disease characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass and function that is closely associated with cardiovascular disease. The serum creatinine/cystatin C (Cr/CysC) ratio has been shown to be a simplified indicator for identifying low muscle mass (LMM) or sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Cr/CysC ratio helps to predict prognostic information in hypertensive patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This cohort study included 2509 patients with hypertension from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 1999-2002. To evaluate the association between Cr/CysC ratio and mortality, we used Kaplan Meier estimates to calculate cumulative survival probabilities for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, Cox regression analyses, and hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Over a median follow-up of 11.76 years, lower Cr/CysC ratio was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality (per 0.1 increase, HR:0.81, 95% CI: 0.77-0.85, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (per 0.1 increase, HR:0.80, 95% CI: 0.72-0.89, P < 0.001). Compared with patients with normal muscle mass, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality HR for patients with LMM diagnosed by Cr/CysC ratio were 1.57 (95% CI: 1.36-1.82, P < 0.001) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.12-2.42, P = 0.012), respectively.

CONCLUSION

We found that low muscle mass shown by lower Cr/CysC ratio was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in hypertensive patients. We recommend routine screening of Cr/CysC ratio in hypertensive patients and early intervention for low muscle mass or sarcopenia.

Enhanced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and -6 in sarcopenia: alleviation through exercise and nutrition intervention

BACKGROUND

Limited research has been conducted on the post-intervention inflammatory status in sarcopenic patients, despite previous studies revealing elevated pro-inflammatory markers. This study aimed to investigate the potential elevation of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines in sarcopenic patients and evaluate the effects of exercise and nutritional support interventions on these cytokine levels.

METHODS

In this post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 57 individuals with sarcopenia from the RCT and 57 non-sarcopenic participants from the same geriatric community cohort that did not participate in the RCT were enrolled. Grip strength and body composition measurements were recorded. Tumor necrotizing factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-15 levels were assessed at baseline for both groups and after a 12-week intervention consisting of resistive exercise and supplementation with branched-chain amino acids, calcium, and vitamin D3 in the patients with sarcopenia.

RESULTS

The sarcopenic group demonstrated significantly lower body weight, body mass index, grip strength, and skeletal muscle mass index. Moreover, sarcopenic patients exhibited higher levels of TNF-α (p=0.007), IL-1β (p<0.001), and IL-6 (p<0.001), while no significant difference was observed in IL-15 (p=0.345) between participants with and those without sarcopenia. Following the intervention, the sarcopenic group experienced significant improvements in grip strength and skeletal muscle mass index with a notable reduction in TNF-α (p=0.003), IL-1β (p=0.012) and IL-6 (p=0.001) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenic patients exhibit elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, which declined after nutrition support and exercise interventions. However, further research is necessary to evaluate the long-term impact of these interventions on cytokine levels.

The association of living alone and social isolation with sarcopenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Living alone can cause social isolation and is correlated with multiple adverse health outcomes. Evidence about the association of living alone and social isolation with sarcopenia is limited. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the correlation between living alone, social isolation, and sarcopenia.

METHODS

According to the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus for literature published up to June 30, 2023. We conducted reference checking to supplement the references. Two investigators independently screened the references for eligibility and assessed the quality of the references. We included references involving data on living alone, social isolation, and sarcopenia. Two investigators recorded study data for meta-analysis and study characteristics.

RESULTS

Data regarding living alone and sarcopenia were available from 13 studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated that living alone is correlated with sarcopenia (odds ratio, 1.51; 95 % CI, 1.31-1.75; p < 0.001). The gender-stratified analysis demonstrated that women living alone are more likely to have sarcopenia (odds ratio, 1.81; 95 % CI, 1.32-2.48; p < 0.001) but not men (odds ratio, 1.24; 95 % CI, 0.56-2.74; p = 0.60). Data regarding social isolation and sarcopenia were available from five studies. Social isolation is also associated with sarcopenia (odds ratio, 1.70; 95 % CI, 1.51-1.92; p < 0.001). And subgroup analysis demonstrated that social isolation is a risk factor for sarcopenia (odds ratio, 1.79; 95 % CI, 1.55-2.06; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis revealed the association of living alone and social isolation with sarcopenia. Gender differences can help to screen high-risk groups of sarcopenia and reduce healthcare expenditures. As a further development of living alone, social isolation may play a more important role in sarcopenia than living alone.

Predictive Ability of the 2-Minute Step Test for Functional Fitness in Older Individuals with Hypertension

BACKGROUND

The 2-minute step test (2MST) is a simple and inexpensive functional test that measures an individual's ability to perform continuous stepping up and down on a step platform for two minutes. This study evaluated the 2MST as a tool for assessing functional fitness in older individuals with hypertension and determined the correlation between the 2MST and physical fitness tests.

METHODS

A total of 91 older individuals with hypertension performed physical fitness tests, including the 2MST, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), grip strength and leg strength assessments, and timed up and go test (TUG) to collectively assess their physical fitness.

RESULTS

A cutoff score of ≤60 steps in the 2MST had 87.50% sensitivity and 70.59% specificity in predicting functional exercise performance in older individuals with hypertension. Additionally, the number of steps in the 2MST was positively correlated with the distance covered in the 6MWT, isometric grip strength, and isometric leg strength and negatively correlated with the duration of the FTSST and TUG.

CONCLUSIONS

A cutoff score of ≤60 steps in the 2MST predicted functional exercise performance in older individuals with hypertension with 87.50% sensitivity and 70.59% specificity and was correlated with other physical fitness tests, suggesting that the 2MST is a useful tool for assessing functional exercise performance.

Geriatric sarcopenia is associated with hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis aimed to explore the potential relationship between senile sarcopenia and hypertension in older people. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, up to November 2022. Ten studies comprising 14 804 participants were enrolled. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was pooled to evaluate the correlation between sarcopenia and hypertension in older people utilizing a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were then carried out to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity. The results revealed a substantial correlation between sarcopenia and hypertension among older people (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.15-1.67, p < .01). Further subgroup analysis revealed an association between sarcopenic obesity and hypertension (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.37-1.62, p < .01). In conclusions, our findings highlighted a significant relationship between sarcopenia and hypertension among older people, with sarcopenic obesity amplifying this risk.

Sarcopenia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Study of the Modifiable Risk Factors Involved

(1) Background: Sarcopenia has gained much interest in recent years due to an increase in morbidity. Sarcopenia is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vice versa. There is a paucity of information regarding the prevalence and predictors of sarcopenia among T2DM individuals. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of sarcopenia among T2DM individuals. (2) Methods: This study included 159 diabetics (cases) and 79 non-diabetics (controls) aged >50 years. The subjects were assessed for demographic and anthropometric parameters. Sarcopenia (according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria) was assessed using Jammer's hydraulic dynamometer for handgrip strength, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for muscle mass, and 6m gait speed. The biochemical investigations included glycated hemoglobin; fasting and prandial glucose; fasting insulin; lipid, renal, liver, and thyroid profiles; serum calcium; phosphorous; vitamin D; and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Appropriate statistical methods were used to determine the significance of each parameter, and a multivariate regression analysis was applied to determine the predictors. (3) Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was significantly higher among the cases than the controls (22.5% vs. 8.86%, p-0.012). Body mass index (BMI) (OR-0.019, CI-0.001-0.248), physical activity (OR-0.45, CI-0.004-0.475), serum calcium levels (OR-0.155, CI-0.035-0.687), hypertension (OR-8.739, CI-1.913-39.922), and neuropathy (OR-5.57, CI-1.258-24.661) were significantly associated with sarcopenia following multivariate regression analysis. (4) Conclusions: T2DM individuals are prone to sarcopenia, especially those with a low BMI, low physical activity, hypertension, neuropathy, and low serum calcium levels. Hence, by modifying these risk factors among the elderly T2DM, sarcopenia can be prevented.

Negative association between triglyceride glucose index and BMI-adjusted skeletal muscle mass index in hypertensive adults

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, an indicator of insulin resistance, is often associated with adverse outcomes in various cardiovascular diseases, while hypertension is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. As the loss of muscle mass in people with hypertension is poorly understood, the current study aimed to explore the relationship between TyG index and muscle mass in hypertensive population.

METHODS

We analyzed data from hypertensive adult participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. The TyG index and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were calculated and the relationship between the two was evaluated using multivariable linear regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 1633 participants in the dataset were included for the final analysis. In the multivariable regression analysis, the adjusted β of SMI with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the highest TyG index quartile was - 5.27 (- 9.79 to - 0.75), compared with the lowest quartile. A negative linear relationship between TyG index and SMI was plotted by RCS regression (nonlinear P = 0.128). Stratified models of non-smoking women of different ages also demonstrated that SMI decreased as TyG index increased (all P for trend < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This linear and negative correlation between TyG index and SMI in hypertensive patients suggests that insulin resistance adversely affects muscle mass.

The Association of Low Skeletal Muscle Mass with Complex Distal Radius Fracture

Objectives: Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle loss disease with adverse outcomes, including falls, mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older patients. Distal radius fractures (DRF), common in older people, are strongly related to falls. We aimed to investigate the correlation between DRF and low skeletal muscle mass, which strongly correlated to sarcopenia. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of data from patients diagnosed with or without DRF in our institute between 2015 and 2020. Finally, after propensity score matching, data from 115 patients with and 115 patients without DRF were used for analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for sex, body mass index (BMI), the presence of low skeletal muscle mass, bone quality measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, CVD). Results: We found that female sex (odds ratio = 3.435, p = 0.015), CVD (odds ratio = 5.431, p < 0.001) and low skeletal muscle mass (odds ratio = 8.062, p = 0.001) were significant predictors for DRF. BMI and osteoporosis were not statistically significantly related to DRF. Conclusions: Women with low skeletal muscle mass and CVD may be more responsible for DRF than osteoporosis.

Homing in on cognition with cross-sectional analysis of sarcopenia-related measurements: the SARCOG study

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment may cause significant decline in muscle function and physical performance via affecting the neuromotor control.

AIM

To investigate the relationship between cognition and sarcopenia-related parameters in middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

Demographic data and comorbidities of adults ≥ 45-year-old were noted. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to evaluate global cognitive function. Sonographic anterior midthigh muscle thickness, handgrip strength, chair stand test (CST) and gait speed were measured. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was established if low muscle mass was combined with low muscle function. Dynapenia was defined as low grip strength or increased CST duration.

RESULTS

Among 1542 subjects (477 M, 1065 F), sarcopenia and dynapenia were detected in 22.6 and 17.2% of males, and 17.2 and 25.3% of females, respectively. Sarcopenic patients were older and had higher body mass index, higher frequencies of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity. They had lower muscle thickness, grip strength in males only, CST performance in females only and gait speed than the other groups (all p < 0.05). Sarcopenic and dynapenic patients had similar MMSE scores which were lower than those of normal subjects (both p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, MMSE values were positively related with grip strength in females only, CST performance and gait speed (all p < 0.001); but not with muscle thickness in either gender.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive impairment may unfavorably affect muscle function and physical performance, but not muscle mass. Accordingly, its prompt management can help to decrease patient morbidity and mortality.