Association of serum adiponectin and myostatin levels with skeletal muscle in patients with obesity: A cross-sectional study

Myostatin as a plausible biomarker for early stage of sarcopenic obesity

Since sarcopenic obesity (SO) impacts negatively on our health, early detection of SO is essential. However, prevalence of SO in an apparently healthy population has not been well examined. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence and related factors of SO in middle-aged women, and to investigate useful diagnostic criteria for SO. Body component analyses were conducted on 432 female Osaka University employees aged 30-59 during their health checkups. Healthy (H) and SO groups were defined using cutoff values of 5.7 kg/m2 for skeletal muscle mass index and 30% for percent body fat. Serum myostatin and insulin levels were additionally measured. Among 432 participants, the prevalence of SO was 6.3%. Grip strength (P < 0.0001) was lower and triglyceride (P = 0.0004) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.0105) levels, and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (P = 0.0262) were higher in the SO group than in the H group. Serum myostatin levels in the SO group were lower than in the H group (3,107 pg/mL vs. 3,957 pg/mL, P = 0.0003). Myostatin levels may be suppressed in individuals with SO without any pre-existing conditions. Our diagnostic criteria for SO could reveal the risks for metabolic-related diseases and may be useful for the early detection of SO.

The role of AdipoQ on proliferation, apoptosis, and hormone Secretion in chicken primary adenohypophysis cells

Adiponectin (AdipoQ), an adipokine secreted by adipocytes, has been reported to exist widely in various cell types and tissues, including the adenohypophysis of chickens. However, the molecular mechanism by which AdipoQ regulates the function of chicken adenohypophysis remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the effects of AdipoQ on proliferation, apoptosis, secretion of related hormones (FSH, LH, TSH, GH, PRL and ACTH) and expression of related genes (FSHβ, LHβ, GnRHR, TSHβ, GH, PRL and ACTH) in primary adenohypophysis cells of chickens by using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (WB) assays. Our results showed that AdipoQ promoted the proliferation of chicken primary adenohypophysis cells, up-regulated the mRNA expression of proliferation-related genes CDK1, PCNA, CCND1 and P21 (P < 0.05), as well as the increased protein expression of CDK1 and PCNA (P < 0.05). Furthermore, AdipoQ inhibited apoptosis of chicken primary adenohypophysis cells, resulting in down-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes Caspase3, Fas, and FasL mRNA expression, and decreased Caspase3 protein expression (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was an up-regulation of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2 mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05). Additionally, AdipoQ suppressed the secretion of FSH, LH, TSH, GH, PRL, and ACTH (P < 0.05), as well as the mRNA expression levels of related genes (P < 0.05). Treatment with AdipoRon (a synthetic substitute for AdipoQ) and co-treatment with RNA interference targeting AdipoQ receptors 1/2 (AdipoR1/2) had no effect on the secretion of FSH, LH, TSH, GH, PRL, and ACTH, as well as the mRNA expression levels of the related genes. This suggests that AdipoQ's regulation of hormone secretion and related gene expression is mediated by the AdipoR1/2 signaling axis. Importantly, we further demonstrated that the mechanism of AdipoQ on FSH, LH, TSH and GH secretion is realized through AMPK signaling pathway. In conclusion, we have revealed, for the first time the molecular mechanism by which AdipoQ regulates hormone secretion in chicken primary adenohypophysis cells.

Higher serum myostatin levels are associated with lower insulin sensitivity in adults with overweight/obesity

Myostatin inhibition improves insulin sensitivity in preclinical and clinical models; however, studies investigating the relationship between serum myostatin levels and insulin sensitivity are discrepant. Sensitive and specific myostatin LC-MS/MS assays are now available to accurately assess serum myostatin level in vivo. We sought to determine whether higher serum myostatin levels are independently associated with lower insulin sensitivity in adults with overweight/obesity. Participants included 74 adults, 20-65 years old, BMI ≥25 kg/m2 without type 2 diabetes. Appendicular lean mass (ALM) was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was measured by computed tomography. Main outcome measures were serum myostatin levels (LC-MS/MS) and insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index). Mean age was 48 ± 12 years, and BMI was 33.1 ± 5.6 kg/m2 (mean ± SD). Men had higher mean serum myostatin levels versus women (8.3 ± 1.9 vs. 7.2 ± 1.9 ng/mL, p = 0.01) and higher serum myostatin levels were associated with higher ALM (R = 0.34, p = 0.003). Higher serum myostatin levels were associated with lower Matsuda index (R = -0.44, p = 0.0004), which remained significant after controlling for BMI, VAT, ALM, and sex. In conclusion, higher serum myostatin levels are independently associated with lower insulin sensitivity in adults with overweight/obesity and may be a marker of or play a mechanistic role in the development of insulin resistance.

Exploring the Impact of Astaxanthin Supplementation in Conjunction with a 12-Week CrossFit Training Regimen on Selected Adipo-Myokines Levels in Obese Males

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is associated with an exacerbated metabolic condition that is mediated through impairing balance in the secretion of some adipo-myokines. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to explore the impact of astaxanthin supplementation in conjunction with a 12-week CrossFit training regimen on some selected adipo-myokines, insulin insensitivity, and serum lipid levels in obese males.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study is a randomized control trial design; 60 obese males were randomly divided into four groups of 15, including the control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and combined training and supplement group (TSG). The participants were subjected to 12 weeks of astaxanthin (AST) supplementation [20 mg/d capsule, once/d] or CrossFit training or a combination of both interventions. The training regimen comprised 36 sessions of CrossFit, each lasting 60 min, conducted three times per week. The metabolic indices, body composition, anthropometrical, cardio-respiratory, and also some plasma adipo-myokine factors, including decorin (DCN), activin A, myostatin (MST), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and follistatin (FST), were examined 12 and 72 h before the initiation of the main interventional protocols, and then 72 h after the final session of the training protocol.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the groups (p > 0.05). There were significant interactions between group x time for DCN (η2 = 0.82), activin A (η2 = 0.50), FST (η2 = 0.92), MST (η2 = 0.75), and TGFB-1 (η2 = 0.67) (p < 0.001 for all the variables). Significantly changes showed for DCN in TSG compared to TG and SG and also TG compared to SG (p = 0.0001); for activin A in SG compared to TG (p = 0.01) and TSG (p = 0.002); for FST in SG compared to TG and TSG (p = 0.0001), also in TSG compared to TG (p = 0.0001); for MST in SG, TG, and TSG compared to CG (p = 0.0001) and also in TSG compared to SG (p = 0.0001) and TG (p = 0.001); for TGFB-1 in SG, TG, and TSG compared to CG (p = 0.0001) and also TSG compared to SG (p = 0.0001) and TG (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The 12-week CrossFit training concurrent with AST supplementation reduced anthropometric and metabolic factors and also serum lipid levels while producing positive changes in body composition and cardiovascular factors. Increased FST and DCN and reduced activin A, MST, and TGF-β1 were other affirmative responses to both interventions.

Circulating myostatin as a biomarker of muscle mass and strength in individuals with cancer or obesity

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Our study aims to determine whether myostatin (MSTN) is associated with muscle mass and strength in individuals with cancer or obesity, as well as with cancer cachexia (CC) or sarcopenic obesity (SO).

METHODS

The ACTICA study included individuals with CC (n = 70) or without CC (NC, n = 73). The MYDIASECRET study included individuals with obesity evaluated before (T0) and 3 months (T3) after bariatric surgery (n = 62). Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and appendicular SMM (ASMM) were calculated from Janssen's and Sergi's equations, respectively, and expressed as indexes (SMMI and ASMMI). Handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed using a Jamar hand-held dynamometer. MSTN plasma levels were measured using ELISA. Spearman's coefficient was used to correlate MSTN with muscle mass and strength. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify an optimal MSTN cutoff level for the prediction of CC or SO.

RESULTS

In the ACTICA study, muscle mass and strength were lower in CC individuals than in NC individuals (SMMI: 8.0 kg/m2vs 9.0 kg/m2, p = 0.004; ASMMI: 6.2 kg/m2vs 7.2 kg/m2, p < 0.001; HGS: 28 kg vs 38 kg, p < 0.001). MSTN was also lower in CC individuals than in NC individuals (1434 pg/mL vs 2149 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Muscle mass and strength were positively correlated with MSTN (SMMI: R = 0.500, p < 0.001; ASMMI: R = 0.479, p < 0.001; HGS: R = 0.495, p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed a MSTN cutoff level of 1548 pg/mL (AUC 0.684, sensitivity 57%, specificity 75%, p < 0.001) for the prediction of CC. In the MYDIASECRET study, muscle mass and strength were reduced at T3 (SMMI: -8%, p < 0.001; ASMMI: -12%, p < 0.001; HGS: -6%, p = 0.005). MSTN was also reduced at T3 (1773 pg/mL vs 2582 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Muscle mass and strength were positively correlated with MSTN at T0 and T3 (SMMI-T0: R = 0.388, p = 0.002; SMMI-T3: R = 0.435, p < 0.001; HGS-T0: R = 0.337, p = 0.007; HGS-T3: R = 0.313, p = 0.013). ROC curve analysis showed a MSTN cutoff level of 4225 pg/mL (AUC 0.835, sensitivity 98%, specificity 100%, p = 0.014) for the prediction of SO at T3.

CONCLUSIONS

MSTN is positively correlated with muscle mass and strength in individuals with cancer or obesity, suggesting its potential use as a biomarker of muscle mass and strength. The ROC curve analysis suggests the potential use of MSTN as a screening tool for CC and SO.

Effects of weight loss rate on myostatin and follistatin dynamics in patients with obesity

Background

Exercise-induced cytokines involved in controlling body composition include myostatin (MST) and follistatin (FST), both of which are influenced by physical activity. This study investigated changes in body composition and physical activity during a weight loss program, as well as the impact on serum MST and FST levels at various weight loss rates.

Methods

A total of 126 patients with obesity who completed a 6-month weight loss program were divided into three groups based on weight loss rate (%): low (< 3%), middle (3-10%), and high (≥10%). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used for assessing physical activity, whereas dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to determine body composition. Serum MST and FST levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The middle and high groups showed a significant decrease in percent body fat and a significant increase in percent lean body mass and physical activity. Serum MST levels increased significantly in all three groups, although FST levels reduced significantly only in the middle group. After adjusting for sex and body composition, changes in peak oxygen intake (β = -0.359) and serum FST levels (β = -0.461) were identified as independent factors for the change in MST levels in the low group. Sex (β = -0.420) and changes in MST levels (β = -0.525) were identified as independent factors for the change in serum FST levels in the low group, whereas in the high group, sitting time (β = -0.600) during the weight loss program was identified as an independent factor for change in serum FST levels.

Conclusion

Serum MST levels in patients with obesity increased significantly following the weight loss program, independent of weight loss rate. In contrast, serum FST levels reduced significantly only in the 3-10% weight loss group. These findings indicate that MST and FST secretion dynamics may fluctuate in response to physical activity, while also reflecting feedback regulation of body composition and metabolism during weight reduction.

Association of Serum Irisin Levels with Body Composition, Metabolic Profile, Leptin, and Adiponectin Levels in Lean and Obese Children

Background and Objectives: Irisin is an adipo-myokine with potential metabolic effects in the body, and its association with childhood obesity is still controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum irisin levels and anthropometric parameters, body composition, metabolic profiles, leptin, and adiponectin in obese and normal-weight children. Methods: The study sample consisted of a total of 80 children aged 6-10, including 44 obese children (BMI ≥ 97th percentile) and 36 normal-weight children. Anthropometric parameters were measured. Body composition was determined with the use of the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) method. Metabolic profiles, as well as irisin, leptin, and adiponectin levels, were analyzed. Results: Anthropometric parameters and body composition were found to be significantly different between the obese and normal-weight groups (p < 0.05). Fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and leptin levels were found to be significantly higher in the obese group, while the normal-weight group had significantly higher HDL cholesterol and adiponectin levels (p < 0.05). Serum irisin levels did not differ between the obese and normal-weight groups, or based on sex, vitamin D levels, and insulin resistance status. There was also no statistically significant correlation between serum irisin levels and anthropometric parameters, metabolic profile, leptin, and adiponectin. Conclusions: The study concluded that the obese children who participated in this study had high leptin levels and low adiponectin levels, with no significant difference in the irisin levels between the groups. More comprehensive clinical studies are needed to investigate the relationship between irisin and adipokines in children.

Serum Follistatin Levels are Independently Associated with Exercise Tolerance in Patients with Obesity

OBJECTIVE

Follistatin (FST)/myostatin (MST) myokine-signaling axis is important for muscle metabolism and pathogenesis of obesity. FST, mainly secreted by skeletal muscle and liver, inhibits MST and affects skeletal muscle synthesis. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of myokines and independent predictors of serum FST levels in patients with obesity.

METHODS

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 226 patients (mean age, 46.6 years; men, 35.4%) with obesity who initially visited an outpatient clinic between June 2014 and September 2020, were included and classified into obesity (25.0 ≤ body mass index (BMI) < 35.0 kg/m2) and severe obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) groups based on the guidelines of the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis and computed tomography. Muscle strength, exercise tolerance, metabolic parameters, and myokines were measured, including serum levels of FST, MST, irisin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

RESULTS

Serum FST levels were significantly higher in the severe obesity group than in the obesity group (median: 768.4 vs. 895.1 pg/mL, P = 0.020). However, the levels of other myokines showed no significant differences between the groups. In Model 1, which included factors that significantly correlated with FST levels, stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed peak oxygen uptake (VO2) as an independent predictor of FST levels based on the significance of the univariate analysis. Additionally, Model 2 was analyzed by adding myokine level to Model 1, revealing that peak VO2, MST, and irisin levels were independent predictors of FST levels.

CONCLUSION

Serum FST levels were higher in patients in the severe obesity group compared to those in the obesity group. There was an independent association between low exercise tolerance and elevated serum FST levels.

Plasma growth differentiation factor - 8 / Myostatin level as prognostic biomarker of patients with ischemic stroke and acute revascularization therapy. PARADISE study

BACKGROUND

Identifying biological markers of ischemic stroke (IS) is an important research approach to develop innovative therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to assess the association between plasma Growth Differentiation Factor-8 (GDF-8)/Myostatin levels and outcome of IS patients.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with acute IS treated with either intravenous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy at Dijon University Hospital, France were prospectively included. Clinical variables were recorded, and plasma GDF-8 was collected just after the revascularization procedure. Primary endpoint was functional outcome at 3 months assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Secondary endpoints included mRS scores at 6 and 12 months, and overall mortality over 1-year of follow-up.

RESULTS

Among the 173 included patients (median age: 76 years, Interquartile range (IQR): 66-85; 49% women), median plasma GDF-8 levels at admission were significantly lower in those with a poor outcome at 3 months defined as a mRS score > 2 (2073 (IQR: 1564-2757) pg/mL versus 1471 (1192-2241) pg/mL, p < 0.001). Lower GDF-8 levels at admission were associated with higher 3-months mRS score in multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis (OR = 0.9995; 95% CI: 0.9991-0.9999, p = 0.011). The association was also observed with 6- and 12-month mRS scores. Although mortality was higher in patients with lower GDF-8 levels, the association was not significant in multivariable Cox analysis.

CONCLUSION

Lower plasma GDF-8 levels were associated with a poorer functional outcome in IS patients treated with acute revascularization therapy. Underlying pathophysiological mechanisms involving GDF-8 in post-stroke outcome remain to be elucidated.

Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Sarcopenia

The current evidence indicates a strong association between sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The two entities share many common pathophysiologic mechanisms, and their coexistence may result in higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, given their increasing incidence in the modern world, there is a need for a better understanding of the liver-muscle axis for early identification of sarcopenia in patients with MAFLD and vice versa. This review aims at presenting current data regarding the correlation between sarcopenia and MAFLD, the associated comorbidities, and the need for effective therapies.

Prevalence and Mechanisms of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Metabolic Conditions

Skeletal muscle atrophy is prevalent in a myriad of pathological conditions, such as diabetes, denervation, long-term immobility, malnutrition, sarcopenia, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and cachexia. This is a critically important topic that has significance in the health of the current society, particularly older adults. The most damaging effect of muscle atrophy is the decreased quality of life from functional disability, increased risk of fractures, decreased basal metabolic rate, and reduced bone mineral density. Most skeletal muscle in humans contains slow oxidative, fast oxidative, and fast glycolytic muscle fiber types. Depending on the pathological condition, either oxidative or glycolytic muscle type may be affected to a greater extent. This review article discusses the prevalence of skeletal muscle atrophy and several mechanisms, with an emphasis on high-fat, high-sugar diet patterns, obesity, and diabetes, but including other conditions such as sarcopenia, Alzheimer's disease, cancer cachexia, and heart failure.

Association between serum GDF-15, myostatin, and sarcopenia in cardiovascular surgery patients

Background

Myostatin is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass. On the other hand, growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 is associated with lower muscle strength and muscle mass. We investigated the relationship between serum GDF-15, myostatin, and sarcopenia in patients receiving cardiovascular surgery through a ROC curve and a multivariate regression analysis.

Methods

Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) by bioelectrical impedance analysis, hand-grip strength, knee extension strength, and walking speed were measured. Preoperative serum GDF-15 and myostatin levels were determined by ELISA. The sarcopenia index could be expressed as: −0.0042 × [myostatin] + 0.0007 × [GDF-15] + 0.0890 × age + 1.4030 × sex − 0.2679 × body mass index (BMI) − 2.1186. A ROC curve was plotted to identify the optimal cutoff level of the sarcopenia index to detect sarcopenia.

Results

120 patients receiving cardiovascular surgery were included in the study. SMI, hand-grip strength, knee extension strength, and walking speed inversely correlated with GDF-15, but positively correlated with myostatin. In the multivariate stepwise regression analysis, SMI was a determinant of myostatin, and both GDF-15 and myostatin were determinants of SMI and muscle thickness, even after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI. A ROC curve showed that the sarcopenia index was a determinant of sarcopenia (cutoff value −1.0634, area under the curve 0.901, sensitivity 96.9%, specificity 70.9%).

Conclusion

GDF-15 and myostatin are associated with skeletal muscle volume in patients receiving cardiovascular surgery, but these associations are different. The sarcopenia index calculated from GDF-15 and myostatin levels may be a biomarker of sarcopenia.

The Pathological Links between Adiposity and the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

An association between obesity and carpal tunnel syndrome is found in many epidemiological studies. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the physiopathological links that could explain the association between these two entities. Ectopic adipose tissue is responsible for metabolic syndrome and inflammation, and is a major risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Taking these elements into consideration, we conducted an extensive literature revision of the subject, considering as ectopic fat-related mechanisms the following: (a) the direct compression and the association with the metabolic syndrome of the fat deposition around the wrist, (b) the insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, inflammatory, and oxidative mechanisms related to the central deposition of the fat, (c) the impaired muscle contraction and metabolism related to myosteatosis. Each section presents the cellular pathways which are modified by the ectopic deposition of the adipose tissue and the impact in the pathogeny of the carpal tunnel syndrome. In conclusion, the experimental and clinical data support the epidemiological findings. Efforts to reduce the obesity epidemics will improve not only cardio-metabolic health but will reduce the burden of the disability-free life expectancy due to the carpal tunnel syndrome.

Regulatory Role and Potential Importance of GDF-8 in Ovarian Reproductive Activity

Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. Studies in vitro and in vivo have shown GDF-8 to be involved in the physiology and pathology of ovarian reproductive functions. In vitro experiments using a granulosa-cell model have demonstrated steroidogenesis, gonadotrophin responsiveness, glucose metabolism, cell proliferation as well as expression of lysyl oxidase and pentraxin 3 to be regulated by GDF-8 via the mothers against decapentaplegic homolog signaling pathway. Clinical data have shown that GDF-8 is expressed widely in the human ovary and has high expression in serum of obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. GDF-8 expression in serum changes dynamically in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. GDF-8 expression in serum and follicular fluid is correlated with the ovarian response and pregnancy outcome during in vitro fertilization. Blocking the GDF-8 signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and ovulation disorders in polycystic ovary syndrome. GDF-8 has a regulatory role and potential importance in ovarian reproductive activity and may be involved in folliculogenesis, ovulation, and early embryo implantation.

The relationship between changes in serum myostatin and adiponectin levels in patients with obesity undergoing a weight loss program

BACKGROUND

An effective strategy for weight loss in patients who are overweight or obese is to reduce body fat mass while maintaining skeletal muscle mass. Adiponectin and myostatin are affected through changes in body composition due to weight loss, and examining their dynamics may contribute to strategies for maintaining skeletal muscle mass through weight loss. We aimed to examine the relationships among myostatin, adiponectin, and body composition, depending on the extent of weight loss, in patients with obesity undergoing a weight loss program.

METHODS

We examined 66 patients with obesity (age: 46.8 ± 14.0 years, body mass index: 34.3 [31.0-38.4] kg/m²) attending a hospital weight loss program. We categorized the patients into two groups, namely an L group (those with a weight reduction of < 5% from baseline) and an M group (those with a weight reduction of > 5% from baseline). All patients underwent blood tests and were assessed for body composition, insulin resistance, adipocytokine and myokine levels, exercise tolerance, and muscle strength at baseline and post-intervention.

RESULTS

Serum myostatin and adiponectin levels increased post-intervention in both groups. Body weight and %fat decreased, and the rate of lean body mass (%LBM) increased in both groups. Exercise capacity and muscle strength improved in the M group only. Change in (⊿) myostatin correlated with ⊿%fat, ⊿%LBM, and ⊿adiponectin. ⊿adiponectin (β = - 0.262, p = 0.035) was an independent predictor of ⊿myostatin.

CONCLUSIONS

Myostatin and adiponectin might cross-talk and regulate changes in skeletal muscle and fat mass with or without successful weight loss. These findings indicate that evaluating serum myostatin and adiponectin levels in clinical practice could be used to predict the effects of weight loss and help prevent skeletal muscle mass loss.

Sarcopenia and Appendicular Muscle Mass as Predictors of Impaired Fasting Glucose/Type 2 Diabetes in Elderly Women

Elderly women exhibit a high risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but no definitive data exist about the possible role of postmenopausal increases in visceral adiposity, the loss of lean body mass, or decreases in the sum of the lean mass of arms and legs (appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM)). This retrospective, longitudinal study investigated whether body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis) predicted the development of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or T2D in a cohort of 159 elderly women (age: 71 ± 5 years, follow-up: 94 months) from southern Italy (Clinical Nutrition and Geriatric Units of the “Mater Domini” University Hospital in Catanzaro, Calabria region, and the “P. Giaccone ”University Hospital in Palermo, Sicily region). Sarcopenia was defined in a subgroup of 128 women according to the EWGSOP criteria as the presence of low muscle strength (handgrip strength <16 kg) plus low muscle mass (reported as appendicular skeletal muscle mass <15 kg). Participants with a low ASMM had a higher IFG/T2D incidence than those with a normal ASMM (17% vs. 6%, p-adjusted = 0.044); this finding was independent of BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, and habitual fat intake (OR = 3.81, p = 0.034). A higher incidence of IFG/T2D was observed in the subgroup with sarcopenia than those without sarcopenia (33% vs. 7%, p-adjusted = 0.005) independent of BMI and fat mass (OR = 6.75, p = 0.007). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that elderly women with low ASMM had a higher probability of developing IFG/T2D. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in men and in other age groups.