Discriminating sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women with high frequency of overweight/obesity: the São Paulo Ageing & Health Study (SPAH)

The association of alcohol consumption with the risk of sarcopenia: a dose-response meta-analysis

Background: Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass plus a decline in muscle strength and/or reduced physical performance with advancing age. The results of current studies on the relationship between drinking and sarcopenia remain controversial.Objectives: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association of alcohol consumption with the risk of sarcopenia.Methods: Systematic searches were conducted without language restrictions from the beginning of each database to September 20, 2023 on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang Data, Chinese BioMedical Literature, and China national knowledge infrastructure databases. Meta-analysis was conducted to pool the study-specific odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: Sixty-two studies with 454,643 participants were enrolled. The meta-analysis of proportions revealed that alcohol consumption was not associated with the presence of sarcopenia, with a pooled OR of 0.964 (95% CI = 0.912-1.019). Further subgroup analysis indicated that alcohol consumption was correlated with lower risk of sarcopenia in men (OR = 0.763; 95% CI = 0.622-0.938; P = .010). The nonlinear dose-response analysis suggested a J-shaped association between alcohol consumption and the risk of sarcopenia, with a nadir at the amounts of alcohol consumption of 6.6 grams/day (OR = 0.765; 95% CI = 0.608-0.957; P < .05).Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis indicate that alcohol consumption is not a risk factor for the development of sarcopenia. Any suggestion of a putative protective effect of alcohol should be treated with caution, particularly in light of the overall lack of relationship reported in the present comprehensive meta-analysis.

Long-term exposure to air pollution and risk of Sarcopenia in adult residents of Taiwan: a nationwide retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is an age-related, multifactorial syndrome. Previous studies have shown that air pollutants are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and sarcopenia is not completely understood.

METHODS

The Taiwan National Health Research Database (NHIRD) contains medical records of almost all Taiwanese residents. Daily air pollution data collected by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency was used to analyze concentrations of sulfur oxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10). The databases were merged according to the insurants' living area and the location of the air quality monitoring station. We categorized the pollutants into quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4).

RESULTS

Our study population consisted of 286,044 patients, among whom 54.9% were female and 45.1% were male. Compared to Q1 levels of pollutants, Q4 levels of SO2 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 8.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.84, 9.07); CO (aHR = 3.03; 95%CI = 2.83, 3.25); NO (aHR = 3.47; 95%CI = 3.23, 3.73); NO2 (aHR = 3.72; 95%CI = 3.48, 3.98); PM2.5 (aHR = 21.9; 95% CI = 19.7, 24.5) and PM10 (aHR = 15.6; 95%CI = 14.1, 17.4) increased risk of sarcopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated a significantly increased risk of sarcopenia in both male and female residents exposed to high levels of air pollutants.

Sex differences between the relationship of trunk muscle mass and whole body sagittal plane alignment in older adults

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to clarify sex differences in the relationship between trunk muscle mass, aging, and whole-body sagittal alignment.

METHODS

Subjects aged 60-89 years who underwent musculoskeletal screening in 2018 were included in the study. Subject demographics, trunk muscle mass (TMM) measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and spinopelvic and lower extremity alignment parameters measured from standing radiographic images were investigated. Additionally, TMM was corrected for BMI (TMM/BMI). The relationship between trunk muscle and whole-body sagittal alignment was analyzed for each age group (young-old group (60-74 years) and old-old group (>75 years)) and sex.

RESULTS

A total of 281 (mean age 75.4 ± 6.7 years, 100 males and 181 females) were enrolled. The trunk muscle mass in both men and women significantly decreased with age. Regarding TMM/BMI, there was no significant difference in men, but there was a significant difference between females in the young-old and old-old groups (p < 0.001). TMM/BMI was significantly correlated with sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and knee flexion angle (KF) in both sexes. In females, TMM/BMI was significantly correlated with thoracic kyphosis in the young-old group, whereas in the old-old group, TMM/BMI was correlated with SVA, PI-LL, and KF.

CONCLUSIONS

TMM was related to trunk anteverion and lower extremity alignment in both sexes. However, the relationship between TMM on alignment differs between sexes. Thoracic hyperkyphosis in young-old adults indicated a decrease in muscle mass, which may be a sign of future malalignment.

Association between Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sarcopenia is a common disease defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. Alcohol consumption is an uncertain risk factor for sarcopenia. Previous observational epidemiological studies have reported inconsistent results regarding the association between alcohol consumption and sarcopenia risk. This study aimed to investigate the association between alcohol consumption and sarcopenia. A literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through April 2022 using keywords related to alcohol consumption and sarcopenia. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random effects model meta-analysis. The risk of bias of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle−Ottawa scale. Nineteen observational studies that reported 3826 sarcopenia patients among 422,870 participants were included in the qualitative analysis. Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with sarcopenia risk (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.20; I2 = 60.6%). Alcohol consumption resulted in a non-significant decrease in the risk of sarcopenia in men (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.46 to 1.07; I2 = 0.0%) and in women (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.63 to 2.30; I2 = 75.8%). The subgroup analyses by age and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with an increased the risk of sarcopenia in <65 years (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.22 to 5.62; I2 = 100%). This meta-analysis of observational studies indicated that alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with sarcopenia risk. However, there are factors influencing the association between alcohol consumption and sarcopenia, such as smoking and dietary patterns. Additional study of these confounding factors is needed for the systematic analysis of the association of alcohol consumption with sarcopenia in future studies.

Applying classification and regression tree analysis to identify risks of developing sarcopenia in the older population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Variations in the risk factors for sarcopenia can lead to differences in the likelihood of developing sarcopenia among older adults; however, few studies have explored the interactions among the risk factors. This study examined the interactions among risk factors and identified a discriminative pathway for groups at risk of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2019 to recruit 200 older adults from an outpatient department of a hospital providing care for older people. Data on various risk factors, namely demographics (age, gender, education, comorbidities, and body mass index [BMI]), dietary habits (weekly consumption of milk, coffee, and meat), lifestyle behaviours (vitamin D supplementation, smoking, drinking, and physical activity), and depression symptoms were collected. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. A classification and regression tree (CART) model was used to examine interactions among these factors and identify groups at risk of sarcopenia.

FINDINGS

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 38.5%. The CART model identified two end groups at differential risks of sarcopenia, with a minimum of one and a maximum of three risk factors. In the first group, low BMI (<18.5 kg/m² ) was a predominant risk factor for sarcopenia among older people. In the second group, older adults with a normal BMI, aged ≥68 years, and without a regular walking habit had a higher probability of developing sarcopenia than did their counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

The interactive effects among older age, BMI, and walking may cause different probabilities of developing sarcopenia in the older population.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Older adults with a low or normal BMI but without a regular walking habit could be a predominant risk group for sarcopenia. The appropriate maintenance of body weight and regular walking activity is suggested to prevent sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.

Official Position of the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism (ABRASSO) on the evaluation of body composition by densitometry-part II (clinical aspects): interpretation, reporting, and special situations

OBJECTIVE

To present an updated and evidence-based guideline for the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition in clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This Official Position was developed by the Scientific Committee of the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism (Associação Brasileira de Avaliação Óssea e Osteometabolismo, ABRASSO) and experts in the field who were invited to contribute to the preparation of this document. The authors searched current databases for relevant publications in the area of body composition assessment. In this second part of the Official Position, the authors discuss the interpretation and reporting of body composition parameters assessed by DXA and the use of DXA for body composition evaluation in special situations, including evaluation of children, persons with HIV, and animals.

CONCLUSION

This document offers recommendations for the use of DXA in body composition evaluation, including indications, interpretation, and applications, to serve as a guiding tool in clinical practice and research for health care professionals in Brazil.

Associated Factors of Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: To review the associated factors of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. (2) Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and four Chinese electronic databases were searched for observational studies that reported the associated factors of sarcopenia from inception to August 2021. Two researchers independently selected the literature, evaluated their quality, and extracted relevant data. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each associated factors of sarcopenia using random-effects/fixed-effects models. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and the Eggers test. We performed statistical analysis using Stata 15.0 software. (3) Results: A total of 68 studies comprising 98,502 cases were included. Sociodemographic associated factors of sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults included age (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.10-1.13), marital status (singled, divorced, or widowed) (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.08-2.28), disability for activities of daily living (ADL) (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.15-1.92), and underweight (OR = 3.78, 95% CI: 2.55-5.60). Behavioral associated factors included smoking (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10-1.21), physical inactivity (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.48-2.01), malnutrition/malnutrition risk (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 2.40-3.72), long (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.37-3.86) and short (OR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.86-5.93) sleeping time, and living alone (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.00-2.40). Disease-related associated factors included diabetes (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.18-1.66), cognitive impairment (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.05-2.51), heart diseases (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.00-1.30), respiratory diseases (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09-1.36), osteopenia/osteoporosis (OR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.63-4.57), osteoarthritis (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.23-1.44), depression (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.17-1.83), falls (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.14-1.44), anorexia (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.14-1.96), and anemia (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.06-1.82). However, it remained unknown whether gender (female: OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.80-1.51; male: OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.96-2.34), overweight/obesity (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.17-0.44), drinking (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84-1.01), hypertension (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.84-1.14), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.89-1.47), stroke (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 0.69-4.17), cancer (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85-0.92), pain (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.98-1.20), liver disease (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85-0.91), and kidney disease (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 0.19-33.30) were associated with sarcopenia. (4) Conclusions: There are many sociodemographic, behavioral, and disease-related associated factors of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. Our view provides evidence for the early identification of high-risk individuals and the development of relevant interventions to prevent sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.

Transcriptomic analysis of elderly women with low muscle mass: association with immune system pathway

Despite the well-established association of gene expression deregulation with low muscle mass (LMM), the associated biological mechanisms remain unclear. Transcriptomic studies are capable to identify key mediators in complex diseases. We aimed to identify relevant mediators and biological mechanisms associated with age-related LMM. LMM-associated genes were detected by logistic regression using microarray data of 20 elderly women with LMM and 20 age and race-matched controls extracted from our SPAH Study (GSE152073). We performed weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA) that correlated the identified gene modules with laboratorial characteristics. Gene enrichment analysis was performed and an LMM predictive model was constructed using Support Vector Machine (SVM). Overall, 821 discriminating transcripts clusters were identified (|beta coefficient| >1; p-value <0.01). From this list, 45 predictors of LMM were detected by SVM and validated with 0.7 of accuracy. Our results revealed that the well-described association of inflammation, immunity and metabolic alterations is also relevant at transcriptomic level. WGCNA highlighted a correlation of genes modules involved in immunity pathways with vitamin D level (R = 0.63, p = 0.004) and the Agatston score (R = 0.51, p = 0.02). Our study generated a predicted regulatory network and revealed significant metabolic pathways related to aging processes, showing key mediators that warrant further investigation.

Falls, fractures, and areal bone mineral density in older adults with sarcopenic obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sarcopenia and obesity are common conditions in older adults that may have differing effects on falls and fracture risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether older adults with sarcopenic obesity have increased risk of falls and fractures or lower bone mass compared with older adults with sarcopenia, obesity, or neither condition. Twenty-six studies (n = 37,124) were included in the systematic review and 17 (n = 31,540) were included in the meta-analysis. Older adults with sarcopenic obesity had lower femoral neck areal bone mineral density (aBMD) compared with those with obesity alone but had higher femoral neck aBMD compared with counterparts with sarcopenia alone (both P < 0.05). Older adults with sarcopenic obesity had higher nonvertebral fracture rates (incidence rate ratio: 1.88; 95% confidence intervals: 1.09, 3.23; based on two studies), compared with those with sarcopenia alone, and also had higher falls risk compared with controls (risk ratio: 1.30; 95% confidence intervals: 1.10, 1.54) and obesity alone (risk ratio: 1.17; 95% confidence intervals: 1.01, 1.36). In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis has demonstrated that older adults with sarcopenic obesity are at increased risk of adverse musculoskeletal outcomes compared with individuals with obesity, sarcopenia, or neither condition. These data support the need for developing interventions to improve bone health and physical function in this population.

Association between Skeletal Mass Indices and Metabolic Syndrome in Brazilian Adults

INTRODUCTION

Skeletal muscle is the primary site of glucose uptake and its reduction would increase insulin resistance, which is a determinant factor for diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. However, the role of low skeletal muscle mass as a risk factor for metabolic syndrome and its association with cardiometabolic risk is still uncertain. We aimed to investigate the association between muscle mass (determined by different skeletal mass indices) and metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adults.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study with 689 adults of both sexes aged between 20 and 59 years. Data were collected through questionnaires and assessment of body composition through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical measurements.

RESULTS

Older individuals, obese and those with metabolic syndrome predominated in the highest tertile of skeletal mass index adjusted by height (SMI_height), whereas using skeletal mass index adjusted by weight (SMI_weight) and skeletal mass index adjusted by body mass index (SMI_BMI) these individuals were the majority in the lowest tertile of these indices. In men and women, the adjusted logistic regression model revealed that the highest tertile of SMI_weight (odds ratio [OR]: 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02-0.21 and OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.10-0.74) and SMI_BMI (OR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05-0.37 and OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12-0.94) were negatively associated with metabolic syndrome. On the other hand, the highest tertile of SMI_height was positively associated with metabolic syndrome in both sexes (OR: 4.17, 95% CI: 1.80-9.66 and OR: 6.15, 95% CI: 2.31-16.37, respectively in men and women).

CONCLUSION

In adults, the muscle mass assessed from the skeletal mass index adjusted for body weight and body mass index is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome in both sexes.

High Visceral Fat Area Attenuated the Negative Association between High Body Mass Index and Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Chinese People

The association between obesity and sarcopenia remains controversial. The present study was conducted to explore the associations among body mass index (BMI), visceral fat area (VFA), and sarcopenia in older people and analyze their potential mechanisms. This cross-sectional study included 861 community-dwelling older Chinese people from three regions of China. BMI, VFA, muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance, body composition, and metabolic markers were measured. Muscle mass and muscle strength were positively correlated with BMI, but were negatively correlated with VFA. Simple overweight/obesity was negatively associated with sarcopenia (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.03~0.18), and the OR value was lower than combined obesity (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.09~0.28). Fat free mass and total body protein were positively associated with high BMI but negatively associated with high VFA. Furthermore, high VFA was adversely associated with some metabolic risk factors of sarcopenia. Combination of BMI and VFA increased diagnostic efficiency of low muscle mass and sarcopenia. In conclusion, high BMI was negatively associated with sarcopenia, while high VFA attenuated the negative association between high BMI and sarcopenia. The opposite association may partially be attributed to their different associations with body composition and metabolic risk factors of sarcopenia. Therefore, bedsides BMI, VFA and its interaction with BMI should be considered in sarcopenia prevention.

Longitudinal Observation of Muscle Mass over 10 Years According to Serum Calcium Levels and Calcium Intake among Korean Adults Aged 50 and Older: The Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the longitudinal change in muscle mass over 10 years according to serum calcium levels and calcium intake. A total of 1497 men and 1845 women aged 50 years and older were included. Significant muscle loss (SML) was defined as a 5% or greater loss from baseline, while time-dependent development of SML was assessed according to quartiles for corrected calcium level and daily calcium intake using Cox regression models. The incidence of SML was 6.7 and 7.7 per 100-person-years among men and women, respectively. Groups with the lowest corrected calcium levels had more prominent SML than those with higher calcium levels, regardless of sex. The relationship between SML and calcium intake was significant only among women. The hazard ratio for SML per 1 mmol/L increase in corrected calcium level was 0.236 and 0.237 for men and women, respectively. In conclusion, low serum calcium levels may predict SML among adults aged ≥ 50 years, while low calcium intake may be a predictor for muscle loss among women. Therefore, encouraging dietary calcium intake among middle-aged and older adults for preservation of muscle mass should be considered.

Osteosarcopenic Obesity Associated with Poor Physical Performance in the Elderly Chinese Community

Objective

The aims of this study were to investigate the association between osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) and physical performance in Chinese elderly communities.

Methods

Our study population is comprised of residents of the Township Central Hospital in the suburban of Tianjin, China. Participants (n=303; percent body fat (PBF): ≥25% for men and ≥32% for women) were assessed using the direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for body composition. Sarcopenia was defined as the lower 20th percentile of appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height² (ASMI). A quantitative ultrasound scan of each participants’ calcaneus with a T score≤−1.0 was used to identify the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis (OP). We divided people into four groups: obesity only (O), osteopenic obesity (OO), sarcopenic obesity (SO), and osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO). We assessed the physical performance by grip strength, 4-m walk test (WS) and timed up and go test (TUGT).

Results

A total of 303 participants had completed data (89 men, 214 women; mean age of 68.8±6.0 years). The prevalence of OSO was 10.2% (men: 15.70%, women: 7.9%). After multiple adjustments, WS was significantly declined in OSO group when compared with the O group in men (mean value 95% CI was 0.84 (0.69, 0.99)) and women (mean value 95% CI was 0.93 (0.84, 1.02)). TUGT was significantly poorer in men (mean value 95% CI was 13.3 (10.6, 15.9)) and women (mean value 95% CI was 12.4 (11.2, 13.7)) with OSO when compared with the O group. Furthermore, the OSO group in women also had a significantly poorer TUGT compared with the OO group. The result of grip strength decreased significantly in women SO and OSO groups when compared with the O group (mean value 95% CI was 16.4 (14.5, 18.2) and 16.1 (13.9, 18.3)). But the results of grip strength in men showed no significant differences in any of the group.

Conclusion

In Chinese community-dwelling elderly, slower WS and lower balance function were associated with OSO in men and women. Lower grip strength was associated with SO and OSO in women.

Risk Factors for Low Muscle Mass in a Population-based Prospective Cohort of Brazilian Community-dwelling Older Women: The São Paulo Ageing & Health (SPAH) Study

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, which results in decreased muscle strength, functional impairment, and increased risk of death. Few studies have performed a concomitant evaluation of clinical, laboratory, and body composition variables to accurately determine the contribution of each parameter to low muscle mass (LMM) in older subjects. This study aimed to identify risk factors (clinical, laboratory parameters, BMD, and body composition by DXA including visceral fat) for LMM in a prospective cohort of older Brazilian women.

METHODS

A total of 408 women aged ≥65 yr from the São Paulo Ageing & Health study were evaluated with clinical data, laboratory bone tests, BMD, and body composition by DXA using Hologic QDR 4500A equipment. Risk factors were measured at baseline (2005-2007). After a follow-up of 4.3 ± 0.8 yr, subjects were classified according to the LMM definition of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health criteria. LMM was defined when appendicular lean mass divided by body mass index was less than 0.512. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify independent risk factors for LMM.

RESULTS

At the end of follow-up, 116 women (28.4%) had LMM. Age averages were 73.3 ± 4.9 yr in the LMM group and 72.5 ± 4.5 yr in the normal group (p = 0.11). Mean BMI was 30.6 ± 5.2 kg/m² in the LMM group and 28.1 ± 4.7 kg/m² in the normal group (p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, predictors of LMM were: falls (OR = 1.14, p = 0.016), TSH levels (OR = 1.08, p = 0.018, per 1 μUI/L-increase), serum creatinine levels (OR = 11.11, p < 0.001, per 1 mg/dL-decrease), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass (OR = 1.17, p < 0.001, per 100 g increase).

CONCLUSIONS

Falls, high TSH, low creatinine, and high VAT were risk factors for LMM in older women. More attention should be paid to these factors, since they are potentially reversible with adequate intervention.

KLOTHO polymorphisms and age-related outcomes in community-dwelling older subjects: The São Paulo Ageing & Health (SPAH) Study

Defective KLOTHO gene expression in mice led to a syndrome resembling human ageing. This study evaluated three KLOTHO polymorphisms, namely G395A, C1818T, and C370S, in an elderly population (mean age of 73 years) and their associations with ageing-related outcomes (cardiovascular events, kidney function, osteoporosis, sarcopenia) and mortality. Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) was lower in subjects with 1818TT (P = 0.047) and 370SS (P = 0.046) genotypes. The 1818TT genotype (P = 0.006) and 1818T allele were associated with higher frequency of myocardial infarction (MI) (CC:1.7% vs. CT + TT:7.0%; P = 0.002). The 370SS genotype was associated with lower stroke frequency (P = 0.001). MI (OR 3.35 [95% CI: 1.29–8.74]) and stroke (OR 3.64 [95% CI: 1.48–8.97]) were associated with mortality. Regarding MI, logistic regression showed 1818T allele was a risk factor for death-related MI (OR 4.29 [95% CI: 1.60–11.52]; P = 0.003), while 370C was protective (OR 0.03 [95% CI: 0.01–0.08]; P < 0.001). Regarding stroke, the 395A and 370C alleles were protective factors (respectively: OR 0.28 [95% CI: 0.20–0.80]; P = 0.018; OR 0.10 [95% CI: 0.05–0.18]; P < 0.001). This is the first study to determine potential associations between common ageing-related outcomes/mortality and KLOTHO polymorphisms. The 1818T allele was a risk factor for MI-related death. The 395A and 370C alleles were protective factors for stroke-related death in elderly from community.

Cut-off points of appendicular lean soft tissue for identifying sarcopenia in older adults in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Introduction: appropriate appendicular lean soft tissue (ALST) parameters to identify sarcopenia in Brazil are scarce. The use of international references may lead to a false positive diagnosis. The objective was to propose cut-off points to identify sarcopenia in older men and women using DXA-derived ALST values from a young adult population. Methods: this was an observational study with a cross-sectional analysis. University students of both sexes (n = 125), aged 20 to 30 years, underwent anthropometric measurements and DXA scanning to obtain their ALST (kg). Cut-off points for sarcopenia were set at -2 standard deviations (-2SDs) away from the mean ALST of a young sample. Absolute values and indices (ALST/height2, ALST/weight, and ALST/body mass index [BMI]) were considered as recommended by international consensus. Results: compared to women, men presented higher values of weight, height, BMI, bone mineral content, lean soft tissue, ALST, and ALST index (kg/m²). Only fat mass was higher in women, and age was not different between genders. The -2SD ALST indices obtained were ≤ 6.56 kg/m² for men and ≤ 4.67 kg/m² for women. They were below international and national values, which tended to classify false positives. Conclusions: the -2SD ALST values proposed here are validated cut-offs for identifying low muscle in older adults and to prevent misdiagnosis with sarcopenia. In addition, they contribute to efficient monitoring and control of this disease in geriatric populations.

Association of Appendicular Lean Mass, and Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue With Mortality in Older Brazilians: The São Paulo Ageing & Health Study

Body composition changes as a result of ageing may impact the survival of older adults. However, its influence on mortality risk is uncertain. Currently, the best method for body composition analysis in clinical practice is DXA. Nonetheless, the few studies on body composition by DXA and mortality risk in the elderly have some limitations. We investigated the association between body composition by DXA and mortality in a cohort of elderly subjects. Eight hundred thirty-nine community-dwelling subjects (516 women, 323 men) ≥ 65 years of age were assessed by a questionnaire, clinical data, laboratory exams, and body composition by DXA at baseline. Total fat and its components (eg, visceral adipose tissue [VAT]) were estimated. Appendicular lean mass (ALM) adjusted for fat and ALM divided by height² was used to ascertain the presence of low muscle mass (LMM). Mortality was recorded during follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compute ORs for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Over a mean follow-up of 4.06 ± 1.07 years, there were 132 (15.7%) deaths. In men, after adjustment for relevant variables, the presence of LMM (OR, 11.36, 95% CI, 2.21 to 58.37, P = 0.004) and VAT (OR, 1.99, 95% CI, 1.38 to 2.87, P < 0.001, for each 100-g increase) significantly increased all-cause mortality risk, whereas total fat, measured by the fat mass index, was associated with decreased mortality risk (OR, 0.48, 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.71, P < 0.001). Similar results were observed for cardiovascular mortality. In women, only LMM was a predictor of all-cause (OR, 62.88, 95% CI, 22.59 to 175.0, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular death (OR, 74.54, 95% CI, 9.72 to 571.46, P < 0.001). LMM ascertained by ALM adjusted for fat and fat mass by itself are associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk in the elderly. Visceral and subcutaneous fat have opposite roles on mortality risk in elderly men. Thus, DXA is a promising tool to estimate risk of mortality in the elderly. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Prevention and Treatment of Sarcopenic Obesity in Women

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is referred to as the combination of obesity with low skeletal muscle mass and function. However, its definition and diagnosis is debated. SO represents a sizable risk factor for the development of disability, possibly with a worse prognosis in women. The present narrative review summarizes the current evidence on pharmacological, nutrition and exercise strategies on the prevention and/or treatment of SO in middle-aged and older-aged women. A literature search was carried out in Medline and Google Scholar between 29th January and 14th March 2019. Only controlled intervention studies on mid-age and older women whose focus was on the prevention and/or treatment of sarcopenia associated with obesity were included. Resistance training (RT) appears effective in the prevention of all components of SO in women, resulting in significant improvements in muscular mass, strength, and functional capacity plus loss of fat mass, especially when coupled with hypocaloric diets containing at least 0.8 g/kg body weight protein. Correction of vitamin D deficit has a favorable effect on muscle mass. Treatment of SO already established is yet unsatisfactory, although intense and prolonged RT, diets with higher (1.2 g/kg body weight) protein content, and soy isoflavones all look promising. However, further confirmatory research and trials combining different approaches are required.

Body composition indices in Brazilian adults: age-specific and sex-specific percentile curves

OBJECTIVE

To establish percentile curves for measures and indices of body composition by age and sex and compare them with data from other ethnic groups.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional, population-based study with adults aged 20-59 years (n = 689). Percentile curves adjusted by a third degree polynomial function were constructed for skeletal mass index (SMI), fat mass index, body fat, and load-capacity metabolic indices (LCMI) based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

RESULTS

SMIweight and SMIBMI showed decline from the third decade of life in both sexes, whereas SMIheight was not able to identify lean mass loss over the ages studied. There was a slight drop at the end of the fifth decade (50-59 years) in men. Among Americans and Chinese, the 50th percentile curve of SMIheight showed an earlier decline. The estimates of adiposity and LCMI curves peaked between 40-49 years and Americans and Chinese maintained an upward curve throughout adulthood.

CONCLUSION

The data and curves showed that the SMI adjusted for BMI and body weight were more adequate in detecting the decline of lean mass in adults due to aging. In contrast, SMIheight had a positive correlation with age and its curve increased throughout the evaluated age groups. The results contribute to the evaluation to the nutritional status of adults and to the prevention and treatment of outcomes related to adiposity and deficit lean mass.

Osteosarcopenic Obesity: Current Knowledge, Revised Identification Criteria and Treatment Principles

Osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) syndrome describes the simultaneous deterioration of bone, muscle and excess fat, resulting in reduced functionality and systemic metabolic dysregulation. The key component contributing to this may be ectopic fat in the viscera, bone and muscle. OSO research to date is summarized, and the revised criteria for its identification for research purposes are reviewed and proposed, including new criteria to assess visceral fat in males and females. Finally, nutritional and physical activity recommendations are consolidated into a treatment algorithm, which can be validated in future studies and which may also be applied to preventative management.

Associations between muscle mass, physical activity and dietary behaviour in adolescents

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Investigations in older individuals suggest that adequate nutrition and physical activity are particularly important to skeletal muscle health; however, data in adolescents are scant and equivocal. The objective was to determine the associations among diet, physical activity and skeletal muscle mass in adolescents.

METHODS

We assessed diet with four to seven 24-h recalls and physical activity by accelerometry in 640 adolescents. Using total body measures of fat-free soft tissue mass and fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, the skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) was derived by adjusting fat-free soft tissue mass for fat mass in addition to height.

RESULTS

Skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) was negatively associated with consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (standardized beta coefficient [β] = -0.10, P = 0.001) and saturated fats (β = -0.28, P < 0.001). SMMI was positively associated with physical activity (moderate + vigorous) (β = 0.20, P < 0.001). In further analysis, we observed a significant interaction between physical activity and sugar-sweetened beverage intake on SMMI (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Our study in adolescence suggests that physical activity and consumption of both sugar-sweetened beverages and saturated fats are associated with skeletal muscle mass. More importantly, our findings suggest that sugar-sweetened beverage intake may attenuate the beneficial effects of physical activity on skeletal muscle mass.

Sarcopenia and its association with changes in socioeconomic, behavioral, and health factors: the EpiFloripa Elderly Study

This study aimed to verify the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with changes in socioeconomic, behavioral, and health factors in the elderly. The longitudinal population-based study included 598 elderly (≥ 60 years) in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, in the South of Brazil. Sarcopenia was defined on the basis of appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI) according to gender (ASMI < 7.26kg/m² for men and < 5.5kg/m² for women). We assessed changes that occurred between the two study waves (2009/2010 and 2013/2014) in relation to socioeconomic, behavioral, and health factors. Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed. Prevalence of sarcopenia was 17% in women (95%CI: 12.4-22.9) and 28.8% in men (95%CI: 21.3-37.7). In the final model, women that continued to consume or that started consuming alcohol (OR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.11-0.91) showed lower odds of sarcopenia. Women who continued to smoke or that started smoking (OR = 2.55; 95%CI: 1.16-5.58) and/or that remained inactive or became insufficiently active (OR = 2.90; 95%CI: 1.44-5.84) showed higher odds of sarcopenia. For men, no change variable was associated with sarcopenia. The results suggest that continuing or starting to smoke and remaining or becoming physically inactive are preventable and modifiable risk factors for sarcopenia.

Aging human body: changes in bone, muscle and body fat with consequent changes in nutrient intake

Aging affects almost all physiological processes, but changes in body composition and body phenotype are most observable. In this review, we focus on these changes, including loss of bone and muscle and increase in body fat or redistribution of the latter, possibly leading to osteosarcopenic obesity syndrome. We also address low-grade chronic inflammation, prevalent in aging adults and a cause of many disorders including those associated with body composition. Changes in dietary intake and nutritional requirements of older individuals, that all may lead to some disturbances on tissue and organ levels, are discussed as well. Finally, we discuss the hormonal changes in the aging body, considering each of the tissues, bone, muscle and fat as separate endocrine organs, but yet in the continuous interface and communication with each other. Although there are still many unanswered questions in this field, this review will enable the readers to better understand the aging human body and measures needing to be implemented toward reducing impaired health and disability in older individuals.

Relationship between sarcopenia and physical activity in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Physical activity (PA) has been identified as beneficial for many diseases and health disorders, including sarcopenia. The positive influence of PA interventions on sarcopenia has been described previously on many occasions. Current reviews on the topic include studies with varied PA interventions for sarcopenia; nevertheless, no systematic review exploring the effects of PA in general on sarcopenia has been published. The main aim of this study was to explore the relationship between PA and sarcopenia in older people on the basis of cross-sectional and cohort studies. We searched PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and ScienceDirect for articles addressing the relationship between PA and sarcopenia. Twenty-five articles were ultimately included in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. A statistically significant association between PA and sarcopenia was documented in most of the studies, as well as the protective role of PA against sarcopenia development. Furthermore, the meta-analysis indicated that PA reduces the odds of acquiring sarcopenia in later life (odds ratio [OR] =0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–0.55). The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis confirm the beneficial influence of PA in general for the prevention of sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia among patients receiving hemodialysis: weighing the evidence

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on how best to define low muscle mass in patients with end-stage renal disease. Use of muscle mass normalized to height-squared has been suggested by geriatric societies but may underestimate sarcopenia, particularly in the setting of excess adiposity. We compared four definitions of low muscle mass in a prevalent hemodialysis cohort.

METHODS

ACTIVE/ADIPOSE enrolled prevalent patients receiving hemodialysis from the San Francisco and Atlanta areas from June 2009 to August 2011. Whole-body muscle mass was estimated using bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy, performed before a midweek dialysis session (n = 645; age 56.7 ± 14.5 years, 41% women). We defined low muscle mass as muscle mass of 2SD or more below sex-specific bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy-derived means for young adults (18-49 years) from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and indexed to height² , body weight (percentage), body surface area (BSA) by the DuBois formula, or Quételet's body mass index (BMI). We compared prevalence of low muscle mass among the four methods and assessed their correlation with strength and physical performance.

RESULTS

The prevalence of low muscle mass ranged from 8 to 32%. Muscle mass indexed to height² classified the smallest percentage of patients as having low muscle mass, particularly among women, whereas indexing by BSA classified the largest percentage. Low muscle mass/height² was present almost exclusively among normal or underweight patients, whereas indexing to body weight and BMI classified more overweight and obese patients as having low muscle mass. Handgrip strength was lower among those with low muscle mass by all methods except height² . Handgrip strength was directly and modestly correlated with muscle mass normalized by percentage of body weight, BSA, and BMI (ρ = 0.43, 0.56, and, 0.64, respectively) and less so with muscle/height² (ρ = 0.31, P < 0.001). The difference in grip strength among patients with low vs. normal muscle mass was largest according to muscle/BMI (-6.84 kg, 95% CI -8.66 to -5.02, P < 0.001). There were significant direct correlations of gait speed with muscle mass indexed to percentage of body weight, BSA, and BMI but not with muscle mass indexed to height² .

CONCLUSIONS

Skeletal muscle mass normalized to height² may underestimate the prevalence of low muscle mass, particularly among overweight and obese patients on hemodialysis. Valid detection of sarcopenia among obese patients receiving hemodialysis requires adjustment for body size.

Osteosarcopenic obesity in women: impact, prevalence, and management challenges

Osteosarcopenic obesity syndrome (OSO) has recently been identified as a condition encompassing osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity. OSO is especially deleterious in older adults (even if they are not obese by conventional measures), due to age-related redistribution of fat and its infiltration into bone and muscle. Osteoporosis and bone fractures in elderly increase the risk of sarcopenia, which, through decreased mobility, increases the risk of more falls and fractures, creating a vicious cycle. Obesity plays a dual role: to a certain extent, it promotes bone and muscle gains through mechanical loading; in contrast, increased adiposity is also a source of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other endocrine factors that impair bone and muscle. As the elderly population increases, changes in lifestyle to delay the onset of OSO, or prevent OSO, are warranted. Among these changes, dietary patterns and physical activity modifications are the first ones to be implemented. The typical Western diet (and lifestyle) promotes several chronic diseases including OSO, by facilitating a pro-inflammatory state, largely via the imbalance in omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio and low-fiber and high-processed food consumption. Nutritional modifications to prevent and/or alleviate the OSO syndrome include adequate intake of protein, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D and increasing consumptions of foods containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber. Certain types of physical activity, often decreased in overweight/obese women and in elderly, might preserve bone and muscle, as well as help in reducing body fat accrual and fat infiltration. Habitual daily activities and some alternative modes of exercise may be more appropriate for older adults and play a crucial role in preventing bone and muscle loss and maintaining optimal weight. In conclusion, older adults who suffer from OSO syndrome may benefit from combined efforts to improve diet and physical activity, and such recommendations should be fostered as part of public health programs.

Sarcopenia: Prevalence and associated factors based on different suggested definitions in community-dwelling older adults

The age-related loss of muscle mass and/or strength and performance, sarcopenia, has been associated with geriatric syndromes, morbidity and mortality. Although sarcopenia has been researched for many years, currently there is a lack of consensus on its definition. Some studies define sarcopenia as low muscle mass alone, whereas other studies have recently combined low muscle mass, strength and physical performance suggested by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People, as well as the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The arbitrary use of various available sarcopenia definitions within the literature can cause discrepancies in the prevalence and associated risk factors. The application of population-specific cut-off values in any sample population can be problematic, particularly among different ethnicities. Using commonly used cut-off points to define sarcopenia, including solely muscle mass and combined definitions, on a community-dwelling elderly Japanese population, the prevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 2.5 to 28.0% in men and 2.3 to 11.7% in women, with muscle mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and 7.1-98.0% in men and 19.8-88.0% in women measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Body mass index was the most prominent related factor for sarcopenia across the definitions in this Japanese sample. However, other associated hematological and chronic condition factors varied depending on the definition.

Visceral fat measured by DXA is associated with increased risk of non-spine fractures in nonobese elderly women: a population-based prospective cohort analysis from the São Paulo Ageing & Health (SPAH) Study

The present study investigates the relationship between visceral fat measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the incidence of non-spine fractures in community-dwelling elderly women. We demonstrated a potential negative effect of visceral fat on bone health in nonobese women.

INTRODUCTION

The protective effect of obesity on bone health has been questioned because visceral fat has been demonstrated to have a deleterious effect on bone. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of visceral fat measured by DXA with the incidence of non-spine fractures in community-dwelling elderly women.

METHODS

This longitudinal prospective population-based cohort study evaluated 433 community-dwelling women aged 65 years or older. A specific clinical questionnaire, including personal history of a fragility fracture in non-spine osteoporotic sites, was administered at baseline and after an average of 4.3 years. All incidences of fragility fractures during the study period were confirmed by affected-site radiography. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was measured in the android region of a whole-body DXA scan.

RESULTS

The mean age was 72.8 ± 4.7 years, and 28 incident non-spine osteoporotic fractures were identified after a mean follow-up time of 4.3 ± 0.8 years. According to the Lipschitz classification for nutritional status in the elderly, 38.6 % of women were nonobese (BMI ≤ 27 kg/m²) and 61.4 % were obese/overweight. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between VAT and non-spine fractures in elderly women. After adjusting for age, race, previous fractures, and BMD, VAT (mass, area, volume) had a significant association with the incidence of non-spine fractures only in nonobese elderly women (VAT mass: OR, 1.42 [95 % CI, 1.09-1.85; p = 0.010]; VAT area: OR, 1.19 [95 % CI, 1.05-1.36; p = 0.008]; VAT volume: OR, 1.40 [95 % CI, 1.09-1.80; p = 0.009]).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests a potential negative effect of visceral adiposity on bone health in nonobese women.

Sarcopenia in COPD: relationship with COPD severity and prognosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia in COPD patients, as well as to determine whether sarcopenia correlates with the severity and prognosis of COPD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with COPD patients followed at the pulmonary outpatient clinic of our institution. The patients underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was made on the basis of the skeletal muscle index, defined as appendicular lean mass/height2 only for low-weight subjects and adjusted for fat mass in normal/overweight subjects. Disease severity (COPD stage) was evaluated with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. The degree of obstruction and prognosis were determined by the Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE) index.

RESULTS

We recruited 91 patients (50 females), with a mean age of 67.4 ± 8.7 years and a mean BMI of 25.8 ± 6.1 kg/m2. Sarcopenia was observed in 36 (39.6%) of the patients, with no differences related to gender, age, or smoking status. Sarcopenia was not associated with the GOLD stage or with FEV1 (used as an indicator of the degree of obstruction). The BMI, percentage of body fat, and total lean mass were lower in the patients with sarcopenia than in those without (p < 0.001). Sarcopenia was more prevalent among the patients in BODE quartile 3 or 4 than among those in BODE quartile 1 or 2 (p = 0.009). The multivariate analysis showed that the BODE quartile was significantly associated with sarcopenia, regardless of age, gender, smoking status, and GOLD stage.

CONCLUSIONS

In COPD patients, sarcopenia appears to be associated with unfavorable changes in body composition and with a poor prognosis.

Bone Mineral Density and Parathyroid Hormone as Independent Risk Factors for Mortality in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study in Brazil. The São Paulo Ageing & Health (SPAH) Study

Previous studies have shown a relationship between osteoporosis and increased mortality risk. However, none of these studies performed a concomitant evaluation of the parathyroid hormone (PTH)-calcium-vitamin D axis and bone mass to accurately determine the contribution of each of these parameters to survival in older subjects. Thus, we sought to investigate the association between bone parameters and mortality in a longitudinal, prospective, population-based cohort of 839 elderly subjects. Clinical data (including history of fractures and cardiovascular events) were assessed using a specific questionnaire. Laboratory exams, including serum 25OHD and PTH, were also performed. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and hip were evaluated using DXA. All analyses were performed at baseline (2005 to 2007). Mortality was recorded during follow-up. Multivariate Cox proportional regression was used to compute hazard ratios for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Over a mean 4.06 ± 1.07 years, there were 132 (15.7%) deaths. These individuals were compared to 707 subjects who were alive at the end of the coverage period for mortality data collection. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, age (HR 1.32; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.55; p = 0.001, for each 5-year increase), male gender (HR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.79; p = 0.001), recurrent falls (more than two in the previous year; HR 1.65; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.56; p = 0.026), diabetes mellitus (HR 2.17; 95% CI, 1.46 to 3.21; p < 0.001), low physical activity score (HR 1.78; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.79; p = 0.011), prior cardiovascular event (HR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.18 to 2.63; p = 0.006), total hip BMD (HR 1.41; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.72; p = 0.001, per each 1 SD decrease), and intact PTH (iPTH) (HR 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.08; p < 0.001, per each 10 pg/mL increase) were independently associated with all-cause mortality. The subjects in the highest quartile of PTH (>49 pg/mL) were at a higher risk of cardiovascular death (HR 3.09; 95% CI, 1.36 to 6.99; p = 0.007) compared with the subjects in the lowest quartile (<26 pg/mL). Low BMD and higher PTH were significantly associated with mortality in community-dwelling older adults. These findings support the notion that careful screening of these bone parameters might lead to better management of older patients and improve outcomes in this population. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Alcohol consumption as a risk factor for sarcopenia - a meta-analysis

Background

Sarcopenia, a loss of muscle strength and mass, has serious implications for older adults. Some risk factors for sarcopenia are well established. The role of other factors such as alcohol consumption is less certain. The main aim of this study was to explore the relationship between sarcopenia and alcohol consumption in people over 65 years old.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched to identify potentially relevant papers. Demographics and information on sarcopenia and alcohol consumption were extracted from relevant papers. The relationship between sarcopenia and alcohol consumption was described using odds ratios (ORs).

Results

Of 214 papers identified as potentially relevant, 13 were ultimately included in the meta-analyses. The papers provided data from 13,155 participants. The OR (95 % CI) for sarcopenia among alcohol drinkers was 0.67 (0.54–0.83) for males, 0.89 (0.73–1.08) for females, and 0.77 (0.67–0.88) for the overall population.

Conclusions

The results of this meta-analysis do not support alcohol consumption as a risk factor for sarcopenia.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in older Brazilians: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and function that evolves into disability, loss of independence and death. In Brazil the number of older people is rapidly growing, resulting in an increased prevalence of chronic conditions associated with old age. As prevalence estimates provide essential information to policymakers when developing healthcare strategies, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in older Brazilians.

METHODS

Electronic database searches and hand-searching in relevant journals and reference lists were carried out without language restriction. Studies that reported the prevalence of sarcopenia in Brazilians aged 60 years or older were considered for inclusion. Sarcopenia was defined as low muscle mass, low muscle function or low muscle mass and function. Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies were included pooling 9416 participants. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia in older Brazilians was 17.0% (95% CI 13.0-22.0). Sensitivity analysis showed rates of 20.0% (95% CI 11.0-32.0) in women and 12.0% (95% CI 9.0-16.0) in men. Prevalence was 16.0% (95% CI 12.0-23.0) based on low muscle mass and function; and 17.0% (95% CI 9.0-31.0) based only on low muscle mass. The difference between these two criteria was not significant (P = 0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia is an emerging public health issue in Brazil. Attention should be paid to changes in prevalence rates over the next years because of the increase in the older population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 5-16.

Osteosarcopenic obesity is associated with reduced handgrip strength, walking abilities, and balance in postmenopausal women

We determined the prevalence of osteosarcopenic obesity (loss of bone and muscle coexistent with increased adiposity) in overweight/obese postmenopausal women and compared their functionality to obese-only women. Results showed that osteosarcopenic obese women were outperformed by obese-only women in handgrip strength and walking/balance abilities indicating their higher risk for mobility impairments.

INTRODUCTION

Osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) is a recently defined triad of osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and adiposity. We identified women with OSO in overweight/obese postmenopausal women and evaluated their functionality comparing them with obese-only (OB) women. Additionally, women with osteopenic/osteoporotic obesity (OO), but no sarcopenia, and those with sarcopenic obesity (SO), but no osteopenia/osteoporosis, were identified and compared. We hypothesized that OSO women will have the lowest scores for each of the functionality measures.

METHODS

Participants (n = 258; % body fat ≥35) were assessed using a Lunar iDXA instrument for bone and body composition. Sarcopenia was determined from negative residuals of linear regression modeled on appendicular lean mass, height, and body fat, using 20th percentile as a cutoff. Participants with T-scores of L1-L4 vertebrae and/or total femur <-1, but without sarcopenia, were identified as OO (n = 99) and those with normal T-scores, but with sarcopenia, as SO (n = 28). OSO (n = 32) included women with both osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia, while those with normal bone and no sarcopenia were classified as OB (n = 99). Functionality measures such as handgrip strength, normal/brisk walking speed, and right/left leg stance were evaluated and compared among groups.

RESULTS

Women with OSO presented with the lowest handgrip scores, slowest normal and brisk walking speed, and shortest time for each leg stance, but these results were statistically significantly different only from the OB group.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate a poorer functionality in women presenting with OSO, particularly compared to OB women, increasing the risk for bone fractures and immobility from the combined decline in bone and muscle mass, and increased fat mass.

The Microbiome and Osteosarcopenic Obesity in Older Individuals in Long-Term Care Facilities

Increasing evidence points to a role of altered microbiota on inflammation, obesity, and other chronic conditions. This commentary addresses the connection between osteosarcopenic obesity syndrome, an impairment in bone, muscle, and adipose tissues that occurs concurrently, with the altered microbiota in elderly individuals, particularly those living in long-term care facilities. As elderly move to long-term care facilities, they experience changes in gut bacteria that might exasperate the underlying conditions such as osteosarcopenic obesity. These individuals have exponentially higher osteoporotic fracture rates and immobility impairments compared to independently living individuals. However, there is very limited research on this topic and more insight is needed on the impact of probiotic treatment and diet in older individuals, especially those with chronic conditions related to aging, such as osteosarcopenic obesity.

Relation Between Cigarette Smoking and Sarcopenia: Meta-Analysis

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for many diseases. It could be associated with sarcopenia. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine whether smoking is an isolated risk factor for sarcopenia. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Science Direct for articles addressing the relationship between cigarette smoking and sarcopenia. A total of 12 studies containing information on 22,515 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated for each study group and for all studies together. An OR was also calculated separately for each sex. We used a fixed-effect model in overall estimation and in males, because results of small studies were significantly different from the results of large studies in those cases and in females where the estimation showed only moderate heterogeneity we used a random-effect model. According to proposes of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. The resulting OR in the fixed-effect model was 1.12 (95 % CI 1.03-1.21), OR for each sex was in the fixed-effect model 1.20 (95 % CI 1.06-1.35) in males and in the random-effect model 1.21 (95 % CI 0.92-1.59) in females. The results of this meta-analysis indicate that cigarette smoking as an isolated factor may contribute to the development of sarcopenia. However, the results of the individual studies were largely inconsistent due to different approaches of measuring the main variables which affected the results.

Sarcopenia: evaluation of different diagnostic criteria and its association with muscle strength and functional capacity

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in older people. However, there is still no consensus about the best diagnostic criteria for it. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate different diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia and their relationship with muscle strength and functional capacity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Santa Maria-RS, Brazil. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Physical performance was evaluated by the Timed-get-up-and-go test (TGUG). Muscle strength was measured with a handgrip dynamometer. The proposed criteria of sarcopenia were evaluated as follows: A) appendicular lean mass index (aLM/ht2), cutoffs 5.5 kg/m2, 2SD, 10th percentile, and 20th percentile of young reference; B) a linear regression model was used to adjust appendicular lean mass (aLM) for both height and fat mass, cutoff 20th percentile of elderly. RESULTS: In total, 104 women agreed to participate in the research, 39 young (20 to 40 years) and 65 elderly (over 60 years). The prevalence of sarcopenia varied from 0% to 17.2% according to the diagnostic criteria. Regarding muscle strength, the aLM/ht2 cutoff 10th percentile was the criterion with greater area under the ROC curve. However, there were no criteria with an area under the ROC curve greater than 0.5 when TGUG was the outcome. The reclassification showed that the criterion B reclassified 66.7% with normal grip strength as sarcopenic. CONCLUSION: Of these criteria, aLM/ht2 cutoff 10th percentile had stronger correlation with muscle strength.

Sarcopenia: a predictor of mortality and the need for early diagnosis and intervention

The term sarcopenia refers to the loss of muscle mass that occurs with aging. Sarcopenia is defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) as low muscle mass and low muscle function (strength and performance). Its prevalence varies depending on the definition used for it, but estimates propose a loss of approximately 8 % per decade until the age of 70 years; afterwards, the loss increases and ranges from 13 to 24 % per decade. Irrespective of how sarcopenia is defined, both low muscle mass and poor muscle strength are highly prevalent and important risk factors for disability and increased mortality in individuals as they age. In this review, we address age-related muscle loss and the risk factors of mortality, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and intervention.

Persistent hypovitaminosis D and loss of hip bone mineral density over time as additional risk factors for recurrent falls in a population-based prospective cohort of elderly persons living in the community. The São Paulo Ageing & Health (SPAH) Study

We performed concomitant evaluation of clinical, laboratory, and bone mineral density (BMD) parameters as potential risk factors for falls in a population-based prospective cohort of older adults, since previous studies have focused mostly in clinical risk factors. Loss of hip BMD and persistent hypovitaminosis D were associated with recurrent falls in community-dwelling elderly.

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have performed a concomitant evaluation of clinical data, laboratory bone parameters, and bone mineral density (BMD) to determine more accurately the contribution of each of these variables to risk of falls in elderly persons. We investigated the association between bone parameters and recurrent falls in a population-based prospective cohort of community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

A total of 705 elderly individuals (448 women, 257 men) were evaluated with clinical data, BMD, and laboratory bone tests at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 4.3 ± 0.8 years. Individuals with recurrent falls (≥2 falls in the previous year from the date of the second evaluation) were considered chronic fallers. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent risk factors for recurrent falls.

RESULTS

The frequency of chronic fallers was 16.5%. In multivariate analyses, risk factors for recurrent falls were visual impairment (odds ratio (OR) = 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30-4.74, p = 0.006), use of psychotropic drugs (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.37-4.49, p = 0.003), clinical fracture (OR = 2.78, 95% CI 1.48-5.20, p = 0.001), persistently low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) (<20 ng/mL) (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.10-2.64, p = 0.016), and loss of total hip BMD during the study (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.17-1.25, p = 0.035 for each 4% decrease).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to traditional clinical risk factors for falls, loss of hip BMD and hypovitaminosis D were associated with recurrent falls in community-dwelling elderly persons. Thus, recognizing these factors is essential to preventing falls and improving the outcomes of this population.

Ethnic-specific cut-points for sarcopenia: evidence from black South African women

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Age-related muscle and fat mass (FM) changes are ethnicity specific. We aimed to develop a cut-point for the muscle mass component of sarcopenia for black South African (SA) women, and to assess its predictive value, in comparison to established cut-points, to identify functional ability among older black SA women.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, a sarcopenia cut-point was calculated from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) indexes (ASMI) from two young black SA reference groups. The new cut-point was compared with the most recent Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) criteria (ASM <15.02 kg; and ASM(BMI) <0.512), an internationally accepted cut-point (ASMI <5.5 kg/m(2)) and a residual method adjusting for FM. All cut-points were then applied to 221 older black women to predict gait speed and handgrip strength.

RESULTS

A cut-point of ASMI <4.94 kg/m(2) was derived from the young SA reference groups. Using this cut-point, 9.1% of older women were classified as sarcopenic, compared with 16.7-38.7% using other cut-points. The only cut-points that significantly predicted low functional ability (low gait speed and low handgrip strength) in older black women were the new SA cut-point and the FNIH ASM criterion. Multivariate logistic regression models for both these cut-points significantly predicted low handgrip strength (odds ratio (OR)=3.71, P=0.007 and OR=3.42, P=0.001, respectively) and low gait speed (OR=9.82, P=0.004 and OR=8.71, P=0.008, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The new SA cut-point had similar or greater odds of predicting reduced functional ability in older SA women when compared with other internationally accepted cut-points.

Methods, diagnostic criteria, cutoff points, and prevalence of sarcopenia among older people

AIM

To identify methods, index, diagnostic criteria, and corresponding cutoff points used to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in older people in different countries.

METHODS

A systematic review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA Statement. The search encompassed the MEDLINE and LILACS databases and was executed during March 2012 using the keyword sarcopenia.

RESULTS

A total of 671 studies were identified by the search strategy, and 30 meet all inclusion criteria. Specifically for dual-X-ray absorptiometry, prevalence ranged from 2.2% to 95% in men and from 0.1% to 33.9% in women. For bioelectrical impedance analysis, the range was from 6.2% to 85.4% in men and 2.8% to 23.6% in women. Regarding anthropometric and computed tomography, prevalence rates were, respectively, 14.1% and 55.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterogeneity in prevalence of sarcopenia was identified, due to diagnostic method choice, cutoff points, and, characteristics of the population as well as reference population. These factors should be considered in research designs to enable comparison and validation of results. Despite the limitations of most studies that indicated high prevalence rates, the results indicate the need for early detection of this syndrome.