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Skeletal Muscle Gender Dimorphism from Proteomics
Published on: December 14, 2011
Hormonal and lifestyle determinants of appendicular skeletal muscle mass in men: the MINOS study
Pawel Szulc1, François Duboeuf, François Marchand
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Research Unit 403, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Pavillon F, Place d'Arsonval, 69437 Lyon, France. szulc@lyon.inserm.fr
Background:
Aging-related sarcopenia is characterized by a loss of muscle mass and strength and increased fatigability. However, studies of its determinants in elderly men are scarce.
Objective:
We investigated risk factors for sarcopenia in a large cohort of men.
Design:
We analyzed 845 men aged 45-85 y who belonged to the MINOS cohort. Lifestyle factors (physical activity, tobacco smoking, alcohol intake, caffeine intake) were evaluated by using a standardized questionnaire. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was estimated by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (RASM) was calculated as ASM/body height(2.3). Apparent free testosterone concentration (AFTC) and free testosterone index (FTI) were calculated on the basis of concentrations of total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin.
Results:
RASM decreased with age (r = -0.29, P < 0.0001). Current smokers had lower RASM than did subjects who never smoked (-3.2%; P < 0.003). RASM increased with the intensity of physical activity at work (P for trend < 0.001). Men who participated in regular exercise during leisure time had 2.2% higher RASM than did those who did not (P < 0.03). Men whose values for AFTC, FTI, or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D] were >2 SDs below the mean for young men had significantly lower RASM than did men with higher values. Men with sarcopenia, defined as the lowest quartile of RASM in the studied cohort (<6.32 kg/m(2.3)), were significantly older than men with normal RASM, weighed significantly less, smoked more, and spent significantly less time on leisure-time activities. Sarcopenic men also had lower values for testosterone, AFTC, FTI, and 25(OH)D.
Conclusion:
In elderly men, low physical activity, tobacco smoking, thinness, low testosterone (AFTC and FTI), and decreased 25(OH)D concentrations are risk factors for sarcopenia.
Insights
Low physical activity, smoking, and low testosterone levels are key risk factors for sarcopenia in older men. Addressing these factors may help preserve muscle mass and strength as men age.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Muscle Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Sarcopenia, characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, has limited research on its determinants in elderly men.
- Understanding these determinants is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk factors associated with sarcopenia in a large cohort of men aged 45-85 years.
- To identify lifestyle and hormonal factors contributing to age-related muscle loss.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 845 men from the MINOS cohort, assessing lifestyle factors via questionnaire.
- Measurement of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
- Calculation of relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (RASM) and assessment of testosterone levels (AFTC, FTI) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D].
Main Results:
- RASM significantly decreased with age and was lower in current smokers.
- Higher physical activity levels (work and leisure) were associated with higher RASM.
- Low levels of apparent free testosterone concentration (AFTC), free testosterone index (FTI), and 25(OH)D were linked to lower RASM.
Conclusions:
- Low physical activity, tobacco smoking, low testosterone (AFTC, FTI), and reduced 25(OH)D are significant risk factors for sarcopenia in elderly men.
- These findings highlight modifiable factors that may help prevent or mitigate sarcopenia.
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