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Intramuscular and liver triglycerides are increased in the elderly
Melanie G Cree1, Bradley R Newcomer, Christos S Katsanos
1Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|August 5, 2004
Summary
Elderly individuals exhibit higher intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) and liver fat (LFAT) levels. These increases are linked to insulin resistance, impacting metabolic health in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Health
- Aging Research
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) and liver fat (LFAT) are associated with insulin sensitivity and obesity.
- These metabolic factors are prevalent in the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether IMCL and LFAT levels are elevated in elderly individuals compared to younger adults.
- To explore the relationship between IMCL, LFAT, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic markers in aging.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was employed to quantify IMCL and LFAT in young and elderly participants.
- A 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test was conducted to measure glucose, insulin, and free fatty acid levels.
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to determine body fat percentage.
Main Results:
- Elderly individuals showed significantly higher IMCL and LFAT levels compared to younger adults.
- Insulin resistance, assessed by the Matsuda index, was greater in the elderly group.
- Increases in IMCL and LFAT were correlated with insulin sensitivity, glycosylated hemoglobin, plasma lipids, and body fat, independent of body fat effects.
Conclusions:
- Aging is associated with increased intramyocellular lipids and liver fat.
- Elevated IMCL and LFAT in the elderly may be a consequence of, or contribute to, insulin resistance.
- These findings highlight potential metabolic alterations in aging that warrant further investigation.
Keywords:
Non-programmatic