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Muscle composition in relation to age and sex
A M Forsberg1, E Nilsson, J Werneman
1Department of Clinical Chemistry II, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|August 1, 1991
Summary
This study analyzed human muscle composition in healthy adults, finding significant age and sex-related differences in fat, protein, and creatine levels. Muscle analysis reveals variations across different age groups and between sexes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Human skeletal muscle composition changes with age and sex.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for assessing muscle health and function.
- Previous studies have not comprehensively analyzed multiple muscle constituents simultaneously across diverse age and sex groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a method for analyzing multiple human muscle constituents.
- To investigate the impact of age and sex on muscle composition in healthy adults.
- To identify specific biochemical markers that vary with age and sex.
Main Methods:
- Percutaneous needle biopsy technique for human muscle sampling.
- Simultaneous analysis of fat, water, electrolytes, protein, DNA, RNA, total creatine, and amino acids.
- Statistical comparison of muscle composition across age groups (19-85 years) and sexes.
Main Results:
- Older adults (>60 years) exhibited increased muscle fat and decreased alkali-soluble protein and RNA relative to tissue weight and DNA.
- Significant decreases in potassium, magnesium, and total creatine were observed in older adults relative to DNA content.
- Females showed higher muscle fat and total creatine (relative to weight) but lower alkali-soluble protein per cell (relative to DNA) compared to males.
Conclusions:
- Age and sex are critical factors influencing human muscle composition.
- Muscle constituent analysis requires consideration of individual demographic data.
- The findings provide a baseline for understanding age- and sex-related muscle changes.