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Diagnostic reference values for sarcopenia in Tibetans in China.
Liping Ye1, Youfeng Wen2, Ying Chen3
1Department of Pathophysiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China.
Scientific Reports
|February 22, 2020
Summary
Sarcopenia diagnosis requires new reference values for high-altitude populations. This study found lower muscle mass and higher sarcopenia incidence in Tibetan adults, suggesting altitude and hypoxia as key factors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Physiology
- Altitude Medicine
Background:
- Sarcopenia, an age-related loss of muscle mass and function, has controversial diagnostic criteria.
- Establishing accurate diagnostic cutoffs is crucial for effective intervention.
- High-altitude environments may influence sarcopenia development due to factors like hypoxia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine sarcopenia diagnostic cutoff values and incidence in a Tibetan plateau population.
- To compare these values with those of lowland populations.
- To investigate the potential impact of high altitude on sarcopenia.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria.
- Measured limb skeletal muscle mass, gait speed, and grip strength in 2318 Tibetan adults.
- Analyzed data to establish population-specific reference values.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic reference values for sarcopenia were significantly lower in the high-altitude Tibetan population compared to lowland populations.
- Sarcopenia incidence in Tibetan adults over 60 was 17.2% for men and 36.0% for women, higher than in plains populations.
- Hypoxia associated with high altitude may be a significant risk factor for sarcopenia.
Conclusions:
- Proposed new reference values for diagnosing sarcopenia in the Tibetan plateau population.
- Recommended establishing sarcopenia cutoff values based on altitude.
- Highlighted the potential role of hypoxia in sarcopenia development at high altitudes.
