Relationship of Haptoglobin Phenotypes With Sarcopaenia in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure

Systemic inflammation in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) contributes to age-related muscle loss or sarcopaenia. However, the relationship of plasma haptoglobin (Hp), an acute-phase reactant, with muscle and physical health in CHF is unknown.

This study investigated the associations of plasma haptoglobin levels and phenotypes with handgrip strength (HGS), appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) and physical capacity in healthy controls (n=67) and CHF patients (n=61) aged 55-73 years.

Patients with CHF had higher plasma Hp levels and higher proportions of Hp2-2 phenotype when compared with healthy controls. Plasma Hp2-1 and Hp2-2 levels were negatively associated with HGS and ASMI in healthy controls and CHF (both p<0.05). A negative association of plasma Hp2-2 with gait speed and plasma Hp2-1 with daily steps count was also found in CHF (p<0.05). Patients with Hp2 phenotype showed higher expressions of inflammation and oxidative stress markers, as well as low scores on quality of life parameters.

Circulating Hp may be a valuable biomarker for assessing muscle health and physical capacity in CHF.