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Diagnostics of inflammaging in relation to sarcopenia
Barbara Morawin1, Anna Tylutka1, Filip Bielewicz2
1Department of Applied and Clinical Physiology, Collegium Medicum University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Góra, Poland.
Frontiers in Public Health
|July 19, 2023
Summary
Chronic inflammation is linked to sarcopenia, a condition of muscle loss in aging. This study found higher inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and IL-1β in individuals with sarcopenia, suggesting inflammation
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and immunology
- Skeletal muscle physiology
- Inflammaging research
Background:
- Aging is associated with a decline in immune function and a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, termed 'inflammaging'.
- Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is a growing concern in geriatric health.
- The interplay between inflammaging and sarcopenia requires further investigation to identify potential therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between inflammatory markers and sarcopenia in older adults.
- To evaluate the influence of lifestyle factors on the inflammatory profile associated with aging.
- To identify potential therapeutic strategies for counteracting age-related skeletal muscle decline.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 173 individuals aged 71.5 ± 6.8 years.
- Participants were categorized into sarcopenia/probable sarcopenia (n=39) and no sarcopenia (n=134) groups based on the EWGSOP2 algorithm.
- Inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and bilirubin were measured. Gait speed was assessed as a measure of physical function.
Main Results:
- Individuals with sarcopenia exhibited significantly higher levels of CRP, CRP/albumin ratio, IL-1β, cfDNA, and bilirubin compared to those without sarcopenia.
- No significant differences in TNFα and IL-6 levels were observed between the groups.
- Inverse correlations were found between gait speed and cfDNA (rs = -0.234, p < 0.01) and IL-1β (rs = -0.263, p < 0.01).
- Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated clinical usefulness of cfDNA, CRP, IL-1β, and bilirubin in predicting sarcopenia.
Conclusions:
- Sarcopenia is associated with elevated levels of specific inflammatory mediators, including cfDNA and bilirubin.
- Inflammation and physical fitness are linked in older adults, highlighting the importance of lifestyle interventions.
- Lifestyle exercise emerges as a key therapeutic strategy for sarcopenia prevention and management.
