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Discovering the Individualized Factors Associated with Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity Phenotypes-A Machine
Alessia Moroni1, Simone Perna2, Domenico Azzolino3
1Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi Alla Persona "Istituto Santa Margherita", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Nutrients
|November 14, 2023
Summary
Sarcopenia, osteosarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity are common in older adults. Higher BMI is a protective factor against these conditions, suggesting a role for weight management in prevention.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Bone and Muscle Health
Background:
- Sarcopenia frequently co-occurs with excess adipose tissue (sarcopenic obesity, SO), osteopenia/osteoporosis (osteosarcopenia, OS), or both (osteosarcopenic obesity, OSO).
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of these phenotypes is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of sarcopenia phenotypes (SO, OS, OSO) in Italian outpatients and inpatients.
- To identify associated risk factors and the health impact of these sarcopenia phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1510 individuals (≥18 years) underwent clinical assessments, including anthropometry (BMI) and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA).
- Blood markers were analyzed.
- Logistic regression and random forest analyses were employed to determine associations and protective factors.
Main Results:
- Sarcopenia was the most prevalent phenotype (17%), followed by osteosarcopenia (14.7%). Sarcopenic obesity and osteosarcopenic obesity were less common (1.9% for OSO).
- Age, inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), and certain blood components were associated with sarcopenia phenotypes.
- Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) emerged as a significant protective factor for sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and osteosarcopenia.
Conclusions:
- Sarcopenia and its related phenotypes have varying prevalence rates in the studied population.
- Identifying specific risk factors and protective elements like BMI is essential for developing personalized, precision-medicine approaches to prevent and manage these conditions, particularly in younger individuals.
