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Causal Associations with Arterial Stiffness and Sarcopenia: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Hengjun Liu1, Tianwei Meng1, Rui Qie2
1Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
Insights
Arterial stiffness (AS) and sarcopenia (SAR) have a bidirectional causal link. Increased AS may slightly reduce motor ability, while lower muscle strength can increase AS, suggesting intertwined pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Gerontology
- Musculoskeletal Physiology
Background:
- Observational studies suggest a link between arterial stiffness (AS) and sarcopenia (SAR).
- The precise causal relationship between AS and SAR remains incompletely understood.
- Understanding this link is crucial for addressing age-related decline in both vascular and muscle health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal relationship between arterial stiffness (AS) and sarcopenia (SAR).
- To explore the directionality of the causal connection using Mendelian randomization (MR).
- To identify specific indicators of AS and SAR involved in this bidirectional relationship.
Main Methods:
- Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis utilizing Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) data.
- Examined AS indicators: pulse wave arterial stiffness index (PWASI) and pulse wave peak-to-peak time (PPT).
- Assessed SAR indicators: low hand grip strength (LHGS), usual walking pace (UWP), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and unassisted mobility.
Main Results:
- A bidirectional causal relationship was identified between arterial stiffness and sarcopenia.
- Increased arterial stiffness (PWASI) was associated with reduced usual walking pace (UWP).
- Lower muscle strength (LHGS) was causally linked to altered pulse wave peak-to-peak time (PPT), and UWP influenced both PWASI and PPT.
Conclusions:
- Arterial stiffness and sarcopenia exhibit a reciprocal causal relationship.
- Elevated arterial stiffness may subtly impair motor function, while reduced muscle strength can contribute to increased arterial stiffness.
- These findings offer new insights into the interconnected mechanisms underlying vascular and muscle pathophysiology.
Abstract:
Observational studies and clinical trials indicate a link between arterial stiffness (AS) and sarcopenia (SAR), yet the causal relationship between these remains unclear. The study aims to investigate the causal connection from AS to SAR by Mendelian randomization (MR). We analyzed Genome-Wide Association Studies data for AS indicators: pulse wave arterial stiffness index (PWASI) and pulse wave peak-to-peak time (PPT), and SAR indicators: low hand grip strength (LHGS), usual walking pace (UWP), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels (MVPA), and walk or cycle unassisted for 10 minutes. The inverse variance-weighted, MR-Egger, weighted mode, and weighted median were applied to MR. There is a bidirectional causal relationship between the AS and SAR. The PWASI has a causation with UWP (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.94-0.99). The PPT has a causal association with MVPA (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.002-1.144) and UWP (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.017-1.096). The LHGS is causally associated with PPT (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.91-0.98) and UWP has a causal association with PWASI (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.65-0.90) and PPT (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.17-1.60). The increased AS could reduce the motor ability slightly and the lower upper and lower limb strength could lead to the higher AS. This bidirectional causal relationship of the two may offer novel perspectives for advancing the understanding of the underlying mechanisms related to AS and muscle pathophysiology.
