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Erythrocyte Fatty Acid Patterns Are Associated with Skeletal Muscle Mass in Chinese Children
Qinwen Zhou1, Lan Huang2, Yulin Wu2
1Food Safety and Health Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Insights
Erythrocyte membrane fatty acid patterns (FAPs) influence children's muscle mass and grip strength. Certain FAPs correlate with lower muscle mass, while others may offer protection, highlighting distinct nutritional impacts.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Muscle Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nutritional factors significantly impact skeletal muscle mass and grip strength development in children.
- Understanding these nutritional influences is crucial for optimizing childhood growth and physical capability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between erythrocyte membrane fatty acid patterns (FAPs) and key indicators of muscle health in children.
- Specifically examining relationships with appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and hand grip strength.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 452 children aged 6-9 years.
- Assessed appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) via DXA and hand grip strength using a dynamometer.
- Analyzed erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profiles using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and factor analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified five distinct fatty acid patterns (FAPs) in erythrocyte membranes.
- FAP2 (high C17:0, C20:5 n-3, C22:6 n-3) negatively correlated with ASM, ASMI, and left-hand grip strength.
- FAP3 (high C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C16:1 n-7; low C20:4 n-6) positively correlated with ASM.
Conclusions:
- Different FAPs exhibit varying associations with skeletal muscle health in children.
- Specific fatty acid profiles in erythrocyte membranes may influence muscle mass and strength.
- Findings suggest potential dietary interventions targeting FAPs for improved muscle development.
Background:
Nutritional factors are important for skeletal muscle mass and grip strength development in children.
Objectives:
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between erythrocyte membrane fatty acid patterns (FAPs) and skeletal muscle mass and grip strength in children.
Methods:
A total of 452 children aged 6-9 y were included in this study. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Hand grip strength was determined by the Jamar Plus+ hand dynamometer (Sammons Preston). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) was calculated, and the relative concentrations of 20 fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Factor analysis was used to explore the relationship between fatty acids and skeletal muscle mass and grip strength.
Results:
Five FAPs were identified by factor analysis, and after adjusting for covariates, a multiple linear regression model showed that FAP2 (high C17:0, C20:5 n-3, C22:6 n-3) showed a negative correlation with ASM (β = -0.214; P < 0.001), ASMI (β = -0.085; P < 0.001), and left-hand grip strength (β = -0.235; P = 0.012). FAP3 (high C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C16:1 n-7, low C20:4 n-6) scores were positively correlated with ASM (β = 0.134, P = 0.017). No other associations between FAPs and skeletal muscle mass were found.
Conclusions:
The relationship between different FAPs and skeletal muscle health in children aged 6-9 y may be different. The pattern characterized by higher concentrations of C17:0, C20:5 n-3, and C22:6 n-3 in erythrocyte membranes may be associated with lower skeletal muscle mass. The pattern featuring higher concentrations of C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, and C16:1 n-7 and lower concentrations of C20:4 n-6 may be protective factors for muscle mass.
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