Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome Indicators Within Reference Ranges and Sarcopenia in Older Women-A 4-Year...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Metabolic Health
• Aging Research

Background:

• Frailty and sarcopenia are age-related conditions with metabolic diseases as known risk factors.
• Limited research exists on sarcopenia risk associated with metabolic indicators within normal ranges.
• This study focuses on older women without diagnosed metabolic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between metabolic syndrome indicators within reference ranges and possible sarcopenia in women aged 65 and older.
• To examine how changes in these metabolic indicators over four years impact sarcopenia risk.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 224 women aged ≥65 years was followed for four years.
• Baseline and follow-up data included anthropometrics and metabolic markers (triglycerides, HDL, LDL, blood pressure, HbA1c).
• Physical performance was assessed using calf circumference, grip strength, and the five-time sit-to-stand test; sarcopenia defined by AWGS2019 criteria.

Main Results:

• Higher baseline HDL cholesterol levels demonstrated a protective effect against possible sarcopenia.
• An increase in triglyceride levels over the four-year period was linked to a lower likelihood of developing possible sarcopenia.

Conclusions:

• Maintaining elevated HDL cholesterol levels may help prevent sarcopenia in older women.
• Increasing or preserving triglyceride levels within normal ranges could also be a strategy for sarcopenia prevention in this demographic.