Dynapenia, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and Redox Balance in Geriatric Patients-Does Sex Play a Role?

Dynapenia is an age-related decline in muscle strength that leads to unfavorable outcomes, decreased functional capacity, and increased mortality. The study aimed to measure total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidative status (TAS), and to explore the role of oxidative stress in dynapenia, with consideration of sex differences and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) influence.

The study was performed in geriatric ward patients over 60 years of age, who were able to take part in the functional assessment. Dynapenia was diagnosed if grip strength was <27 kg in men, and <16 kg in women. DHEA, TOS, and TAS were assayed in the serum. The severity of oxidative stress was expressed as the oxidative stress index (OSI). One hundred and thirty-four patients (73.9% women, mean age 79.1 ± 7.3 years) took part in the study.

Dynapenia was observed in 37.3% of cases, with similar prevalence in women (35.4%) and men (42.9%). The logistic regression analysis identified older age, higher OSI, lower BMI, and lower DHEA as significant determinants of dynapenia, while sex was not a significant factor.

The study demonstrates a significant association between oxidative stress and dynapenia in older adults, independent of sex and comorbidity burden. The observed sex-specific patterns-especially the stronger association in women-and the link between lower DHEA levels and dynapenia underscore the importance of hormonal regulation in this process.