Association of serological biomarkers with muscle strength and function in sarcopenia: a cross-sectional study

This study investigated the relationship between serological biomarkers and sarcopenia, with a focus on muscle strength and physical function.

A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted involving 77 patients admitted to the General Practice Department, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from April 2023 to April 2024. Patients were sorted into the sarcopenia group (n = 32) and the without-sarcopenia group (n = 45). Skeletal muscle mass was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and handgrip strength and physical function were assessed through standard tests. Fasting blood samples were analyzed to detect serological biomarkers. Logistic and linear regression analyses identified associations between biomarkers and sarcopenia or muscle function.

Patients with sarcopenia had significantly lower fasting insulin, folate, and hemoglobin levels, as well as reduced calf circumference, handgrip strength, and 6-m walking speed (p < 0.05). They also required more time to complete the 5-time chair stand test (p < 0.001). After adjustment, only folate level was negatively linked with sarcopenia (OR = 0.925, 95% CI: 0.867-0.987, p = 0.019). Linear regression analysis showed that 1,25-Hydroxy Vitamin D3 was positively associated with handgrip strength (β = 0.088, p = 0.046). Walking speed was negatively linked with the uric acid (UA) (β=-0.001, p = 0.030) but positively related to albumin (β = 0.021, p = 0.023). Chair stand time was negatively linked with the hemoglobin (β=-0.124, p = 0.008) but positively linked with the γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (β = 0.048, p = 0.018).

Folate level is independently associated with sarcopenia. Serological biomarkers, including UA, 1,25-Hydroxy vitamin D3, albumin, hemoglobin, and GGT, may serve as indicators of muscle functionand potential targets for early intervention.