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Gender Differences in Circulating TFAM Levels Are Associated with Functional Impairment and Sarcopenia
Olga Laosa1,2,3, Aitor Carretero2,4, Leocadio Rodríguez-Mañas2,3,5
1Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital de Getafe, 28905 Getafe, Spain.
Biomedicines
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Higher circulating mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is linked to poorer physical function, particularly in women. This finding suggests TFAM may be a biomarker for age-related muscle decline and sarcopenia risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in age-related muscle decline.
- Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) may indicate cellular stress and inflammation when circulating.
- The link between TFAM, physical function, and sarcopenia, especially across sexes, needs further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between circulating TFAM levels and physical function in older adults.
- To examine the relationship between TFAM and sarcopenia risk.
- To explore potential sex-specific differences in these associations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plasma TFAM levels in 989 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 75.4 years).
- Assessment of physical function using the frailty trait scale-5 (FTS-5).
- Sarcopenia diagnosis based on established criteria; statistical analysis using multivariate regression models.
Main Results:
- Higher TFAM quartiles correlated with poorer physical performance (increased FTS-5 scores).
- Women with higher TFAM showed significantly worse physical function and strength impairments.
- Elevated TFAM was associated with increased sarcopenia risk in the overall sample.
Conclusions:
- Circulating TFAM is associated with diminished functional status, particularly in older women.
- TFAM may serve as a potential biomarker for age-related musculoskeletal impairment and sarcopenia.
- Sex-specific differences in TFAM's association with physical function warrant further research.
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