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Sarcopenia-associated traits and sepsis risk: a Mendelian Randomization and Prospective Observational Study.
Yu Zhou1,2, Mengxian Qin1,2, Luhao Wang1,2
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
Shock (Augusta, Ga.)
|June 19, 2026
Summary
This study found that better physical performance, like a faster walking pace, may reduce sepsis risk. Lower muscle quality, indicated by tibialis anterior pennation angle (TA-PA), was linked to increased susceptibility to sepsis in ICU patients.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Sarcopenia is linked to higher mortality in sepsis patients, but its role in sepsis incidence is unknown.
- This research investigates the causal relationship between sarcopenia and sepsis risk using genetic and observational data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if sarcopenia-related traits causally influence sepsis risk.
- To explore the association between muscle quality indices and sepsis incidence in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
Main Methods:
- Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using GWAS data for sarcopenia traits and sepsis.
- Prospective observational study measuring muscle quantity and quality (tibialis anterior pennation angle - TA-PA) in ICU patients.
- Logistic regression to identify sepsis risk factors during ICU stay.
Main Results:
- MR analysis revealed that better physical performance (usual walking pace) is associated with reduced sepsis risk (OR: 0.29).
- Observational data showed lower TA-PA, a muscle quality index, independently predicted lower sepsis risk (OR: 0.76).
Conclusions:
- A genetic link exists between faster walking pace and lower sepsis risk.
- Reduced muscle quality (lower TA-PA) may increase sepsis susceptibility, aiding early sepsis risk stratification in ICUs.
