Phase Angle Shows a Negative Correlation With Serum GDF-15 Concentrations in Hospitalized Patients With...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Gerontology
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Growth Differentiation Factor (GDF)-15 is linked to cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and chronic kidney disease.
• Phase Angle (PhA) is a measure of cellular health and nutritional status.
• The relationship between serum GDF-15 and PhA is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between serum GDF-15 concentrations and PhA in patients with cardiovascular disease and healthy individuals.
• To explore the potential of GDF-15 and PhA as biomarkers for muscle weakness.

Main Methods:

• Serum GDF-15 levels were measured using ELISA in patients with heart failure, aortic stenosis patients (undergoing AVR or TAVI), and healthy older adults.
• PhA was assessed using an impedance-based body composition analyzer.
• Multivariate regression analysis was performed, adjusting for age.

Main Results:

• A negative correlation was observed between PhA and serum GDF-15 concentrations across all subjects.
• PhA positively correlated with serum albumin, hemoglobin, eGFR, and grip strength, while GDF-15 showed negative correlations with these parameters.
• Both PhA and GDF-15 demonstrated significant predictive value for muscle weakness, with distinct cutoff values for men and women.

Conclusions:

• Serum GDF-15 concentrations are negatively correlated with PhA in hospitalized cardiovascular patients.
• PhA and serum GDF-15 may serve as potential biomarkers for sarcopenia and cachexia.