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Sex-specific differences in risk factors for sarcopenia amongst community-dwelling older adults

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Abstract

With considerable variation including potential sex-specific differential rate of skeletal muscle loss, identifying modifiable factors for sarcopenia will be pivotal to guide targeted interventions. This study seeks to identify clinical and biological correlates of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults, with emphasis on the role of anabolic and catabolic stimuli, and special reference to gender specificity. In this cross-sectional study involving 200 community-dwelling and functionally independent older adults aged ≥50 years, sarcopenia was defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Comorbidities, cognitive and functional performance, physical activity and nutritional status were routinely assessed. Biochemical parameters included haematological indices, lipid panel, vitamin D level, anabolic hormones [insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), free testosterone (males only)] and catabolic markers [inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein) and myostatin]. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors for sarcopenia. Age was associated with sarcopenia in both genders. Malnutrition conferred significantly higher odds for sarcopenia in women (OR = 5.71, 95 % CI 1.13–28.84.44, p = 0.035) while higher but acceptable range serum triglyceride was protective in men (OR = 0.05, 95 % CI 0.00–0.52, p = 0.012). Higher serum myostatin independently associated with higher odds for sarcopenia in men (OR = 1.11, 95 % CI 1.00–1.24, p = 0.041). Serum IGF-1 was significantly lower amongst female sarcopenic subjects, with demonstrable trend for protective effect against sarcopenia in multiple regression models, such that each 1 ng/ml increase in IGF-1 was associated with 1 % decline in odds of sarcopenia in women (p = 0.095). Our findings support differential pathophysiological mechanisms for sarcopenia that, if corroborated, may have clinical utility in guiding sex-specific targeted interventions for community-dwelling older adults.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Ms. Yang Jun, Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore for her assistance in the blood biomarker analysis, as well as Mr. Samuel Neo, medical social worker, Department of Continuing and Community Care, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, for his assistance in recruitment through the various Senior Activity Centres (SAC). We extend our appreciation to the following SACs [Wesley SAC, Care Corner SAC, Xin Yuan Community Service, Potong Pasir Wellness Centre, Tung Ling Community Services (Marine Parade and Bukit Timah), Viriya Community Services-My Centre@Moulmein, House of Joy) and the study participants who have graciously consented to participate in the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore

    L. Tay, Y. Y. Ding, N. H. Ismail & M. S. Chong

  2. Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore

    L. Tay, Y. Y. Ding, A. Yeo, S. Yew & M. S. Chong

  3. Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore

    B. P. Leung & K. S. Tay

  4. Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

    B. P. Leung

  5. Department of Continuing and Community Care, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore

    N. H. Ismail

  6. Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

    C. H. Tan

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  1. L. Tay
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Correspondence to L. Tay.

Ethics declarations

Informed written consent was obtained from the participant, and the study was approved by the Domain Specific Review Board (DSRB) of the National Healthcare Group (NHG).

Funding support

This study was funded by Lee Foundation Grant 2013.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Tay, L., Ding, Y.Y., Leung, B.P. et al. Sex-specific differences in risk factors for sarcopenia amongst community-dwelling older adults. AGE 37, 121 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-015-9860-3

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