Inflammatory markers, sarcopenia and its diagnostic criteria among the elderly: a systematic review

• Published in: Revista brasileira de geriatria e gerontologia 2017-05, Vol.20 (3), p.441-453
• Main Authors: Margutti, Karen Mello de Mattos, Schuch, Natielen Jacques, Schwanke, Carla Helena Augustin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomarkers; Elderly; GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY; Sarcopenia
• ISSN: 1809-9823; 1981-2256; 1809-9823; 1981-2256
• DOI: 10.1590/1981-22562017020.160155

Abstract Objective: To identify the relationship between inflammatory markers and sarcopenia, and the diagnostic criteria of the condition among the elderly. Methods: A systematic review was performed based on the consultation of the PubMed and LILACS databases. Eligible original articles were those involving individuals aged 60 years or more, which investigated sarcopenia [low muscle mass (MM) associated with poor muscle strength and/or reduced physical performance, according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People consensus (EWGSOP)] or its diagnostic criteria, published in English or Portuguese, between 2010-2015. Results: Four articles were included in the review, the principle results of which were: the growth differentiation factor (GDF-15) exhibited a negative correlation with MM, handgrip strength and gait speed; the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) correlated positively with MM; follistatin exhibited a weak correlation with physical performance; activin A and myostatin did not correlate with the diagnostic criteria; the highest tercile of extracellular heat shock protein 72 (eHsp72) was associated with lower median levels of MM, handgrip strength and gait speed; elderly persons with low MM had higher serum ferritin concentrations; women with low MM exhibited lower serum concentration levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). Conclusion: the six investigated inflammatory markers (GDF-15, IGF-1, follistatin, eHsp72, ferritin and CRP) were associated with the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, but not with sarcopenia itself. As research in this area is still developing, additional studies are required to broaden knowledge and eventually establish the role of these markers in the diagnosis and management of sarcopenia. Resumo Objetivo: Conhecer a relação de marcadores inflamatórios com sarcopenia e seus critérios diagnósticos em idosos. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática. Foram consultadas as bases PubMed e LILACS. Foram elegíveis artigos originais, envolvendo indivíduos com 60 anos de idade ou mais, que investigaram sarcopenia baixa massa muscular (MM) associada à baixa força muscular e/ou baixo desempenho físico, conforme o Consenso do European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) ou seus critérios diagnósticos, publicados em inglês ou português, entre 2010-2015. Resultados: foram incluídos quatro artigos na revisão cujos principais resultados foram: o fator de diferenciação do crescimento (GDF-15) aprese