Association of FGF‐19 and FGF‐21 levels with primary sarcopenia

• Published in: Geriatrics & gerontology international 2021-10, Vol.21 (10), p.959-962
• Main Authors: Bag Soytas, Rabia, Suzan, Veysel, Arman, Pinar, Emiroglu Gedik, Tugce, Unal, Damla, Cengiz, Mahir, Bolayirli, Ibrahim Murat, Suna Erdincler, Deniz, Doventas, Alper, Yavuzer, Hakan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; biomarker; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; FGF‐19; FGF‐21; Fibroblast Growth Factors - blood; Fibroblasts; Geriatric Assessment; Growth factors; Hand Strength; Humans; Male; older adults; Sarcopenia; Sarcopenia - diagnosis; Sarcopenia - epidemiology; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1444-1586; 1447-0594
• DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14263

Aim Serum fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐19 and FGF‐21 levels have been reported to be associated with muscle hemostasis. This study aims to explore the relationship between the levels of these markers and sarcopenia. Methods In our single‐center, cross‐sectional study, patients over 65 years old presenting to the geriatric outpatient clinic were included. Patients with secondary sarcopenia were excluded. The Strength–Assistance with walking–Rising from a chair–Climbing stairs and Falls (SARC‐F) questionnaire was applied to all patients. Sarcopenia was determined by handgrip strength (HGS), bioelectrical impedance analysis and 6‐m walk test. Serum samples were stored at −80°C until measurement. The ELISA method was used to assess FGF‐19 and FGF‐21 levels. Results In total, 88 patients (54 women) were included. There were 43 patients in the sarcopenia group and 45 patients without sarcopenia in the control group. In those with sarcopenia, FGF‐19 was lower (P = 0.04) and FGF‐21 was higher (P = 0.021). There was a direct correlation between FGF‐19 with SARC‐F and HGS (P = 0.04, B = 0.178, P = 0.006, B = 0.447) while FGF‐21 was inversely correlated with HGS and positively correlated with 6‐m walking time (P = 0.016, B = −0.428, P = 0.004, B = 0.506). Conclusions Our results reveal that low FGF‐19 and high FGF‐21 may be associated with sarcopenia and this finding could be explained by the impacted muscle strength. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 959–962.