Abstract
Purpose: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which increase with age, cause dysfunction in skeletal muscles by altering protein functions. Furthermore, animal studies show that AGEs accelerate the decline in skeletal muscle mass. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between AGE accumulation and skeletal muscle mass.
Methods: Seventy men and women (men, 55%; mean age, 58±10 years) enrolled in this study. Skin autofluorescence (SAF) was measured as a parameter of AGEs. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry as a parameter of appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Hand grip was measured as a parameter of muscle strength. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify determinants that influence SMI.
Results: SMI was significantly correlated with age, gender, body mass index, serum triglyceride, serum creatinine, hand grip and SAF (r=0.312, P=0.011; r= -0.692, P<0.001; r=0.607, P<0.001; r=0.302, P=0.028; r=0.464, P<0.001; r=0.741, P<0.001; r= -0.413, P<0.001, respectively). SAF was identified as a significant independent factor associated with SMI, based on multiple regression analysis.
Conclusion: SAF was an independent factor associated with SMI.
