2023 Volume 50 Issue 4 Pages 420-426
Objective: The present study aimed to examine the relationship among homocysteine (Hcy), inflammation, and muscle strength.
Design, Setting and Participants: A total of 420 subjects (male, n=218; female, n=202) who underwent the Advanced course anti-aging health checks at Tokai University Tokyo Hospital were enrolled in this cross-sectional study.
Measurements: Hcy and Hcy-related vitamin concentrations, muscle strength (grip strength and back strength), body composition, and inflammatory marker levels (C-reactive protein, IL-6) were analyzed.
Results: The median age of the male and female subjects was 66.0 years and 63.0 years, respectively. The prevalence of sarcopenia, according to the definition of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, was 2.1% in men and 7.0% in women. IL-6 was found to be a positive determinant of Hcy in women. Muscle strength showed a significant positive association with the appendicular lean mass in men and women, and a negative association with Hcy in women. Furthermore, in women, low grip strength was associated with elevated Hcy levels and high IL-6 levels.
Conclusion: Hcy is associated with lower muscle strength and inflammation may mediate this association in women.
