Abstract
Objective: The creatinine/cystatin C (Cre/CysC) ratio is attracting attention as a potential readily available biomarker of the muscle mass. We evaluated the correlation between the Cre/CysC ratio and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We also aimed to investigate the associations of the Cre/CysC ratio with sarcopenia and locomotive syndrome (LS) components.
Design, Setting and Participants: A total of 157 subjects (male, n=96; female, n=67) who underwent the Advanced course and Basic course anti-aging health checks at Tokai University Tokyo Hospital were enrolled in the study.
Measurements: Cre/CysC levels were compared with or without components of sarcopenia (decreased SMI and/or muscle strength) or the LS risk test (two-step test stand-up test and the 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale).
Results: Cre/CysC was significantly lower in male subjects with low SMI, low grip strength and sarcopenia. A lower Cre/CysC ratio was also observed in women with low grip strength. With respect to LS, Cre/CysC levels decreased as the results of the two-step test and stand-up test deteriorated. Cre/CysC values were significantly lower in LS stage 2 patients than in non-LS stage 2 patients in both men and women.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that high Cre/CysC values were associated with sarcopenia in men and with LS in both sexes. The Cre/CysC ratio is expected to be a useful marker for sarcopenia and LS in the context of general health screening, where precise body composition measurements are not easily applied.
