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

Abstract

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.