Circulating sestrins and force velocity profiling in older adults with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in old age affects the musculoskeletal system causing loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Stress-inducible proteins named sestrins are potential novel biomarkers of muscle function due to their ability to suppress oxidative stress and prevent muscle degeneration. Our aim was to determine the association between different force-velocity (F-V) profiles with body composition, physical performance, and glucose control in older adults with T2DM. We also intended to determine the potential utility of sestrin 1 (Sesn1) and 2 (Sesn2) as biomarkers of physical functionality. Fifty-nine participants (69-79 years) were classified in 3 groups according to their F-V profile based on the leg press exercise: nondeficit (N-DEF = 40.7%), force deficit (F-DEF = 28.8%), and velocity deficit (V-DEF = 30.5%). Both V-DEF and F-DEF groups showed lower muscle power than N-DEF (Cohen's d 0.87 and 0.75 for effect size, respectively). Serum Sesn2 levels, maximal dynamic strength, arms and legs fat-free mass were reduced in F-DEF compared to the N-DEF group (p < 0.05), whereas glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting glucose levels were similar among groups. ROC analysis revealed the distinction between the N-DEF and F-DEF group based on Sesn2 concentrations (<0.72 ng/mL), suggesting their potential use as functional biomarkers for early intervention through exercise. Older adults with T2DM show different F-V profiles, related to low levels of Sesn2, impaired body composition and physical performance, and may be taken into consideration to target exercise training in this specific population.

Automated summary

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in old age affects the musculoskeletal system causing loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Stress-inducible proteins named sestrins may serve as novel biomarkers for muscle function. The study aimed to investigate the association between different force-velocity profiles and body composition, physical performance, and glucose control in older adults with T2DM. The results showed that older adults with T2DM exhibited different F-V profiles, which were associated with low levels of Sesn2, impaired body composition, and physical performance.