Serum IGF-1 levels are associated with sarcopenia in elderly men but not in elderly women

Background Sarcopenia is an age-associated decline in muscle mass that negatively affects the metabolic rate, strength, and function of the body and ultimately leads to a decrease in quality of life. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a modulator of muscle mass and muscle function. There is evidence that IGF-1 is related to the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) and grip strength. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between serum IGF-1 levels and sarcopenia in older people. Methods In this cross-sectional survey of 984 people older than 60 years old, we used the 2019 criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) to define sarcopenia. We collected demographic variables, measured ASMI and grip strength, and detected serum IGF-1 data. The levels of serum IGF-1 were separated into quintiles (Q1-Q5). Results Adjusted for age, education level, smoking, number of diseases and BMI, the multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that serum IGF-1 levels were related to ASMI in elderly men (coefficient = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.02-0.05, P < 0.001) but were not related to their grip strength. There was no significant relationship between serum IGF-1 levels and ASMI or grip strength in elderly women. The multivariable log-binomial regression analysis showed that higher serum IGF-1 levels were associated with a lower prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly men (prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-1.00, P < 0.05) but not in elderly women. Conclusion Serum IGF-1 levels were highly correlated with sarcopenia in older men. Further studies are needed to further explore the possible reasons for the observed difference between genders. Serum IGF-1 might predict sarcopenia prevalence in elderly men.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum IGF-1 levels and sarcopenia in older individuals. The results showed that serum IGF-1 levels were correlated with ASMI in elderly men but not with grip strength. There was no significant relationship between serum IGF-1 levels and ASMI or grip strength in elderly women. Higher serum IGF-1 levels were associated with a lower prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly men but not in elderly women.