Predictive Parameters of Accelerated Muscle Loss in Men-MINOS Study

BACKGROUND: Aging-related muscle loss is a public health problem. We investigated the association of lifestyle and hormonal factors with a prospectively assessed muscle loss in older men. METHODS: Among 608 home-dwelling men, aged 60-85 (mean 68) years, lifestyle and health status were evaluated through a questionnaire. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass was estimated using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and calculated as the sum of lean mass of the 4 limbs. Free testosterone concentration was calculated using concentrations of total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin. Longitudinal data were analyzed by hierarchical models. RESULTS: Average muscle loss was 0.63 +/- 0.05%/year. The results of our multivariable adjusted analyses showed that muscle loss was higher in men whose leisure physical activity was < 15 hours/week versus >= 15 hours/week (-0.76 vs -0.57%/year). Age-related acceleration of muscle loss was greater in men with lower total testosterone levels (< 10 vs >= 10 nmol/L: -0.10 vs -0.07%/year/year of age at baseline [ age]). Men with lower free testosterone (< 75 vs >= 75 pmol/L) had greater age-related acceleration of muscle loss ( 0.12 vs 0.08%/year/age). Higher parathyroid hormone concentrations were associated with greater agerelated acceleration of muscle loss (<= 45 vs < 45 pg/mL -0.14 vs -0.12%/year/age). Men with type 2 diabetes had higher age-related acceleration of muscle loss versus men without diabetes (- 0.08 vs - 0.03%/ year/age) (All P values are <. 05). CONCLUSION: In elderly men, low leisure physical activity, type 2 diabetes, low total and free testosterone, and elevated parathyroid hormone concentrations are associated with greater age-related acceleration of muscle loss. These factors are likely to represent real determinants of aging-related muscle loss in men. (c) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.