Nutrition Mediates the Relationship between Osteosarcopenia and Frailty: A Pathway Analysis

Exploring the mediating roles of depression and cognitive function in the association between sarcopenia and frailty: A Cox survival analysis approach

BACKGROUND

Despite earlier research indicating a potential link between the development of sarcopenia and an elevated risk of frailty, the lack of comprehensive prospective data on the correlation between sarcopenia and frailty incidence leaves open the question of whether depression and cognitive function mediate this association.

OBJECTIVE

The principal aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the intricate interplay among sarcopenia, depression, and cognitive function collectively influence the risk of developing frailty.

METHODS

The participants included in this study were obtained from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which collectively encompassed a total of 3,108 participants. To examine the interrelationships among sarcopenia, depression, cognitive function, and the incidence of frailty, we employed Cox regression models along with structural equation modelling, while making necessary adjustments for baseline demographic characteristics and various lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

During a 4-year follow-up, we documented 753 frailty events. Compared to those with nonsarcopenia, those with possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia presented risk ratios for frailty events of 1.354 (95 % CI: 1.156, 1.586) and 1.514 (95 % CI: 1.203, 1.907), respectively. Stratified analyses by different statuses of sarcopenia further revealed that the significant effect of depression on frailty was present across all groups (nonsarcopenia, possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia), whereas the effect of cognitive function on frailty was limited to the non-sarcopenia and possible sarcopenia groups. Mediation analysis showed that sarcopenia was correlated not only with frailty through depression and cognitive function separately but also through a chain-mediated effect of depression and cognitive function together.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia is associated with frailty, depression and cognitive function playing partial, mediating roles. Frailty's susceptibility to depression and cognitive function differs based on sarcopenia status. Therefore, comprehensive interventions that include sarcopenia screening, interventions, improvements in depression, the promotion of mental health, and delays in cognitive decline will be more effective in preventing and delaying frailty. This effectiveness is particularly relevant for middle-aged and older adults who reside in China.

Overlap between Osteosarcopenia and Frailty and their Association with Poor Health Conditions: The Bushehr Elderly Health Program

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of osteosarcopenia with frailty and poor health conditions among older Iranian adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the Bushehr Elderly Health Program. Osteosarcopenia was defined as the presence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia, while the Fried criteria were used to assess frailty. We assessed the history of falls and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), including physical and mental component summaries (PCS and MCS, respectively), history of fractures, activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), as indicators of poor health conditions.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 2,371 older adults. The prevalence rates of osteosarcopenia-only, frailty-only, and osteosarcopenia with frailty were 17.4%, 3%, and 4.8%, respectively. The prevalence of a history of falls, poor ADL, and poor IADL was significantly higher in the frailty-only and osteosarcopenia with frailty groups. Osteosarcopenia with frailty was significantly associated with a history of falls (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR]=1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-3.15), poor ADL (adjOR=2.85; 95% CI, 1.81-4.50), and poor IADL (adjOR=5.09; 95% CI, 2.85-9.11). However, the frailty-only group also showed an association with falls and poor ADL and IADL. Only osteosarcopenia was associated with an increased OR for fracture. Frailty had the greatest effect on the MCS and PCS scores, whereas osteosarcopenia with frailty had a moderate impact.

CONCLUSION

Osteosarcopenia with frailty significantly increased the odds of falls, poor ADL, poor IADL, and lower HRQoL compared with the robust group. Combined osteosarcopenia and frailty were not associated with poor health. These findings indicate the importance of diagnosing osteosarcopenia and frailty as separate entities to provide appropriate interventions and treatment.

The efficacy of nutritional screening indexes in predicting the incidence of osteosarcopenia and major osteoporotic fracture in the elderly

INTRODUCTION

The effect of nutritional status on osteosarcopenia (OS) and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) among the elderly is still unclear. So we aimed to compare the efficacy of the Mini-Nutrition Assessment-Short Form (MNA-sf), the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) for predicting OS and MOF among the elderly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 409 participants were enrolled in this prospective study. Blood biochemical indexes, nutritional status, and bone- and muscle-related examinations were assessed at initial visit to the outpatient. Participants were divided into 4 groups: (1) control; (2) osteopenia/osteoporosis; (3) sarcopenia; (4) osteosarcopenia, and then followed for 5 years, recording the occurrence time of MOF.

RESULTS

The frequency values of osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and OS, at baseline, were respectively 13.4, 16.1, and 12% among the study samples. Correlation analysis showed that nutritional status scores were associated with body mass index, handgrip strength, albumin, bone mineral density, and physical functions. According to multivariate models, poor nutritional status was significantly associated with a higher risk of OS and MOF (P < 0.05). Survival analysis showed that the MOF rate in malnutrition group was significantly higher than normal nutrition group (P < 0.05). The receiver operator characteristic curve shows that the value of MNA-sf to diagnose OS and MOF is greater (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The poor nutritional status was associated with a higher risk of both OS and MOF. MNA-sf showed a superior diagnostic power for OS and MOF among the elderly. Early nutrition assessments and interventions may be key strategies to prevent OS and fractures.

Associations between Osteosarcopenia and Falls, Fractures, and Frailty in Older Adults: Results From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)

OBJECTIVE

To explore if older adults with osteosarcopenia are at a greater risk of falls, fractures, frailty, and worsening life satisfaction and activities of daily living (ADL) compared to those with normal bone mineral density (BMD) and without sarcopenia.

DESIGN

The baseline and 3-year follow-up of a longitudinal study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling people aged 65 years or older in Canada.

METHODS

Caucasian participants 65 years or older that completed the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) 2015 baseline interview, physical measurements and 3-year follow-up were included. Osteopenia/osteoporosis was defined as BMD T score below -1 SD according to the World Health Organization, and sarcopenia was defined as low grip strength and/or low gait speed according to the Sarcopenia Definition Outcomes Consortium. Osteosarcopenia was defined as the coexistence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Self-reported incident falls and fractures in the last 12 months before the 3-year follow-up were measured. Frailty was assessed through the Rockwood Frailty Index (FI); life satisfaction through the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS); and ADL through the Older American Resources and Services modules. Multivariable logistic and linear regression, including subgroup analyses by sex, were conducted.

RESULTS

The sample of 8888 participants (49.1% females) had a mean age (SD) of 72.7 (5.6) years. At baseline, neither osteopenia/osteoporosis nor sarcopenia (reference group) was present in 30.1%, sarcopenia only in 18.4%, osteopenia/osteoporosis only in 29.2%, and osteosarcopenia in 22.3%. Osteosarcopenia was significantly associated with incident falls and fractures in males [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.90, 95% CI 1.15, 3.14, and aOR 2.60, 95% CI 1.14, 5.91, respectively] compared to males without osteopenia/osteoporosis or sarcopenia. Participants with osteosarcopenia had worsening ADL of 0.110 (estimated β coefficient 0.110, 95% CI 0.029, 0.192) and a decrease in their SWLS by 0.660 (estimated β coefficient -0.660, 95% CI -1.133, -0.187), compared to those without. Osteosarcopenia was not associated with frailty for both males and females.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Osteosarcopenia was associated with self-reported incident falls and fractures in males and worse life satisfaction and ADL for all participants. Assessing and identifying osteosarcopenia is essential for preventing falls and fractures. Furthermore, it improves life satisfaction and ADL.

Individual and combined associations of sarcopenia, osteoporosis and obesity with frailty in a multi-ethnic asian older adult population

BACKGROUND

We explored the relationships between sarcopenia (SP), osteoporosis (OP), obesity (OB), (alone and in combination) with physical frailty (PF) in a multi-ethnic, population-based study of Asians aged ≥ 60 years.

METHODS

Participants were enrolled from the PopulatION HEalth and Eye Disease PRofile in Elderly Singaporeans Study (PIONEER) study. PF was defined using the modified Fried phenotype; SP using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019; OP using bone mineral density scores; and OB using the fat mass index. Modified Poisson regression models investigated the associations between exposures and PF, and the relative excess rates of PF due to interactions (RERI) to determine synergistic or antagonistic interactions.

RESULTS

Of the 2643 participants, 54.8% was female; and 49.8%, 25.1%, 25.0% were Chinese, Indians, and Malays, respectively. 25%, 19.0% and 6.7% participants had OB only, SP only, and OP only, respectively. A total of 356 (17.5%), 151 (7.4%) and 97 (4.8%) had osteosarcopenia (OSP), sarcopenic obesity (SOB) and osteo-obesity (OOB), respectively; while 70 (3.5%) had all 3 morbid conditions (osteosarcopenic obesity, OSO). Both SP only and OB only were strongly associated with increased rates of PF (RR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.95, 3.29; RR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.58, 2.66 respectively); but not OP. Those with OSP, OOB and SOB were also associated with high risks of PF (RR: 2.82, 95% CI: 2.16, 3.68; RR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.69, 3.23; and RR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.95, 3.41, respectively) compared to robust individuals. Critically, individuals with OSO had the highest relative risk of having PF (RR: 3.06, CI: 2.28, 4.11). Only the sarcopenia-obesity interaction was significant, demonstrating negative synergism (antagonism). The concurrent presence of SP and OB was associated with a 100% lower rate of PF compared to the sum of the relatively rates of SP only and OB only.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of SP, OB and OP, alone and combined, is substantial in older Asians and their early identification is needed to mitigate the risk of frailty. OB may interact with SP in an antagonistic manner to moderate rates of frailty. Further longitudinal studies are needed to address causality and mechanistic underpinnings our findings.

Osteosarcopenia later in life: Prevalence and associated risk factors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The identification of risk factors for osteosarcopenia in older adults is important for planning preventative strategies in clinical practice. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with osteosarcopenia in older adults using different diagnostic criteria.

METHODS

The sample included 171 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 79.4 ± 5.9 years and mean body mass index of 25.67 ± 4.70 kg/m2. We analyzed sociodemographic, biomarkers, lifestyle, and health condition data from participants of the "Projeto Idosos - Goiânia" cohort study. The outcome osteosarcopenia was defined as the simultaneous occurrence of sarcopenia and osteopenia. Osteopenia was diagnosed by low lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Sarcopenia was diagnosed using handgrip dynamometry and appendicular skeletal mass index assessed by DEXA following the criteria of the two European consensuses on sarcopenia (2010 and 2018). Two osteosarcopenia outcome variables were evaluated: OsteoSarc1 and OsteoSarc2 using the 2010 and 2018 European sarcopenia consensus criteria, respectively. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate the prevalence ratios (PRs).

RESULTS

The prevalence of OsteoSarc1 and OsteoSarc2 were 12.8% and 7.2%, respectively, with no significant gender differences. OsteoSarc1 was associated with low potassium (PR: 3.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-10.43) and malnutrition (PR: 3.84, 95% CI: 1.78-8.30). OsteoSarc2 was associated with being ≥80 years (PR: 7.64, 95% CI: 1.57-37.07), >4 years of education (PR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.03-10.22), alcohol consumption (PR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.01-5.77), low potassium (PR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.45-6.87), low serum vitamin D (PR: 4.47, 95% CI: 1.68-11.88), and malnutrition (PR: 5.00, 95% CI: 1.06-23.51).

CONCLUSIONS

OsteoSarc1 had a higher prevalence. The risk factors associated with the two outcomes were malnutrition and potassium level, as well as other risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and low vitamin D level. These findings may contribute to the prevention or treatment of this health condition in older adults.

The associations of osteoporosis and possible sarcopenia with disability, nutrition, and cognition in community-dwelling older adults

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis and sarcopenia, respectively, have detrimental impact on health, and combination of both conditions, termed osteosarcopenia, is becoming an increasingly important disorder in older adults as populations age. This study aimed to explore the relationship between osteoporosis and possible sarcopenia and their joint effect on physical performance, nutritional status, and cognition in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

This study was conducted at a medical center in Taiwan, which included the adjacent community care station. The participants were recruited through regular activities at the community care station between January 01, 2015 and February 28, 2022. During the study period, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and comprehensive geriatric assessment consisting of comorbidity burden, functional status, cognition, mood, and nutritional status were performed during the study period. Possible sarcopenia was identified utilizing the criteria set by the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia in 2019 using the criteria of low muscle strength alone, and osteoporosis was defined by the World Health Organization criteria. Accordingly, the study subjects were divided into four groups: normal, only osteoporosis, only possible sarcopenia, and possible osteosarcopenia.

RESULTS

There were 337 participants (68.6% female) with a median age of 78.0 years (interquartile range: 71.0-85.0 y/o). According to the clinical definition of osteosarcopenia, 78 participants were normal, 69 participants showed possible sarcopenia, 61 participants had osteoporosis, and 129 had osteoporosis with possible sarcopenia. Among the four groups, the prevalence rates of chronic illness, functional capacity, physical performance, cognitive impairment, and malnutrition revealed statistically significant differences. Using logistic regression analysis after adjusting for the other covariates, osteoporosis with possible sarcopenia was associated with an increased odds ratio of cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that compared to osteoporosis or possible sarcopenia alone, osteoporosis with possible sarcopenia was more likely to be associated with cognitive impairment. Early identification and targeted interventions for cognitive impairment in older adults with osteosarcopenia may be valuable in maintaining cognitive well-being and overall quality of life.

Prevalence and risk factors of osteosarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcopenia is a syndrome with a concomitant presence of both sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis. It increases the risk of frailty, falls, fractures, hospitalization, and death. Not only does it burden the lives of older adults, but it also increases the economic burden on health systems around the world. This study aimed to review the prevalence and risk factors of osteosarcopenia to generate important references for clinical work in this area.

METHODS

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, CBM, and VIP databases were searched from inception until April 24th, 2022. The quality of studies included in the review was evaluated using the NOS and AHRQ Scale. Pooled effects of the prevalence and associated factors were calculated using random or fixed effects models. Egger's test, Begg's test, and funnel plots were used to test the publication bias. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted to identify the sources of heterogeneity. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 and Review Manager 5.4.

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies involving 15,062 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The prevalence of osteosarcopenia ranged from 1.5 to 65.7%, with an overall prevalence of 21% (95% CI: 0.16-0.26). The risk factors for osteosarcopenia were female (OR 5.10, 95% CI: 2.37-10.98), older age (OR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03-1.21), and fracture (OR 2.92, 95% CI: 1.62-5.25).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of osteosarcopenia was high. Females, advanced age, and history of fracture were independently associated with osteosarcopenia. It is necessary to adopt integrated multidisciplinary management.

Prognostic significance of frailty in older patients with hip fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Hip fracture (HF) has become a major healthcare concern associated with higher mortality in older patients. Frailty is one of the most important problems in aging population but its prognostic value in HF remains susceptible. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between frailty and adverse outcomes in older patients with HF.

METHODS

We systematically searched electrical databases including PubMed and Embase to find eligible literature with end-search restriction of February 20, 2021. The main endpoints were all-cause mortality, peri-operative complications, abnormal discharge, and length of stay (LOS). Pooled effect size was calculated by random-effects or fixed-effect model according to study heterogeneity. Three subgroup analyses based on follow-up times, study design, and frailty criteria were conducted.

RESULTS

We screened 22 studies out of 1599 identified studies in our analysis. Compared with normal patients, frail ones had a higher risk of mortality both before (OR = 3.48, 95% CI: 2.50-4.85, I² = 87.2%, P < 0.001) and after (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.44-2.44, I² = 85.5%, P < 0.001) adjustment. The incidence of peri-operative complications, abnormal discharge, and prolonged LOS also significantly increased in frail subjects. There was no publication bias observed and the pooled results were stable based on sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

Overall, more attention needs to be paid to the prognostic effects caused by frailty in seniors with HF. Better understanding of the association between frailty and adverse outcomes in HF could help doctors perform co-management across orthopaedic and geriatric departments.

Risk Factors of Frailty in Patients with Distal Radius Fractures

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for the incidence of frailty in patients with distal radius fractures (DRFs).

Methods

In total, 116 patients (mean age, 66.3 ± 7.7 years) with DRFs were recruited. The participants were categorized into two groups, “frail” and “non-frail,” according to the presence or absence of frailty, respectively. The areal bone mineral densities (aBMDs) of the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The participants’ levels of resilience, depression, anxiety, nutritional intake, oral health-related quality of life, and social support were evaluated by self-reported questionnaires. The participants’ grip strength, gait speed, number of teeth present in their oral cavities, circumference of their upper arms and calves, and serum levels of vitamin D were also assessed.

Results

The participants in the “frail” group seemed to have lower aBMDs and muscle function and mass than those in the “non-frail” group. There were significant differences in grip strength, calf circumference, gait speed, and aBMD of the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine between the groups. There were also significant differences in the levels of resilience and depression between the groups. A multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that levels of sarcopenia, malnutritional status, and aBMDs of the total hip and femoral neck had significant relationships with the development of frailty in patients with DRFs.

Conclusions

An interdisciplinary approach involving the management of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, oral health, social relationships, and psychological support would be required for the proper management of DRF patients in preventing frailty.

Features of older community-dwelling adults with osteosarcopenia requiring support or care

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the problems associated with osteosarcopenia and its effect on physical performance, nutritional status, and support or care required by older community-dwelling adults. [Participants and Methods] This study investigated 141 older community-dwelling adults requiring support or care using an ambulatory rehabilitation service. The patients were divided into a control, osteopenia only, sarcopenia only, and osteosarcopenia group. We investigated the associations of each condition with the baseline information, grip strength, gait speed, Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form score, and support or care level required. [Results] The osteosarcopenia group consisted of 43.3% of the total study participants. Osteosarcopenia was more closely associated with body mass index, support or care level, grip strength, gait speed, skeletal muscle mass index, and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form score than osteopenia or sarcopenia alone. [Conclusion] Osteosarcopenia is highly prevalent in older community-dwelling adults requiring support or care, which may suggest a greater effect on physical performance, nutritional status, and support or care required than that exerted by osteopenia or sarcopenia alone.

Type-2 muscle fiber atrophy is associated with sarcopenia in elderly men with hip fracture

Sarcopenia is a common geriatric syndrome and can lead to falls and fragility fractures. It is associated with a decline of muscle fiber numbers and size. Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle were taken from thirty-two patients with hip fracture (18 women and 14 men; mean age: 82.2 ± 6.2 years). Serial cross sections of skeletal muscle were labeled with myosin heavy chain slow (fiber type-1) and fast (fiber type-2) antibodies in order to measure the size, ratio and percentage of mixed fiber types. The presence of sarcopenia was defined according to the EWGSOP2 criteria by using BIA and handgrip strength measurement. Sarcopenia was identified in 5 patients (3 women and 2 men), probable-sarcopenia in 11 patients (4 women and 7 men). Significant differences in fiber diameter were found for fiber type-2 in men but not in women. Only 1-3% mixed fiber types were found in sarcopenic patients, indicating a final stage where reinnervation is not possible to occur anymore. Muscle fiber type-2 atrophy seems to be a histological marker for sarcopenia in men.