Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a group of molecules formed through non-enzymatic reactions. These compounds were associated to several age-related diseases, including sarcopenia and osteoporosis.
To investigate the relationships between AGEs, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.
This cross-sectional study included 1991 older adults aged 72.37 ± 5.90 years from China. AGE levels were measured by AGE ReaderTM device. Bone mineral density was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and osteoporosis was diagnosed based on a T score < -2.5. Sarcopenia was defined as loss of muscle mass plus loss of muscle strength and/or reduced physical performance. Presarcopenia was defined as low muscle mass with normal muscle strength and normal physical performance.
The prevalence of sarcopenia was 18.5%, and that of osteoporosis was 40.5%. Compared to the lowest AGE quartile, the highest AGE quartile showed a significant association with sarcopenia (OR 2.42, 95% CI [1.60, 3.66]) (P for trend 1.96, which represents a significant mediating effect), osteoporosis played a partial mediating role in the association between AGEs and sarcopenia.
Elevated AGEs are associated with sarcopenia but not with presarcopenia. This association was partially mediated by osteoporosis.
© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society.
