scholarly journals Sarcopenia Diagnosis: Reliability of the Ultrasound Assessment of the Tibialis Anterior Muscle as an Alternative Evaluation Tool

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2158
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Leigheb ◽  
Alessandro de Sire ◽  
Matteo Colangelo ◽  
Domenico Zagaria ◽  
Federico Alberto Grassi ◽  
...  

Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disorder characterized by reduced muscle mass, strength, and performance. Muscle ultrasound can be helpful in assessing muscle mass, quality, and architecture, and thus possibly useful for diagnosing or screening sarcopenia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of ultrasound assessment of tibialis anterior muscle in sarcopenia diagnosis. We included subjects undergoing total or partial hip replacement, comparing measures with a healthy control group. We measured the following parameters: tibialis anterior muscle thickness, echogenicity, architecture, stiffness, skeletal muscle index (SMI), hand grip strength, and sarcopenia related quality of life evaluated through the SarQoL questionnaire. We included 33 participants with a mean age of 54.97 ± 23.91 years. In the study group we found reduced tibialis anterior muscle thickness compared to the healthy control group (19.49 ± 4.92 vs. 28.94 ± 3.63 mm, p < 0.05) with significant correlation with SarQoL values (r = 0.80, p < 0.05), dynamometer hand strength (r = 0.72, p < 0.05) and SMI (r = 0.76, p < 0.05). Moreover, we found reduced stiffness (32.21 ± 12.31 vs. 27.07 ± 8.04 Kpa, p < 0.05). AUC measures of ROC curves were 0.89 predicting reduced muscle strength, and 0.97 predicting reduced SMI for tibialis anterior muscle thickness, while they were 0.73 and 0.85, respectively, for muscle stiffness. Our findings showed that ultrasound assessment of tibialis anterior muscle might be considered a reliable measurement tool to evaluate sarcopenia.

2015 ◽  
Vol 118 (5) ◽  
pp. 613-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina V. Ogneva ◽  
V. Gnyubkin ◽  
N. Laroche ◽  
M. V. Maximova ◽  
I. M. Larina ◽  
...  

Altered external mechanical loading during spaceflights causes negative effects on muscular and cardiovascular systems. The aim of the study was estimation of the cortical cytoskeleton statement of the skeletal muscle cells and cardiomyocytes. The state of the cortical cytoskeleton in C57BL6J mice soleus, tibialis anterior muscle fibers, and left ventricle cardiomyocytes was investigated after 30-day 2- g centrifugation (“2- g” group) and within 12 h after its completion (“2- g + 12-h” group). We used atomic force microscopy for estimating cell's transverse stiffness, Western blotting for measuring protein content, and RT-PCR for estimating their expression level. The transverse stiffness significantly decreased in cardiomyocytes (by 16%) and increased in skeletal muscles fibers (by 35% for soleus and by 29% for tibialis anterior muscle fibers) in animals of the 2-g group (compared with the control group). For cardiomyocytes, we found that, in the 2- g + 12-h group, α-actinin-1 content decreased in the membranous fraction (by 27%) and increased in cytoplasmic fraction (by 28%) of proteins (compared with the levels in the 2- g group). But for skeletal muscle fibers, similar changes were noted for α-actinin-4, but not for α-actinin-1. In conclusion, we showed that the different isoforms of α-actinins dissociate from cortical cytoskeleton under increased/decreased of mechanical load.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 174550652096200
Author(s):  
Tomohiro Yasuda

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the prediction of skeletal muscle mass and maximum muscle strength using simplified morphology evaluation in young Japanese women from the thigh and calf perspective. Methods: A total of 249 Japanese young women (aged 18–25 years) were used for data analyses in this study. Thigh and calf girths were measured using a tape measure at 50% of thigh length and at 30% proximal of calf length, respectively. Muscle thickness was measured using B-mode ultrasound at the anterior and posterior thigh (at 50% of thigh length) and at the posterior lower leg (at 30% proximal of calf length), respectively. The measurements were carried out on the right side of the body while the participants stood with their elbows extended and relaxed. A stepwise multiple regression analysis (method of increasing and decreasing the variables; criterion set at p < 0.05) was performed for skeletal muscle index (defined by appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height2), handgrip strength, or sit-to-stand test and five variable factors (girth (thigh and calf) and muscle thickness (anterior and posterior thigh and posterior calf)). Results: Unlike the sit-to-stand test, skeletal muscle index or handgrip strength was correlated ( p < 0.001) with the girth or muscle thickness for both thigh and calf. Unlike the sit-to-stand test, the prediction equations for skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength estimation showed significant correlations with multiple regression analysis of data obtained from the calf girth and muscle thickness. In both skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength, calf girth was adopted as a Step 1, respectively. Conclusion: Our results indicated that skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength could be evaluated by the simplified morphology methods, especially that for the calf girth measurement, which may be a good indicator of screening/preventing for sarcopenia in healthy Japanese young women.


2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 208-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley S. Gordon ◽  
Michael L. Rossetti ◽  
Alexey M. Eroshkin

Skeletal muscle is a highly plastic organ regulating various processes in the body. As such, loss of skeletal muscle underlies the increased morbidity and mortality risk that is associated with numerous conditions. However, no therapies are available to combat the loss of muscle mass during atrophic conditions, which is due in part to the incomplete understanding of the molecular networks altered by anabolic and catabolic stimuli. Thus, the current objective was to identify novel gene networks modulated by such stimuli. For this, total RNA from the tibialis anterior muscle of mice that were fasted overnight or fasted overnight and refed the next morning was subjected to microarray analysis. The refeeding stimulus altered the expression of genes associated with signal transduction. Specifically, expression of alpha arrestin domain containing 2 (Arrdc2) and alpha arrestin domain containing 3 (Arrdc3) was significantly lowered 70–85% by refeeding. Subsequent analysis showed that expression of these genes was also lowered 50–75% by mechanical overload, with the combination of nutrients and mechanical overload acting synergistically to lower Arrdc2 and Arrdc3 expression. On the converse, stimuli that suppress growth such as testosterone depletion or acute aerobic exercise increased Arrdc2 and Arrdc3 expression in skeletal muscle. While Arrdc2 and Arrdc3 exhibited divergent changes in expression following anabolic or catabolic stimuli, no other member of the Arrdc family of genes exhibited the consistent change in expression across the analyzed conditions. Thus, Arrdc2 and Arrdc3 are a novel set of genes that may be implicated in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arik Davidyan ◽  
Keith Baar ◽  
Sue C. Bodine

AbstractTestosterone is considered a potent anabolic agent in skeletal muscle with a well-established role in adolescent growth and development in males. However, alterations in the role of testosterone in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass and function throughout the lifespan has yet to be established. While some studies suggest that testosterone is important for the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass, an understanding of the role this hormone plays in young, adult, and old males with normal and low serum testosterone levels is lacking. We investigated the role testosterone plays in the maintenance of muscle mass by examining the effect of orchiectomy-induced testosterone depletion in C57Bl6 male mice at ages ranging from early postnatal through old age; the age groups we used included 1.5-, 5-, 12-, and 24-month old mice. Following 28 days of testosterone depletion, we assessed mass and fiber cross-sectional-area (CSA) of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and quadriceps muscles. In addition, we measured global rates of protein synthesis and degradation using the SuNSET method, western blots, and enzyme activity assays. 28 days of testosterone depletion resulted in smaller muscle mass in the two youngest cohorts but had no effect in the two older ones. Mean CSA decreased only in the youngest cohort and only in the tibialis anterior muscle. Testosterone depletion resulted in a general increase in proteasome activity at all ages. We did not detect changes in protein synthesis at the terminal time point. This data suggest that within physiological serum concentrations, testosterone is not important for the maintenance of muscle mass in mature male mice; however, in young mice testosterone is crucial for normal growth.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0240278
Author(s):  
Arik Davidyan ◽  
Suraj Pathak ◽  
Keith Baar ◽  
Sue C. Bodine

Testosterone is considered a potent anabolic agent in skeletal muscle with a well-established role in adolescent growth and development in males. However, the role of testosterone in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass and function throughout the lifespan has yet to be fully established. While some studies suggest that testosterone is important for the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass, an understanding of the role this hormone plays in young, adult, and old males with normal and low serum testosterone levels is lacking. We investigated the role testosterone plays in the maintenance of muscle mass by examining the effect of orchiectomy-induced testosterone depletion in C57Bl6 male mice at ages ranging from early postnatal through old age (1.5-, 5-, 12-, and 24-month old mice). Following 28 days of testosterone depletion, we assessed mass and fiber cross-sectional-area (CSA) of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and quadriceps muscles. In addition, we measured global rates of protein synthesis and degradation using the SuNSET method, western blots, and enzyme activity assays. Twenty-eight days of testosterone depletion resulted in reduced muscle mass in the two youngest cohorts, but had no effect in the two oldest cohorts. Mean CSA decreased only in the youngest cohort and only in the tibialis anterior muscle. Testosterone depletion resulted in a general increase in proteasome activity at all ages. No change in protein synthesis was detected at the terminal time point. These data suggest that within physiological serum concentrations, testosterone may not be critical for the maintenance of muscle mass in mature male mice; however, in young mice testosterone is crucial for normal growth.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho Joong Jung ◽  
Yong Min Lee ◽  
Minsun Kim ◽  
Kyeong Eun Uhm ◽  
Jongmin Lee

Objective To investigate variables for assessment of stroke-related sarcopenia that are alternative options to the current assessment for sarcopenia, which focuses on age-related sarcopenia and also has limitations in addressing sarcopenia due to weakness resulting from stroke.Methods Forty patients (17 men, 23 women; mean age, 66.9±15.4 years) with first-ever stroke who can walk independently were included. Muscle mass was determined by measuring ultrasonographic muscle thickness of vastus intermedius, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, and biceps brachii muscles in addition to using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength was assessed with the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score as well as handgrip (HG) strength. Physical performance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) along with 4-meter gait speed (4MGS). Correlations between each assessment in the three categories were analyzed and adjusted by stroke severity, comorbidity, and nutritional status.Results For muscle mass, SMI showed the highest correlation with the tibialis anterior muscle (r=0.783, p<0.001) among the other muscles. Regarding muscle strength, the MRC sum score correlated with the HG (r=0.660, p<0.001). For physical performance, the BBS correlated with the 4MGS (r=0.834, p<0.001). The same result was obtained after adjusting for factors of stroke severity, comorbidity, and nutritional status.Conclusion These results suggest that ultrasonographic muscle thickness of the tibialis anterior, the MRC sum score, and BBS might be alternatives to SMI, HG, and usual gait speed for sarcopenia in stroke patients.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Lattanzi ◽  
Michela Giusto ◽  
Carlina Albanese ◽  
Gianluca Mennini ◽  
Daria D’Ambrosio ◽  
...  

Sarcopenia is a frequent complication in liver transplant (LT) recipients. β-hydroxy-β-methyl-butyrate (HMB) has the potential to increase muscle-performance and tropism. Our study aims at evaluating the effect on muscle mass and functioning, and the safety of 12 weeks of HMB supplementation in patients after LT. This is a pilot, randomized study. Male patients undergoing LT were randomly assigned to the HMB or control group. A diet interview, anthropometry and body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) were performed at enrollment (T0), after 12 weeks (T1) and after 12 months (T12). Twenty-two liver transplant male patients were enrolled in the study: 12 in the HMB group and 10 as the control group. At enrollment, demographic, clinical and nutritional data were similar. According to the appendicular skeletal muscle index, sarcopenia was present in 50% of patients. The appendix skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) showed a significant increase at T1 and T12 in HMB patients, but not in controls. The mid-arm muscle-circumference and hand grip strength also increased at T1 and T12 versus T0 only in the HMB group. No side effects were reported in either group. The study showed a positive effect of HMB in the recovery of muscle mass and strength after LT. HMB supplement in patients after LT was safe and well tolerated.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice S Ryan ◽  
Joseph Hartstein ◽  
Charlene Hafer-Macko ◽  
Frederick Ivey

Sarcopenia is defined as an age-related loss in skeletal lean muscle mass and strength and is as a leading contributor to the development of frailty. Stroke survivors have muscle atrophy in paretic (P) vs. nonparetic (P) legs that could contribute to whole body sarcopenia. The purpose of this study was to determine the sarcopenic index in a large population of chronic stroke survivors and compare this group to age, gender, and BMI-matched non-stroke controls. Chronic stroke survivors aged 40 to 84 yrs (n=180, 61% female, 59% African American, BMI: 29±1 kg/m 2 , X±SEM) with mild to moderate gait deficits underwent whole body DXA scans to assess sarcopenic index (appendicular lean mass/ht 2 ). The cutoffs for sarcopenia, by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia, were used and defined as a skeletal muscle index of <7.23 kg/m 2 in men and <5.67 kg/m 2 in women. In the entire group, the prevalence of sarcopenia in stroke survivors (13%) did not differ significantly from that of populations reported previously in the literature. In 61-70 year olds, 87% (n=63) had normal muscle mass and 13% (n=9) were sarcopenic. In 71-80 year olds, 79% (n=30) had normal skeletal muscle index and 21% (n=8) were sarcopenic. Stroke survivors (n=39) were matched with 39 controls on the basis of race, gender, age ±4 years and BMI±2.5 units. After matched pair analysis, 5.1% of the controls had sarcopenia while 12.8% of the control group were sarcopenic (P<0.0001). Sarcopenic index was related to six-minute walking speed (r=0.28, P<0.01). In conclusion, stroke survivors may be at an elevated risk for sarcopenia when considering age, gender, and race to non-stroke individuals which is related to functional mobility in this population.


2016 ◽  
Vol 86 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 9-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bekir Ucan ◽  
Mustafa Sahin ◽  
Muyesser Sayki Arslan ◽  
Nujen Colak Bozkurt ◽  
Muhammed Kizilgul ◽  
...  

Abstract.The relationship between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and vitamin D has been demonstrated in several studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate vitamin D concentrations in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the effect of vitamin D therapy on the course of disease, and to determine changes in thyroid autoantibody status and cardiovascular risk after vitamin D therapy. We included 75 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and 43 healthy individuals. Vitamin D deficiency is defined as a 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D3) concentration less than 20ng/mL. Vitamin D deficient patients were given 50.000 units of 25(OH)D3 weekly for eight weeks in accordance with the Endocrine Society guidelines. All evaluations were repeated after 2 months of treatment. Patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis had significantly lower vitamin D concentrations compared with the controls (9.37±0.69 ng/mL vs 11.95±1.01 ng/mL, p < 0.05, respectively). Thyroid autoantibodies were significantly decreased by vitamin D replacement treatment in patients with euthyroid Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Also, HDL cholesterol concentrations improved in the euthyroid Hashimoto group after treatment. The mean free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations were 0.89±0.02 ng/dL in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and 1.07±0.03 ng/dL in the healthy control group (p < 0.001). The mean thyroid volumes were 7.71±0.44 mL in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and 5.46±0.63 mL in the healthy control group (p < 0.01). Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and treatment of patients with this condition with Vitamin D may slow down the course of development of hypothyroidism and also decrease cardiovascular risks in these patients. Vitamin D measurement and replacement may be critical in these patients.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document