OBJECTIVE

To characterize and compare myokine profiles in patients with obesity depending on the presence of sarcopenia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 77 patients with obesity examined at the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Russia from January 2023 to April 2024. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using criteria including handgrip strength, skeletal muscle mass, and physical function assessment. Serum erythroferrone, irisin, myostatin, and interleukin (IL)-6 were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Thirteen (16.9%) patients demonstrated reduced handgrip strength; 22 participants had decreased appendicular muscle mass to body mass (AMM/BM) ratio. The AMM value correlated with serum concentrations of irisin (ρ=0.297; p<0.009) and erythroferrone (ρ=0.229; p<0.045). Serum concentrations of irisin significantly differed depending on the handgrip strength on the dominant hand (p=0.038), AMM value (p=0.036), and appendicular muscle mass index (ASMI, p=0.007). Serum concentrations of IL-6 were higher in patients with obesity and impaired muscle function (slower 4 m walking speed, p=0.073).

CONCLUSION

In patient with obesity, sarcopenia is associated with myokine profile alterations. This could be due to the disrupted structure, reduced quantity, and disturbed function of muscles in sarcopenia.