An increase in the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines in blood plasma in sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a predictor of progressive loss of muscle strength and is associated with an increased risk of disability and mortality in old age. To date, practically no studies has been conducted to address the characteristics of cytokine status in this category of patients with age-associated ophthalmic pathology.
PURPOSE
This study analyzed and evaluated the ratio of pro- and anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL) levels in blood plasma of elderly patients with sarcopenia/SO and cataract.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study included 48 patients aged 60—74 years with SO and cataract (group 1) and 54 patients aged 60—74 years with sarcopenia and cataract (group 2) who underwent inpatient examination and treatment at the Tambov branch of the S.N. Fedorov National Medical Research Center “MNTK “Eye Microsurgery” in 2023—2024. Plasma levels of IL-1α, -1β, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, -12, -17, and IL-18 were measured using flow cytometry. The control group included 32 patients aged 60—74 years without sarcopenia/SO and ophthalmic pathology.
RESULTS
The study revealed that in elderly patients with cataract, a pronounced increase in pro-inflammatory and a decrease in anti-inflammatory IL plasma levels contributes to the transition from sarcopenia to SO. Plasma IL-6 levels in group 1 patients reached 22.3±2.0 pg/mL compared with 4.9±0.6 pg/mL in the control group (p<0.001). Development of SO in elderly patients with age-associated ocular pathology was also associated with an increase in IL-8 concentrations to 36.4±3.3 pg/mL and IL-17 to 20.5±1.6 pg/mL (p<0.001 for both). Plasma levels of anti-inflammatory ILs were significantly lower (p<0.01) in patients with SO and cataract: for IL-4 it was 2.1±0.2 pg/mL, for IL-10 — 9.4±0.4 pg/mL.
CONCLUSION
The identified features of comorbidity of age-associated ophthalmic pathology (cataract) and sarcopenic disorders may have certain clinical significance. In particular, the observed associations may provide a basis for developing recommendations by nutritionists/dietitians and ophthalmologists for these patients regarding dietary and lifestyle modifications.
