Possible-sarcopenic Screening with Disturbed Plasma Amino Acid Profile in the Elderly

Abstract

Abstract Background The mass and strength of skeletal muscle decline with age, leading to its progressive dysfunction. High-throughput metabolite profiling provides the opportunity to reveal metabolic mechanisms and the identification of biomarkers. However, the role of amino acid metabolism in possible sarcopenia remains unclear. Objectives The aim of this study included exploring changes in plasma amino acid concentrations in elderly individuals who may have possible sarcopenia and attempting to characterize a distinctive plasma amino acid profile through targeted metabolomics. Methods A cross-sectional, correlational research design was used for this study. Thirty possible-sarcopenic elderly participants were recruited ( n = 30 ), as determined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia ( AWGS ). Meanwhile, a reference group of non-sarcopenic ( sex-, age-, and Appendicular Skeletal muscle Mass Index ( ASMI )-matched non-sarcopenic controls, n = 36) individuals was included in their comparisons to reflect potential differences in the metabolic fingerprint of the plasma amino acids associated with sarcopenia. Both groups were conducted the body composition analysis, physical function examination, and plasma amino acid-targeted metabolomics. The amino acids in plasma were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry ( UPLC-MS-MS ). Also, orthogonal partial least-squares-discriminant analysis ( OPLS-DA ) was applied to characterize the plasma amino acid profile. Results With respect to Handgrip Strength ( HGS ), the Five-Repetition Chair Stand Test ( CS-5 ), the Six-Minute Walking Test ( 6MWT ), the arm curl, the 30s-Chair Stand Test ( CST ), the 2-Minute Step Test ( 2MST ), the 8-Feet Timed Up-and-Go Test ( TUGT ), there was a decline in skeletal muscle function in the possible-sarcopenic group compared to the non-sarcopenic group. The mean plasma concentrations of arginine, asparagine, phenylalanine, serine, lysine, glutamine, and threonine were significantly lower in the possible sarcopenia group, whereas cirulline, proline, serine, and glutamic acid concentrations were higher. According to the multi-analysis, glutamine, serine, lysine, threonine, and proline were the potential markers that could have indicated possible sarcopenia. Conclusions The findings characterize the significantly altered plasma amino acid metabolisms in the elderly with possible sarcopenia, which aids to screening people who are at a high risk of developing condition, allowing for the design of new preventive measures and therapeutic options.