Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning Sarcopenic Obesity

N/AUnknownNCT06120647

The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences60 enrolled

Overview

The coexistence of obesity and sarcopenia results in sarcopenic obesity, a high-risk geriatric condition associated with metabolic perturbations and several co-morbidities. Despite the rising numbers of older adults diagnosed with sarcopenic obesity, few studies have characterized this condition on the muscle cell and systemic level. This study sought to comprehensively assess the influence of sarcopenic obesity on muscle and blood-related parameters and compare it to non-sarocopenic obese and non-sarcopenic lean older adults.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Sarcopenic Obesity Obesity Sarcopenia Aging

Interventions

Essential amino acids (EAA)

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 80 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Body fat % in accordance with previously defined criteria * Free of smoking (since 10 years) * Able to walk without assistance * Able to perform bilateral leg extension exercise Exclusion Criteria: * History of or present disease of myocardial, vascular, endocrine, hepatic, renal, pulmonary or neuromuscular origin * Uncontrolled hypo/hypertension * Use of anticoagulants (Warfarin, Trombyl) * Use of metformin or other anti-diabetic medications * Poor appetite and unexplained weight loss (4,5 kg) over the past 6 months * Active malignancy * Present infection * Dementia or delirium * Other conditions that may interfere with the study protocol in the opinion of the PI

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Fiber type-specific cell signalling

This measure will be investigated during an experimental trial in which the participants are subjected to an acute bout of resistance exercise followed by the ingestion of essential amino acids (240 mg/kg lean mass). During this 3 hour time period, the participants will donate two muscle biopsies, one before exercise and the second one 1 hour after exercise. Cell signalling networks related to muscle mass regulation will be examined in these biopsy samples. The signal will be measured using Western blotting and the signal obtained is expressed in relation to baseline (adjusted volume intensity).

Time frame: 1 hour after ingestion of essential amino acids and resistance exercise

Secondary Outcomes

Skeletal muscle fiber characteristics

Fiber type-specific area measured using immunofluorescence microscope in muscle biopsies collected at baseline (prior to ingestion of essential amino acids and resistance exercise). Unit of measurement is square micrometers (µm\^2).

Time frame: 1 hour prior to ingestion of essential amino acids and resistance exercise

Whole body muscle volume

Indices of muscle volume and fat infiltration obtained with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Unit of measurement is cubic centrimeters (cm\^3).

Time frame: 1 hour

Whole body glucose tolerance

Oral glucose tolerance test in which the participants will ingest a standardized glucose drink and blood glucose levels will be monitored throughout a period of 2 hours. Unit of measurement is mmol/L glucose.

Time frame: 2 hours

Accelerometer-assessed physical activity levels

Hip-worn accelerometer data (Actigraph GT3X) collected over 7 consecutive days. Unit of measurement is steps per day.

Time frame: 1 week

Isometric and isokinetic leg muscle strength

Muscle performance will be evaluated at a single timepoint during the study using IsoMed2000 dynamometer. Participants will perform a maximal isometric contraction at 60 degrees of knee flexion. Unit of measurement is Newton meter (N-m).