Relationships among Obesity, Sarcopenia, and Osteoarthritis in the Elderly

Abstract

Background: The present study examined the correlations between obesity, sarcopenia, and osteoarthritis in Korea' s elderly population. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 1,865 and 1,769 respondents with knee osteoarthritis and lumbar spondylosis, respectively, was performed by using data from the 2010 and 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m 2 ; osteoarthritis, as a Kellgren/Lawrence grade of ≥2; and sarcopenia, as an appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM; ASM/weight ×100) on dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry of two standard deviations below the mean reference value. Results: The unadjusted and age-adjusted risks of knee osteoarthritis were as follows: 1.88 and 1.92 times greater, respectively, for male subjects with sarcopenic obesity; 6.03 and 7.64 times greater, respectively, for female subjects with non-sarcopenic obesity; and 1.97 and 2.43 times greater, respectively, for female subjects with sarcopenic obesity. The age-and-waist circumference-adjusted risks were 5.88 and 1.80 times greater for the female subjects with non-sarcopenic and sarcopenic obesities, respectively. No statistically significant finding was obtained for lumbar spondylosis. Conclusion: Obesity and sarcopenia were associated with knee osteoarthritis in the elderly subjects. The risk of knee osteoarthritis was greater in the male subjects with sarcopenic obesity than in the male subjects with nonsarcopenic obesity. In the female subjects, the risk of knee osteoarthritis was high in both obesity groups. Further research to explain the sex-related difference in knee osteoarthritis risk based on body composition will be beneficial.

Knee osteoarthritis and its association with mental health and health‐related quality of life: A nationwide cross‐sectional study

“…In addition, estradiol functions as an antagonist at the serotonin reuptake transporter by inhibiting serotonin reuptake transporter gene expression and increasing the actions of serotonin by lengthening the available time that it remains in synapses . For men, aging‐related decline of testosterone level might also cause metabolic imbalance leading to sarcopenic obesity, which in turn contributes to the risk of osteoarthritis . In addition, Ford et al .…”

“…19,20 For men, aging-related decline of testosterone level might also cause metabolic imbalance leading to sarcopenic obesity, which in turn contributes to the risk of osteoarthritis. 21,22 In addition, Ford et al showed that low serum total testosterone has a positive association with incident depression in older men. 23 In this regard, middle-aged and older men and women who lack endogenous sex hormones might be vulnerable to both osteoarthritis and emotional disturbance through hormone-neurotransmitter interactions.…”

Novel Insights into the Pathogenesis of Spinal Sarcopenia and Related Therapeutic Approaches: A Narrative Review

“…In addition, another study confirmed that exercise intervention proved to be safe and effective for reversing functional and cognitive decline among hospitalized older adults [118]. Concerning spinal sarcopenic patients with diabetes and obesity, studies recommend using the Rapid Geriatric Assessment tool and starting secondary prevention as soon as possible [119][120][121][122]. Overall, exercise training appears to ameliorate mitochondria-associated problems and improve spinal sarcopenia.…”

Adipokines: New Therapeutic Target for Osteoarthritis?

“…Obesity may contribute to OA pathogenesis in two ways, by increasing joint load and mechanical wear of the joints, and by promoting systemic and local inflammation. Body composition studies demonstrated a direct association of obesity with the risk of knee OA, suggesting that weight loss strategies for knee OA should focus on reducing excess fat tissue [2,3]. Partial or full IFP resection has been used to reduce knee pain resulting from IFP inflammation and impingement during total knee arthroplasty [28].…”

“…Obesity is a common metabolic syndrome caused by excess fat accumulation in the body due to disorders of fat metabolism. Previous research has demonstrated a strong association between knee OA and obesity [1][2][3][4][5]. Obesity not only causes increased weight bearing by the joint but also enhances adipokine production by the adipose tissue, thereby contributing to inflammatory or autoimmune diseases [6,7].…”