Sarcopenia in women with hip fracture: A comparison of hormonal biomarkers and their relationship to skeletal muscle mass and function

OBJECTIVES: Sarcopenia is a decline in skeletal muscle mass and function. It is associated with adverse outcomes and increased mortality. Sarcopenia is also reported to be prevalent in the hip fracture population. Our aims in this study are to compare the hormonal profile in women with hip fracture to controls, and to assess the relationship between hormonal biomarkers to skeletal muscle mass and function in these women. METHODS: A cross sectional study was performed enrolling women above age 60 years old with hip fracture as a study group. For comparison healthy women from the community were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were obtained for analysis of hormonal profiles. Measures of skeletal muscle mass and function by muscle area on computed tomography, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and grip strength was performed. RESULTS: A high proportion of sarcopenic individuals were detected in the hip fracture group (60%). Women with hip fracture compared to controls were older (P = 0.073), had lower serum albumin levels (P < 0.001), serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (P < 0.001), insulin-like growth factor binding protein −3 (IGFBP-3) (P < 0.001), free testosterone levels (P = 0.001), and impaired beta cell function by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA beta) (P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high proportion of sarcopenic individuals in the hip fracture group. Lowered serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, HOMA beta cell function, and free testosterone levels were detected in this group and may serve as potential biomarkers of sarcopenia.