Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1: a proinflammatory cytokine elevated in sarcopenic obesity

Abstract

Objective

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is associated with poorer physical outcomes and functional status in the older adult. A proinflammatory milieu associated with central obesity is postulated to enhance muscle catabolism. We set out to examine associations of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in groups of older adults, with sarcopenia, obesity, and the SO phenotypes.

Methods

A total of 143 community dwelling, well, older adults were recruited. Cross-sectional clinical data, physical performance, and muscle mass measurements were collected. Obesity and sarcopenia were defined using revised National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) obesity guidelines and those of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Serum levels of MCP-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

In all, 25.2% of subjects were normal, 15.4% sarcopenic, 48.3% obese, and 11.2% were SO. The SO groups had the lowest appendicular lean mass, highest percentage body fat, and lowest performance scores on the Short Physical Performance Battery and grip strength. The MCP-1 levels were significantly different, with the highest levels found in SO participants (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Significantly raised MCP-1 levels in obese and SO subjects support the theory of chronic inflammation due to excess adiposity. Longitudinal studies will reveal whether SO represents a continuum of obesity causing accelerated sarcopenia and cardiovascular events, or the coexistence of two separate conditions with synergistic effects affecting functional performance.

Keywords:

• chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL-2)
• elderly
• sarcopenia

Acknowledgments

We thank Fong Yoke Leng for her assistance in patient recruitment and data collection.

This study was supported by a Lee Foundation grant 2013. MSC is supported by a National Healthcare Group (NHG) Clinician-Scientist Career Scheme (CSCS) grant (number 12002). LT is supported by a NHG CSCS grant (number 13001).

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.