Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning Sarcopenic Obesity

Recruiting

• Conditions: Sarcopenic Obesity; Obesity; Aging; Sarcopenia
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Essential amino acids (EAA)

• Registration Number: NCT06120647
• Lead Sponsor: The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2020-01-28
• Study First Submitted: 2023-10-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-11-01
• Study First Posted: 2023-11-07
• Status Verified: 2023-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-12-04
• Last Update Posted: 2023-12-11
• Primary Completion: 2025-12-15
• Study Completion: 2025-12-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 60

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Sarcopenic obesity	Essential amino acids (EAA)	Age: 70-80 years Men, ALM/W \< 25.7 %, body fat % \> 35 Women, ALM/W \< 19.7 %, body fat % \> 40
Non-sarcopenic obese	Essential amino acids (EAA)	Age: 70-80 years Men, ALM/W \> 25.7 %, body fat % \> 35 Women, ALM/W \> 19.7 %, body fat % \> 40
Non-sarcopenic lean	Essential amino acids (EAA)	Age: 70-80 years Men, ALM \> 7.0 kg/m2, body fat % \< 25 Women, ALM \> 5.5 kg/m2, body fat % \< 32
Young lean	Essential amino acids (EAA)	Age: 18-40 years Men, ALM \> 7.0 kg/m2, body fat % \< 25 Women, ALM \> 5.5 kg/m2, body fat % \< 32

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Fiber type-specific cell signalling	1 hour after ingestion of essential amino acids and resistance exercise	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).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Whole body glucose tolerance	2 hours	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.
Accelerometer-assessed physical activity levels	1 week	Hip-worn accelerometer data (Actigraph GT3X) collected over 7 consecutive days. Unit of measurement is steps per day.
Isometric and isokinetic leg muscle strength	1 hour	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).
Skeletal muscle fiber characteristics	1 hour prior to ingestion of essential amino acids and resistance exercise	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).
Whole body muscle volume	1 hour	Indices of muscle volume and fat infiltration obtained with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Unit of measurement is cubic centrimeters (cm\^3).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences; 🇸🇪 Stockholm, Sweden