Butyryl-cholinesterase is related to muscle mass and strength. A new biomarker to identify elderly subjects at risk of sarcopenia

Biomark Med. 2015;9(7):669-78. doi: 10.2217/bmm.15.28.

Abstract

Aims: To determine the relationship between Butyryl-cholinesterase (α-glycoprotein synthesized in the liver, b-CHE) and muscle mass and strength.

Methods: Muscle mass by bioimpedentiometer and muscle strength by grip strength were evaluated in 337 elderly subjects (mean age: 76.2 ± 6.7 years) admitted to comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Results: b-CHE levels were lower in sarcopenic than in nonsarcopenic elderly subjects (p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis demonstrated that b-CHE is linearly related with grip strength and muscular mass both in men and women (r = 0.45 and r = 0.33, p < 0.01; r = 0.55 and r = 0.39, p < 0.01; respectively). Multivariate analysis confirms this analysis.

Conclusions: b-CHE is related to muscle mass and strength in elderly subjects. Thus, b-CHE may be considered to be a fair biomarker for identifying elderly subjects at risk of sarcopenia.

Keywords: biomarkers; inflammation; sarcopenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Body Mass Index
  • Butyrylcholinesterase / analysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Sarcopenia / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Butyrylcholinesterase