Aim It is crucial to identify factors contributing to malnutrition risk in older persons in order to prevent malnutrition as far as possible. Findings Factors that increased the risk of malnutrition were: increased levels of IL-8, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and Soluble-Receptor-For-TNF-alfa (sTNFRII; log transformed). In comparison with previous studies, in our study there was no significant difference in hsCRP and IL-6 in participants at risk of malnutrition and those who were well-nourished, nevertheless, those at risk of malnutrition had significantly higher IL-8, OPG and sTNFRII concentrations, but higher levels of IL-18. Message The etiopathogenesis of malnutrition in older persons is complex and our study indicated that chronic inflammation plays a probable role and should be considered in evaluating nutritional status in the geriatric population; however, it also exposes an avenue where further research is needed in order to enhance our understanding and guide comprehensive patient care.

Background: Malnutrition and poor physical performance are associated with higher morbidity, mortality, and lower quality of life. Muscle and fat mass have been shown to be related to nutritional status and physical fitness. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between nutritional status, body composition and physical performance in outpatient older adults. Materials and Methods: Demographic data and medical history were collected from patients aged ≥60 years followed in the Geriatric Outpatient Clinic using a structured questionnaire. Body Mass Index (kg/m²) was calculated. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical performance was assessed by handgrip Strength (HGS), Gait Speed (GS), Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), nutritional status by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and serum albumin level. Results: Mean age of 76 patients (64.47% men) was 71.93±8.88 yrs. In multiple regression analyses, age, good nutritional status and percent of lower extremity fat, but not appendicular Lean Mass (aLM), independently influenced gait speed; in turn longer TUG time was associated with poorer nutritional status, older age and a higher number of medical comorbidities. Higher handgrip strength was related to male sex, greater aLM, and younger age, and 6MWT was influenced negatively by age and percent of lower extremity fat. Conclusions: Age and nutritional status remain a strong determinant of physical fitness deterioration. Identifying the relationship between deficits in physical performance, nutritional status and body composition can help elucidate the causes of disability and target preventive measures.

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Introduction An inverse relationship between natriuretic peptides (N‑terminal fragment of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide [NT‑proBNP]) and body mass index (BMI) among healthy people and patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) was observed. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between nutritional status and NT‑proBNP concentrations in older persons. Patients and methods NT‑proBNP concentrations, medical histories, and malnutrition risk using Mini Nutritional Assessment were evaluated. Body composition was measured with dual energy X‑ray absorptiometry. The relationship of nutritional status with NT‑proBNP concentrations (in tertiles) was assessed. Results The mean (SD) age of 106 participants was 72.16 (9.38) years. Heart failure was diagnosed in 72.6% of patients. The risk of malnutrition was recognized in 28.3%, and the percentage of patients at risk increased in subsequent NT‑proBNP tertiles: from 16.7% in the first tertile to 48.6% in the third tertile (P = 0.005). The risk of malnutrition was associated with an increase in NT‑proBNP concentrations per tertile (odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% CI, 1.30-4.07; P = 0.004). Based on a multivariable logistic model, the NT‑proBNP concentration in the third tertile was associated with an over 9‑fold higher risk of malnutrition (OR, 9.80; 95% CI, 2.00-48.17; P = 0.005) as compared with the lowest concentration. Among patients with CHF, the relationship between NT‑proBNP and nutritional status was even stronger. Conclusions High NT‑proBNP levels contribute to increased risk of malnutrition in older patients with heart failure. In patients with elevated NT‑proBNP levels, the risk of malnutrition should be assessed.