Higher circulating levels of uric acid are prospectively associated with better muscle function in older persons

Abstract

Background-Previous studies have shown that oxidative protein damage is independently associated with low grip strength and that dietary intake and circulating levels of anti-oxidant vitamins are positive predictors of muscle strength among older persons. Since uric acid (UA), has strong anti-oxidant properties, we tested the hypothesis that UA levels is cross-sectionally associated with muscle strength and protective against the decline of strength over the aging process.

Biomarkers in sarcopenia: A multifactorial approach

“…Higher plasma levels of uric acid were observed in older men and women with higher handgrip (Macchi et al, 2008) and, similarly, a positive relationship between higher magnesium serum levels and indexes of muscle performance like lower-leg muscle power and grip strength was identified (Dominguez et al, 2006). Moreover, low values of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level are associated not only with a low physical performance in the elderly, but also with muscle…”

Sarcopenia: Clinical evaluation, biological markers and other evaluation tools

“…52 Higher circulating levels of uric acid are prospectively associated with higher handgrip and knee extension torque strength in older persons. 53 Higher magnesium concentrations are significantly associated with indexes of muscle performance, including grip strength, lower-leg muscle power, knee extension torque, and ankle extension strength. 54 Vitamin D plays an important role in the skeletal muscle metabolism, and persons with low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level have poor performance, poor muscle mass measured with DEXA, and diminished lower grip strength.…”

The Effects of a Long-Term Physical Activity Intervention on Serum Uric Acid in Older Adults at Risk for Physical Disability

“…Specifically, two recent observational studies from the InCHIANTI cohort demonstrate that older (mean age 75 years) home-dwelling adults with intermediate levels of UA (4.8–5.3 mg/dl) have better SPPB scores and lower instrumental activities of daily living disability than those with lower (or higher) UA levels (Ruggiero et al, 2007). Similarly, UA levels greater than 5.5 mg/ dl are also prospectively associated with better muscle function, as measured by handgrip strength and knee extension torque (Macchi et al, 2008). Hyperuricemia (serum urate concentration >7.5 mg/dl in men and >6.2 mg/dl in women (Ruggiero et al, 2006)) associated with a proinflammatory state, however, has been linked with poorer functional outcomes (Ruggiero et al, 2006; Cesari et al, 2004).…”

“…While controversy exists as to whether elevations in systemic UA are beneficial or detrimental to cardiovascular health (Feig, Kang, & Johnson, 2008), recent observational data suggest a protective link between modestly elevated UA levels and physical function in older adults (Ruggiero et al, 2007; Macchi et al, 2008). Specifically, in a community-based, cross-sectional study, older adults with intermediate levels of UA (4.8–5.3 mg/dl) had better Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores and lower instrumental activities of daily living disability than those with lower UA levels (Ruggiero et al, 2007).…”

“…Specifically, in a community-based, cross-sectional study, older adults with intermediate levels of UA (4.8–5.3 mg/dl) had better Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores and lower instrumental activities of daily living disability than those with lower UA levels (Ruggiero et al, 2007). In addition, in the same cohort, UA levels greater than 5.5 mg/dl were prospectively associated with better muscle function, as measured by handgrip strength and knee extension torque (Macchi et al, 2008). Collectively, these data suggest that slight elevations in UA (i.e., absolute concentration occurring within the normal range of 2.4–7.0 mg/dl) may contribute to maintenance of better physical performance and muscle function with age, possibly due to its antioxidant activity.…”