Prevalence and effect on prognosis of sarcopenia in patients with primary biliary cholangitis

Background Musculoskeletal disorders related to chronic liver and biliary diseases are increasingly recognized, with a growing body of observational studies linking these conditions. This study investigates the association between gallstone disease and sarcopenia, exploring the implications for patient health outcomes.Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 1,683 participants to assess the relationship between gallstones and sarcopenia. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for sarcopenia were calculated using logistic regression models, controlling for sociodemographic and health-related factors.Results Among the participants, those with gallstones had a higher likelihood of sarcopenia, with adjusted odds ratios of 2.15 in Model 1 and 2.71 in Model 2. The risk was particularly pronounced in females, with an odds ratio of 2.756. Additionally, individuals with diabetes faced an elevated odds ratio of 8.576 for developing sarcopenia. Although trends in increased risk were observed in other subgroups, such as those with hypertension and younger adults, these did not achieve statistical significance. An inverse relationship was also noted between appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and gallstone occurrence.Conclusion This study demonstrates that gallstone disease increases the risk of sarcopenia, highlighting the need for integrated management strategies that include nutritional evaluations and exercise interventions. Further longitudinal research is essential to clarify causal relationships and underlying mechanisms.

show abstract

Systemic Oxidative Stress Correlates with Sarcopenia and Pruritus Severity in Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): Two Independent Relationships Simultaneously Impacting the Quality of Life—Is the Low Absorption of Cholestasis-Promoted Vitamin D a Puzzle Piece?

Dallio,

Romeo,

Di Nardo

et al. 2024

Livers

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Unlike other chronic liver disorders, in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), systemic oxidative stress (SOS) worsens along with liver disease progression status (DPS), influencing muscle metabolism, muscle quantity (MQ), and itch pathways. Synergistically, cholestasis contributes to reduced vitamin D absorption, with a negative impact on MM and SOS. Despite this evidence, the prevalence of sarcopenia in PBC, and the SOS-MQ relationship comparing PBC with other CLDs, has never been investigated. Moreover, the relationship between vitamin D and MQ-SOS, and the correlation between SOS and pruritus severity, remains unexplored in PBC. Methods: A total of 40 MASLD, 52 chronic HBV infections, 50 chronic HCV infections, and 41 ursodeoxycholic acid/antioxidant-naïve PBC patients were enrolled. Biochemical, nutritional, and liver stiffness (LSM) data were collected, and sarcopenia was assessed after a normalizing 3-month dietetic–physical exercise regimen. The d-ROMs/BAP tests evaluated SOS. The validated “PBC-40 questionnaire” estimated pruritus and quality of life (QoL). Results: Unlike other CLDs, in PBC patients, sarcopenia was more prevalent in initial mild fibrosis (PBC: 57.10% vs. MASLD: 30.76%, HBV: 22.60%, HCV: 20.70%, all p < 0.0001), and SOS significantly correlated with MQ (dROMs-ASM/h2, p: 0.0002; BAP-ASM/h2: p: 0.0092). PBC patients presented lower vitamin D levels and a significant correlation of these with SOS and MQ (all p < 0.0001). SOS also correlated with pruritus severity (dROMs, R: 0.835; BAP, R: −0.775, p < 0.0001). QoL impairment was significantly more represented in PBC individuals with sarcopenia, SOS imbalance, and relevant pruritus (p: 0.0228). Conclusions: In PBC, SOS correlates with MQ impairment and pruritus severity, configuring two independent relationships simultaneously impacting QoL.

show abstract

Prevalence and effect on prognosis of sarcopenia in patients with primary biliary cholangitis

Cited by 3 publications

References 40 publications

Letter: Myokines Are Also Associated With Disease Course in Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Letter: Myokines Are Also Associated With Disease Course in Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Exploring the Correlation Between Gallstone Disease and Sarcopenia Risk: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Analysis

Systemic Oxidative Stress Correlates with Sarcopenia and Pruritus Severity in Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): Two Independent Relationships Simultaneously Impacting the Quality of Life—Is the Low Absorption of Cholestasis-Promoted Vitamin D a Puzzle Piece?

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About