Abstract

Background: Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a candidate sarcoptic marker; however, its association tightly with renal function could cause for the association. This study sought to try to determine whether there is a relationship between circulating GDF-15 and sarcopenia after adjustment for renal function. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 450 community-dwelling adults aged >60 years. Sarcopenia was diagnosed following the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia definition. Grain growth factor-15 (serum GDF-15), estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), muscle mass, grip strength, and gait speed were determined. Correlation analysis and nested logistic regression were used for associations and receiver operating characteristic analysis for diagnostic performance. Results: Sixty-seven participants (14.9%) were identified as sarcopenic. HIV participants who had sarcopenia had higher median GDF-15 levels than those who did not present sarcopenia (1137 vs 847 pg/mL). GDF-15 appeared to be negatively associated with muscle parameters, with the best correlation achieved with eGFR (r = –0.631). Even after controlling for age, sex and Body Mass Index (BMI), it remained associated with sarcopenia (OR = 2.27); but when eGFR was added to the model, the OR was 1.58, thus limiting the excess odds to 55%. Modest diagnostic discrimination (AUC = 0.717). Conclusion: The relationship of GDF-15 to sarcopenia is significantly affected by renal function, so that it has limited value as a sarcopenia biomarker.

Keywords: GDF-15, Growth differentiation factor 15, Sarcopenia, Biomarker, Renal function, Confounding