Circulating cytokine profile in patients with obesity depending on the sarcopenia presence

Objective. To evaluate circulating cytokines’ levels in patients with obesity depending on the presence of sarcopenia. Materials and methods. A total of 133 patients with obesity were examined. Diagnosis of sarcopenia was established according to the EWGSOP2 (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People, 2018) criteria with an assessment of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, strength (grip strength, 5-times sit-to-stand test, 5-TSTS) and function (short physical performance battery, SPPB). Serum cytokines’ levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. Sarcopenia was detected in 12%, dynapenia — in 5.8%, and decreased SMM — in 29.5% of patients with obesity. Patients with serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) <2 pg/mL spent more time performing 5-TSTS than patients with TNF-α level ≥2 pg/mL (p=0.029). Higher serum interleukin (IL)-10 concentrations were associated with greater relative SMM (p=0.001) and better muscle function (4-meter walk test; p=0.011). There have been no differences in parameters of body composition, muscle strength and function between patients’ groups with serum concentration of IL-18 <150 pg/mL and ≥150 pg/mL. Conclusion. Patients with sarcopenia and obesity are characterized by a pronounced cytokine imbalance reflecting chronic inflammation.