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March 5, 2026Ageing Research ReviewsOpen Access

Growth Differentiation Factor-15 as a Clinical Biomarker of Frailty, Sarcopenia and Functional Decline: A Systematic Literature Review

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Authors

ALAinsley Ryan Yan Bin LeeVNVidhya NachammaiAHAnjin Hong

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Overview

Systematic review evaluates GDF-15's role in frailty and sarcopenia, suggesting clinical implications for aging populations.

Key Points

  • This review aims to synthesize clinical evidence on GDF-15 as a biomarker for frailty, sarcopenia, and physical function.
  • Conducted a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
  • Searched multiple databases including CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed up to February 2026.
  • Included studies with adult participants measuring serum GDF-15 levels and assessing frailty or sarcopenia.
  • Data extracted were thematically grouped by population type, study design, and outcomes.
  • Used narrative synthesis to compare findings and heterogeneity.
  • Identified 35 studies from 1027 records that highlighted GDF-15's association with poorer physical performance and greater frailty severity.
  • Longitudinal studies suggested that elevated GDF-15 may predict future functional decline.
  • Sex-specific variations in GDF-15 levels were noted, along with methodological heterogeneity affecting results.
  • Interventional studies showed limited impact of physical activity on GDF-15 levels.
  • GDF-15 has potential for risk stratification and therapeutic targeting in geriatric care.

Cite This Study

Lee et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a91e2cd6127c7a504c1da2https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2026.103085
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