Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome Indicators Within Reference Ranges and Sarcopenia in Older Women-A 4-Year Longitudinal Study.

Background: Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability to psychosomatic dysfunction associated with aging, with sarcopenia being a major contributing factor. Metabolic-syndrome-related metabolic diseases are recognized as risk factors for sarcopenia. While previous studies have examined the relationship between metabolic disease history or elevated metabolic syndrome indicators and sarcopenia, limited evidence exists regarding the association between metabolic indicators within reference ranges and sarcopenia in the absence of metabolic disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome indicators within reference ranges and the presence or absence of possible sarcopenia, as well as changes in these indicators over a four-year period, in women aged ≥65 years. Methods: A total of 224 community-dwelling women aged ≥65 years from M City and O Town who participated in health check-ups were included (approval no. 20MH017, 1 October 2020). Data were collected on height, body weight, and metabolic indicators (triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and HbA1c) at baseline and after four years. Physical performance was assessed using calf circumference, grip strength, and the five-time sit-to-stand test. Possible sarcopenia was defined according to AWGS2019 criteria. Results: Higher baseline HDL cholesterol levels were found to be protective against possible sarcopenia. An increase in triglyceride levels over four years was also associated with a reduced likelihood of possible sarcopenia. Conclusions: Maintaining high HDL cholesterol levels and increasing or preserving triglyceride levels may contribute to the prevention of sarcopenia in older women with metabolic indicators within reference ranges.