Circulating biomarkers in older adults with and without sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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ID: 315049
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Background Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, poses a significant health and economic burden. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates circulating biomarkers (activin A, follistatin, growth differentiation factor (GDF-15), myostatin, growth hormone, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), free and total testosterone) that may be associated with sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to June 2025. Studies included adults without major comorbidities aged >60 years with sarcopenia defined by established consensus. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed via I2 and meta-regressions, while Egger’s test was employed for publication bias. Results From 3488 records, 26 observational studies were included (n = 1345 adults with sarcopenia, 48.3% females, mean age 67.9—88.1 years). Adults with sarcopenia showed elevated GDF-15 (k = 5, SMD: 0.26, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.03—0.50, I2 = 64%, P = 0.03) and reduced IGF-1 (k = 11, SMD: -0.40, 95%CI: -0.54 – -0.27, I2 = 36%, P < 0.01) compared to controls without sarcopenia. No significant differences were found between groups for the other circulating biomarkers. Conclusions Elevated circulating IGF-1 and, to a lesser extent GDF-15, may be promising biomarkers for sarcopenia. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to address heterogeneity and causality in this field.
Reference Key
openalex_W7162560961 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Konstantinos Prokopidis, Colleen S. Deane, Z. Baoubbou, Charlotte Beaudart
Journal the journals of gerontology series a, biological sciences and medical sciences
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/gerona/glag140
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glag140
Keywords Keywords not found

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