Essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids are associated with skeletal muscle and inflammatory parameters in older age

Abstract

Aging is associated with a decline in muscle mass and function, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. Amino acid profiling has emerged as a potential tool for assessing skeletal muscle health. This study examines the associations between fasting plasma amino acids, muscle function, and inflammation in healthy older and young adults. Data from 131 participants (101 older adults, 71.5±4.9 years; 30 young adults, 25.5±3.9 years) were analyzed. Skeletal muscle mass was assessed using bioimpedance analysis, and hand grip strength was measured with a dynamometer. Plasma amino acids, kynurenine, and inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) were quantified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and commercial immunosorbent assays, respectively. Older adults exhibited lower levels of glutamic acid, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, kynurenine, and kynurenine-to-tryptophan (KYN:TRP) ratio compared to younger individuals (all p

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