Abstract 12981: Association of Serum Growth Differentiation Factor-15 With Egfr, Hemoglobin and Sarcopenia in Healthy Community-dwelling Older Females

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia and sarcopenia with renal dysfunction caused by cytokine imbalance can contribute to decreased quality of life for older individuals. Several studies showed that serum GDF-15 level, a member of the TGF-β cytokine superfamily, was negatively correlated with eGFR. In this study, we examined the association of GDF-15 with eGFR, hemoglobin (Hb) and sarcopenia in healthy community-dwelling older females. Methods: A total of 66 healthy older community-dwelling females (age: 75.8 ± 6.2 years) were enrolled for this study. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) by bioelectrical impedance analysis, hand-grip strength and walking speed were assessed, and sarcopenia was evaluated. Serum GDF-15 concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hb, serum iron (Fe), serum albumin (Alb) and high-sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were measured and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated. Multiple linear regression analyses with serum GDF-15 concentration, eGFR and Hb as the dependent variable were performed to identify influencing independent factors. Results: Among the study subjects, 4 (6%) had sarcopenia. The serum GDF-15 level was positively correlated with age (r = 0.486, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with walking speed (r = -0.363, p = 0.003), but there was no correlation between GDF-15 level and hand-grip strength or SMI. Serum GDF-15 level was also negatively correlated with eGFR (r = -0.535, p < 0.001) and serum Fe level, but had no correlation with hsCRP, Hb or Alb levels. In multiple regression analysis, eGFR and Hb were independent variables to predict serum GDF-15 level, even after adjusting for age and body mass index (eGFR: β = -0.423, p <0.001; Hb: β = -0.363, p=0.004). Serum GDF-15 level was an independent variable to predict eGFR and Hb. Conclusions: Serum GDF-15 level was negatively correlated with eGFR, although it had no correlation with muscle strength or mass. Both Hb and eGFR were predictors for serum GDF-15 concentration in healthy older females. In these community-dwelling older females, renal dysfunction via GDF-15 might be accompanied by anemia, but not sarcopenia.