# Fetuin-A as a predicator of sarcopenic left ventricular dysfunction

## TL;DR

This study shows that Fetuin-A levels are higher in elderly people with sarcopenia and are linked to heart function decline.

## Contribution

The study identifies Fetuin-A as a potential biomarker for sarcopenic left ventricular dysfunction in the elderly.

## Key findings

- Fetuin-A levels were significantly higher in sarcopenic elderly patients compared to non-sarcopenic individuals.
- Higher Fetuin-A levels were associated with impaired diastolic and systolic heart functions in sarcopenic patients.
- Older age and impaired diastolic function were also significantly linked to sarcopenic left ventricular dysfunction.

## Abstract

Sarcopenia is an aging condition involving low muscle mass and function. Fetuin-A (FetA) appears to be a factor for body composition remodeling. We hypothesized that age increases FetA levels and deteriorates the myocardial function by affecting diastolic function, especially in people with sarcopenia. We enrolled 541 asymptomatic elderly (≥65 years) patients. Compared with non-sarcopenic population, FetA levels were significantly elevated in the ninety-two (17%) patients (79 ± 6 years; male: 34.7%) diagnosed with sarcopenia (621.1 ± 140.7 vs. 697.3 ± 179.6 μg/ml, < 0.001). Sarcopenic left ventricular dysfunction (S-LVD) was defined by the coexistence of sarcopenia and systolic impairment (LVEF < 50%) and 23 (4.3%) of them met the criteria. Patients with S-LVD showed relatively reduced systolic heart function, higher end-diastolic pressure and a higher FetA level (all p < 0.001) than did those with sarcopenia but without LV dysfunction (S-NLVD). Conversely, in the group without sarcopenia, FetA levels were similar regardless of systolic function. Multivariable logistic regression showed that older age, impaired diastolic function, and higher FetA levels were significantly associated with S-LVD. In conclusion, we found that FetA was significantly higher in elderly patients with sarcopenia, which was associated with impaired diastolic and systolic functions.