動脈硬化リスクとしての骨格筋量の減少

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the relationship between skeletal muscle mass and atherosclerosis risks and determined a cut-off point of muscle mass percentage and atherosclerosis risk by gender. Methods: The study included 4,392 untreated men and 1,116 untreated women who underwent a health checkup. We obtained body composition, blood pressure and blood samples after an overnight fast. Skeletal muscle mass was assessed using a bioelectrical impedance method. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes were defined as atherosclerosis risks. We used percentage of muscle mass as the skeletal muscle mass (%SM). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed for %SM, waist circumference, BMI, percentage of body fat, and age as independent variables, and the number of risks as a dependent variable. ROC analysis was performed to determine the cut-off point of %SM for determining two or more numbers of atherosclerosis risks. Results: The average levels of %SM in the subjects were 32.4±2.3% in men, and 26.4±2.3% in women, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that %SM significantly contributed to the risk for atherosclerosis, followed by age and BMI. ROC analysis showed that the optimal cut-off point of %SM was 32-33% in men and 25-26% in women for determining two or more numbers of atherosclerosis risks. Conclusions: It was suggested that there was a significant relation between a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and atherosclerosis, independent of body composition and age. We also noted a gender difference in terms of the relation of the level of muscle mass decrease and atherosclerosis risk.