Inter-relationships of circulating plasma metabolites, intermuscular fat, and processing speed: Health ABC Study
2024

Intermuscular Fat and Processing Speed in Older Adults

Sample size: 2388 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Xu Richard, Marron Megan, Yao Shanshan, Kim Seyoung, Shah Ravi, Murthy Venkatesh, Newman Anne, Rosano Caterina

Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh

Hypothesis

Higher intermuscular fat is associated with worse processing speed in older adults.

Conclusion

The study suggests that certain metabolites may help explain the negative relationship between intermuscular fat and processing speed.

Supporting Evidence

  • Higher intermuscular fat was associated with worse processing speed.
  • 66 metabolites were associated with both intermuscular fat and processing speed.
  • 24 metabolites significantly attenuated the association between intermuscular fat and processing speed.

Takeaway

Older people with more fat between their muscles tend to think slower, and some substances in their blood might explain why.

Methodology

The study assessed 613 plasma metabolites in participants using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and analyzed the data with linear regression and mediation analyses.

Participant Demographics

Average age 74.7 years, 50% men, 63% white.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Confidence Interval

(-0.12, -0.03)

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3667

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