Advanced Glycation End Product Accumulation Is Associated with Low Skeletal Muscle Mass, Weak Muscle Strength, and Reduced Bone Density: The Nagahama Study

Abstract

Background: The accumulation of advanced glycation end product (AGE) might exert deleterious effects on musculoskeletal properties. Our study aims to clarify this possible association in a large general population. Methods: This study investigated a general population of 9,203 patients (mean age, 57.8 years). Skeletal muscle mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, whereas accumulation of AGEs was assessed by skin autofluorescence (SAF-AGE). The muscle strength of upper and lower limbs and usual gait speed were measured in a portion of older (≥60 years of age) participants (n = 1,934). The speed of sound (SOS) in the calcaneal bone was assessed via a quantitative ultrasound technique. Results: In the total population, the frequency of low skeletal muscle mass linearly increased with the SAF-AGE quartiles (Q1: 14.2%, Q2: 16.1%, Q3: 21.1%, Q4: 24.8%; p