Correlation between inflammatory markers with physical function and body composition in community older adults: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Aging is associated with various chronic diseases that cause systemic inflammation, characterized by an increase in blood levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Physical function and body composition may be related to these inflammatory markers in older adults. Objective: To analyze the correlation between blood inflammatory markers, physical function and body composition in community -dwelling older adults. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 242 community -dwelling older adults (mean age was 68 +/- 6 years for males and 70 +/- 6 years for females; the percentage of men was 36.6% and 69.4% of women) from the city of Londrina, Brazil. Blood levels of IL -6 and TNF-alpha were analyzed with flow cytometry. For the physical evaluation, static balance was measured with the one -legged stance test (OLS), handgrip strength (HGS) using a digital dynamometer and aerobic capacity with the six -minute walk test (6MWT). For the evaluation of body composition, the following perimeters were considered: hip, calf, quadriceps, biceps brachii, triceps brachii and waist. The correlation of inflammatory variables with those of physical function and body composition was analyzed using Pearson or Spearman with SPSS version 22 software. Results: IL -6 levels were correlated with OLS (r: -0.22; p:0.002), triceps circumference (r: 0.16; p:0.023) and waist circumference (r: 0.34; p:0.000). TNF-alpha levels were correlated with HGS (r: -0.15; p:0.035), triceps circumference (r: 1.79; p:0.012) and waist circumference (r: 0.27; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Inflammatory biomarkers are related to low muscle strength, static balance, and an increase in triceps and waist circumference.