European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background/Aim: Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and strength with a risk of adverse clinical outcomes such as physical disability, reduced quality of life, and death. Oxidative stress and inflammatory processes are known as factors that trigger sarcopenia by releasing the catabolic stimuli of IL-6. Based on this we study the dynamics of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in elderly sarcopenia in Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar.Method: This study was an analytic cross-sectional design conducted at the Geriatric Polyclinic of Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar in March-June 2020. The assessed variables were degree of sarcopenia (probable sarcopenia, sarcopenia, dan severe sarcopenia) based on The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) criteria, age, sex, number of comorbids, and IL-6 levels examination. Statistical analysis was performed by descriptive statistical calculations and frequency distribution as well as the Independent-t statistical test, and Anova test. Results: Studied from 82 subjects (51 females, 62.2%) with the mean of 68.95 years of age. The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 40.2%, sarcopenia 8.5%, severe sarcopenia 6.1%, and normal 45.1%. IL-6 levels were found to be significantly increased according to the severity of sarcopenia (normal, 52.81 ng/; probable sarcopenia, 67.47 ug/L; sarcopenia, 135.36 ng/L; and severe sarcopenia, 287.99 ng/L). Based on age, IL-6 levels increased significantly with age (60-74 years, 63.28 ng/L; 75 years, 139.35 ng/L). Based on the number of comorbids, IL-6 levels increased significantly according to the number of comorbids (1-3 comorbids, 52.86 ng/L; 4 comorbids (120.84 ng/L). Conclusion: In the elderly subject, IL-6 levels increases according to the severity of sarcopenia. IL-6 levels also increases with age, and the number of comorbids.