Relationship between Serum Fractalkine (CX3CL1) Level and Sarcopenia

Introduction: Aging affects muscle mass, bone mineral density, and fat tissue, causing changes in body composition. Preserving muscle mass, as well as muscle function and strength, is important for individuals to be independent in daily life activities and to be able to do their work in old age. The current study aimed to determine the changes that may occur in fractalkine levels in sarcopenic individuals. Methods: The research was conducted between April and October 2024 on individuals aged 60 and over who applied to the Geriatrics Polyclinics of SBU Konya City Hospital and agreed to participate in the research. The groups in the study were composed of healthy controls, probable sarcopenic, sarcopenic, and severe sarcopenic patients. Results: A significant decrease was determined in both muscle mass and hand grip strength in sarcopenic patients compared to healthy controls. At the same time, sarcopenic patients have low fractalkine values. Discussion: The results of the current study indicate that sarcopenic patients experience significant decreases in physical performance due to a decline in muscle mass. In addition, suppression was detected in the values ​​of fractalkine, a myokine secreted from muscle, in the patients in question. Conclusion: The study's results show that decreasing muscle mass with age causes a significant decrease in serum fractalkine levels.