[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Although inflammation can arise due to injury or infection, chronic inflammation can occur in older age due to ageing processes within the immune system. Older people with higher levels of chronic inflammation are likely to have weaker muscles and lower muscle mass, according to a new study carried out at the University of Southampton.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Scientists from the University’s Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit (MRC LEU) examined the relationship between levels of inflammation in early old age and grip strength, muscle mass and walking speed a decade later. Participants were 336 men and women (aged 59-70 years when inflammation was assessed) from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The study, published in Calcified Tissue International and Musculoskeletal Research, showed that higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were related to lower grip strength and higher levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) were associated with lower muscle mass. CRP and IL-8 are both markers of higher inflammation.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In addition, the study found that higher IL-8 was also associated with increased risk of sarcopenia (a combination of low muscle mass and either weak grip strength and/or slow walking speed).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”page_margin_top_section”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Lead author, Mr Leo Westbury, researcher at the University of Southampton, said “This study highlights the importance of inflammation in the development of sarcopenia and its components”.

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Professor Cyrus Cooper, Director of the MRC LEU, said: “Lower strength in older age is a leading cause of disability worldwide and has huge economic costs for society. These results will inform the development of lifecourse intervention strategies to promote maintenance, and reduce loss, of muscle strength in later life.”

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”page_margin_top_section”][vc_column][vc_column_text]The study was funded by the Medical Research Council.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top_margin=”page_margin_top_section”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Notes for editors[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”reflist”]

1. The paper, Relationships Between Markers of Inflammation and Muscle Mass, Strength and Function: Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, is published in Calcified Tissue International and Musculoskeletal Research, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-017-0354-4
2. Professor Cyrus Cooper is available for interview. Contact the press office with your request
3. Through world-leading research and enterprise activities, the University of Southampton connects with businesses to create real-world solutions to global issues. Through its educational offering, it works with partners around the world to offer relevant, flexible education, which trains students for jobs not even thought of. This connectivity is what sets Southampton apart from the rest; we make connections and change the world. http://www.southampton.ac.uk/

 

http://www.southampton.ac.uk/weareconnected

 

 

For further information contact:Becky Attwood, Media Relations, University of Southampton, Tel: 023 8059 5457, email: r.attwood@southampton.ac.uk[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]