Inflammatory markers and physical performance among nonagenarians.
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have suggested that inflammation may play an important role in aging and the development of disabilities, but knowledge about its importance in the development of muscle weakness and functional disabilities in very old people is limited. This study examined associations between inflammatory markers and physical performance among nonagenarians.


METHODS
The population-based sample consisted of 197 women and 65 men aged 90 years. Physical performance was assessed according to the Barthel Index, the chair stand, and handgrip strength. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined.


RESULTS
A gender-adjusted linear regression model showed that high levels of CRP, IL-6, and IL-1Ra were significantly associated with poor handgrip strength (p = .041, p = .023, p < .001, respectively). After adjustment for diseases, smoking and physical exercise high levels of IL-6 and IL-1Ra were still significantly associated with poor hand grip strength (p = .048, p = .004, respectively). In the gender-adjusted model, high levels of CRP, IL-6, and IL-1Ra were significantly associated with a worse Barthel Index (p = .009, p = .004, p = .004, respectively). High levels of CRP and IL-6 were still significantly associated with a worse Barthel Index after adjusted for diseases, smoking and physical exercise (p = .034, p = .041, respectively). In the chair stand, no significant association with inflammatory markers was found.


CONCLUSIONS
Associations between high levels of inflammatory markers and worse handgrip strength as well as a worse Barthel Index result were evident among nonagenarians. However, the association with the chair stand was not significant.
Tiainen
Kristina
K
Tampere School of Public Health, University of Tampere, FI-33014 University of Tampere, Finland. kristina.tiainen@uta.fi
Hurme
Mikko
M
Hervonen
Antti
A
Luukkaala
Tiina
T
Jylhä
Marja
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood*; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein / Q000097:blood*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies
D015415:Biomarkers; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D015850:Interleukin-6; D002097:C-Reactive Protein