title: Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with low muscle strength and functional limitations in older persons.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current study aimed to examine homocysteine in relation to different aspects of physical functioning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional and longitudinal data (3-years follow-up) from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were used. The study was performed in persons aged ≥ 65 years (N= 1301 after imputation).
  
  
  METHODS
  Different measures of physical functioning, including muscle mass, grip strength, functional limitations, and falling were regarded as outcomes. Gender and serum creatinine level were investigated as effect modifiers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results were stratified by gender. In men, higher homocysteine levels were associated with lower grip strength (Quartile 4: regression coefficient (B)= -3.07 (-4.91; -1.22)), and more functional limitations at baseline (Quartile 4: B= 1.15 (0.16-2.14)). In women, higher homocysteine levels were associated with more functional limitations after 3 years (Quartile 4: B= 1.19 (0.25; 2.13)). Higher homocysteine levels were not associated with low muscle mass or falling.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data suggest an inverse association of homocysteine levels with functional limitations in older men and women, and with muscle strength in older men.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands. k.swart@vumc.nl
authors.forename: K M A
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Swart
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: van Schoor
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Heymans
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Schaap
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: den Heijer
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lips
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D016138:Walking
chemical_list: D006710:Homocysteine; D003404:Creatinine