Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations are elevated in community-dwelling adults with sarcopenia

Background: The scalability of a blood-based sarcopenia assessment has generated interest in circulating markers that may enhance management strategies. Data regarding the relevance of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a regulator of neuroplasticity, to sarcopenia in community-dwelling adults are scarce. We examined the association between plasma BDNF concentrations, sarcopenia and individual sarcopenia signatures in a well-characterised adult cohort. Methods: Participants included 246 men and women aged 50-82 years (mean age = 63.6 years; 52% female). Muscle strength and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were assessed by hand dynamometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Plasma BDNF concentrations were determined, in duplicate, with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Sarcopenia and individual signatures of sarcopenia (i.e. low grip strength or low SMI) were diagnosed according to the EWGSOP2 algorithm. Results: Plasma BDNF concentrations were 47.6% higher...