J Aging Res. 2012;2012:172957. doi: 10.1155/2012/172957. Epub 2012 May 14.

Intermuscular adipose tissue is muscle specific and associated with poor functional performance.

Journal of aging research

Lori J Tuttle, David R Sinacore, Michael J Mueller

PMID: 22666591 PMCID: PMC3361226 DOI: 10.1155/2012/172957

Abstract

Purpose. People with obesity, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy have high levels of intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) volume which has been inversely related to physical function. We determined if IMAT is muscle specific, if calf IMAT is different between a healthy obese group (HO), a group with diabetes mellitus (D), and a group with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy (DN), and if IMAT volume or the ratio of IMAT/muscle volume is related to physical function in these groups. Methods. 10 healthy obese people, 11 with type 2 diabetes, 24 with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, had assessments of muscle morphology, physical function and muscle performance. Results. The gastrocnemius muscle had a higher ratio of IMAT/muscle volume than any other muscle or compartment. There were no differences between groups in calf muscle or IMAT volumes. Calf IMAT was inversely related to physical performance on the 6-minute walk test (r = -0.47) and physical performance test (r = -0.36). IMAT/muscle volume was inversely related to physical performance (PPT, r = -0.44; 6 MW r = -0.48; stair power, r = -0.30). Conclusions. IMAT accumulation varies in calf muscles, is highest in the gastrocnemius muscle, and is associated with poor physical performance.

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Publication Types

• Journal Article

Grant support

• R21 HD058938/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States
• T32 HD007434/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States
• UL1 RR024992/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States