Abstract
Background Loss of muscle mass with age may be a key player in metabolic dysregulation. Objective To examine associations between abdominal muscle area and density with lipids and lipoproteins. Methods 1868 adults completed health history and physical activity questionnaires, provided venous blood samples for lipids and inflammatory biomarkers, and underwent computed tomography to quantify body composition. Associations between muscle area and density with multiple lipid measures were assessed with multivariable linear and logistic regression. Results The mean age and body mass index of participants was 65 years and 28 kg·m2, respectively, and 50% were female. After adjustment for demographics, cardiovascular disease risk factors, lipid-lowering medications, physical activity, sedentary behavior, inflammatory biomarkers and central obesity, a 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in total abdominal, stability, and locomotor muscle areas were associated with a 13%, 11%, and 8% lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, respectively (p<0.05). With similar adjustment, a 1-SD increase in total abdominal and stability muscle area was associated with a 13% and 12% lower total cholesterol level, respectively (p<0.01). Compared to the lowest quartiles of total, stability and locomotor muscle area, those in the higher quartiles of muscle area had over a 40% reduction in the odds of triglyceride levels greater than 150 mg/dl (p<0.05). Total abdominal muscle density was positively associated with total cholesterol (p<0.05) but was not associated with the other lipid outcomes. Conclusion Maintaining adequate skeletal muscle mass with age may decrease specific lipid levels related to hyperlipidemia and development of cardiometabolic disease.