Infliximab reverses inflammatory muscle wasting (sarcopenia) in Crohn's disease

Date

2015

Authors

Subramaniam, Kavitha
Fallon, Kieran
Ruut, Tom
Lane, D
McKay, R.
Shadbolt, Bruce
Ang, S.
Cook, Matthew
Platten, J.
Pavli, Paul

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract

Background Muscle wasting or sarcopenia arising from chronic inflammation is found in 60% of patients with Crohn's disease. Transcriptional protein NF-κB reduces muscle formation through MyoD transcription and increases muscle breakdown by proteolysis. Aim As TNF is a potent activator of NF-κB, and anti-TNF agent infliximab (IFX) prevents NF-κB activation, to determine whether or not Crohn's patients treated with IFX gain muscle volume and strength. Methods We performed a prospective, repeated-measures cohort study in adult Crohn's disease patients with an acute disease flare. Patients were instructed not to vary diet or activity. Concomitant medications were kept stable. At week 1 (pre-treatment), week 16 (post-IFX induction) and week 25 (post-first IFX maintenance dose), we assessed (i) MRI volume of quadriceps femoris at anatomical mid-thigh; (ii) maximal concentric quadriceps contractions strength at three specific speeds of contraction; (iii) physical activity by validated instrument (IPAQ); (iv) Three-day food record of intake and composition (food-weighing method); (v) Serum levels of IL6. Results Nineteen patients (58% female; mean age 33.2 ± 10.7 years) were recruited. IFX increased muscle volume in both legs from baseline (right, 1505 cm3) to week 25 (right, 1569 cm3; P = 0.010). IFX also increased muscle strength in both legs from baseline (right 30°/s, 184.8 Nm) to week 25 (right 30°/s, 213.6 Nm; P = 0.002). Muscle volume gain correlated with male gender (P = 0.003). Significant gains in muscle volume and strength were unrelated to prednisolone use. Serum IL6 levels decreased by week 25 (P = 0.037). Conclusion The anti-TNF agent infliximab reverses inflammatory sarcopenia in patients with Crohn's disease.

Description

Keywords

C reactive protein, immunomodulating agent, infliximab, interleukin 6, mesalazine, prednisolone, autacoid, immunoglobulin enhancer binding protein, infliximab, monoclonal antibody, tumor necrosis factor alpha, acute disease, adult, aged, Article, caloric

Citation

Source

Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics

Type

Journal article

Book Title

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2037-12-31