11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1) gene expression in muscle is linked to reduced skeletal muscle index in sarcopenic patients

Abstract Background Glucocorticoids play a significant role in metabolic processes and pathways that impact muscle size, mass, and function. The expression of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1) has been previously described as a major regulator of skeletal muscle function in glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy and aging humans. Our study aimed to investigate glucocorticoid metabolism, including the expression of HSD11B1 in skeletal muscle, in patients with sarcopenia. Methods Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle of thirty-three patients over 60 years of age with hip fractures. Sarcopenia status was assessed according to the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2. Skeletal muscle mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cortisol and cortisone concentrations were measured in serum. Gene expression analysis of HSD11B1, NR3C1 , FBXO32, and TRIM63 in muscle biopsies was performed. Serial cross sections of skeletal muscle were labeled with myosin heavy chain slow (fiber type-1) and fast (fiber type-2) antibodies. Results The study included 33 patients (21 women) with a mean age of 82.5 ± 6.3 years, 17 patients revealed sarcopenic ( n = 16 non-sarcopenic). Serum cortisone concentrations were negatively correlated with muscle mass ( ß = − 0.425; p = 0.034) and type-2 fiber diameter ( ß = − 0.591; p = 0.003). Gene expression of HSD11B1 ( ß = − 0.673; p = 0.008) showed a negative correlation with muscle mass in the sarcopenic group. A significant correlation was found for the non-sarcopenic group for NR3C1 ( ß = 0.548; p = 0.028) and muscle mass. Conclusion These findings suggest a pathogenetic role of HSD11B1 in sarcopenic muscle.