Figure 6.

Working hypothesis on the diagnostic roles of c-GDF15 and SM-GDF15. Higher levels of SM-GDF15 and lower levels of c-GDF15 are observed in healthy subjects with functional muscles, and are associated with reduced inflammation, higher muscle strength and higher Adiponectin levels. Lower SM-GDF15 and higher c-GDF15 levels, on the contrary, are observed in patients with LLMI, with atrophic and weak muscles, and are associated with increased inflammation, higher IL6 levels and lower IGF-1 levels and muscle strength.