Visceral Adipose Tissue Is Strongly Associated With Bone Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women

In postmenopausal women, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) may have negative effects on bone turnover markers, according to the results of a recent study presented at ObesityWeek 2020.

The researchers examined the impact of body composition through body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), and VAT on bone turnover in postmenopausal women without osteoporosis to further understand factors of bone quality in this population.

A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 34 women. All participants were between the ages 50 to 65 years and had onset of menopause within the last 5 years.

As part of the study, participants’ fasting serum were examined via blood sample. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was utilized to measure body composition and BMD at the femoral neck, hip, and lumbar spine. Osteocalcin (OC), a bone formation biomarker, and C-terminal telopeptides of Type I collagen (CTX-I), a bone resorption biomarker, were then measured through the use of the serum concentrations. In this study, a t-score of less than -1 defined osteopenia.

Of the 34 total participants, 24 had osteopenia. The results indicated that the average BMI was significantly higher in participants with normal BMD (26.6 kg/m2) compared with those with osteopenia (23.9 kg/m2). No significant associations were identified between BMI, total fat, or percent body fat and CTX-I or OC. A positive correlation was identified between CTX-I and OC.

However, a significant negative association was identified between VAT and CTX-I. This association was stronger among participants with osteopenia. OC was also negatively associated with VAT and BMI among women with osteopenia.

“There was a significant inverse association of VAT and bone turnover biomarkers among those with osteopenia,” the researchers concluded. “High VAT may reduce bone remodeling; however, further studies are needed to determine if this association impacts bone quality in postmenopausal women.”

—Leigh Precopio

Reference:

Nesbeth PDC, Pacifici R, Roberts DL, et al. Associations of visceral adipose tissue with bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women. Paper presented at: ObesityWeek 2020; November 2-6, 2020; Virtual. https://tos.planion.com/Web.User/AbstractDet?ACCOUNT=TOS&ABSID=23085&CONF=OW2020&ssoOverride=OFF&CKEY=