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Relationship between leptin levels and bone mineral density in the elderly
Elena Zoico1, Mauro Zamboni, Silvano Adami
1Cattedra di Geriatria, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy. mzamboni@univr.it
Clinical Endocrinology
|June 17, 2003
Summary
This study found that leptin levels are significantly linked to bone mineral content and density in elderly individuals. Higher leptin is associated with better bone health, independent of body fat.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Circulating leptin levels and their influence on bone health are of growing interest.
- Understanding factors affecting bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) is crucial for elderly populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma leptin concentrations and bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly men and women.
- To determine if leptin is an independent predictor of bone health in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 92 men and 171 healthy elderly participants (aged 68-75).
- Measurements included plasma leptin levels, body composition via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and BMC/BMD at various skeletal sites.
Main Results:
- A significant relationship was observed between fat mass and whole-body BMC/BMD, which was attenuated by leptin adjustment.
- Circulating leptin levels were significantly associated with whole-body, total hip, and femoral neck BMC and BMD in both sexes.
- Leptin independently predicted BMC and BMD, particularly in women, accounting for significant variance.
Conclusions:
- Leptin is significantly related to bone mineral mass and density in healthy elderly men and women.
- Leptin may play an independent role in maintaining bone health in aging populations.