Adiponectin is associated with low bone mineral density in elderly men

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Bone Metabolism
• Gerontology

Background:

• Adiponectin, a hormone secreted by adipose tissue, is implicated in bone metabolism.
• Previous studies indicated a negative correlation between adiponectin and bone mineral density (BMD) in women.
• The relationship between adiponectin and BMD in men, especially elderly men, remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between adiponectin levels and BMD in elderly men.
• To determine if body mass index (BMI) influences the relationship between adiponectin and BMD in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 92 healthy men aged 60-80 years.
• Adiponectin levels were measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA).
• BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Main Results:

• A significant negative correlation was observed between adiponectin levels and BMD at both the lumbar spine (r=-0.209, P<0.05) and femoral neck (r=-0.237, P<0.001).
• These correlations were attenuated after adjusting for BMI.
• The association remained significant in men with BMI >27 kg/m², but not in those with BMI ≤27 kg/m².
• Multiple regression analysis indicated adiponectin was a significant determinant of spinal BMD in men with BMI >27 kg/m².

Conclusions:

• Elderly men exhibit a negative association between adiponectin levels and BMD.
• This relationship is more pronounced in men with a BMI greater than 27 kg/m².
• Findings suggest an interplay between adipose tissue and bone metabolism in older men.