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Relation between bone mineral density, biological markers and anthropometric measures in 4-year-old children: a pilot
B Tubić1, P Magnusson, D Swolin-Eide
1Department of Paediatrics, Institute for Clinical Sciences, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden. bojan.tubic@gu.se
Insights
This study found that overweight 4-year-old children have different bone mineral density (BMD) and that adiponectin levels are inversely related to bone mass. Adiponectin may play a key role in bone development in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
- Childhood Obesity
Background:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for skeletal health.
- Understanding factors influencing BMD in early childhood is important for long-term health outcomes.
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern with potential implications for bone development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between BMD, anthropometric characteristics, and metabolic markers in 4-year-old Swedish children.
- To investigate the role of adiponectin and other biological markers in bone development.
- To compare bone health parameters between normal-weight and overweight/obese children.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study involving 41 Swedish children (28 boys) aged 4 years.
- Measurements included anthropometry, blood samples, and heel dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXL).
- Participants were categorized into normal-weight (n=28) and overweight/obese (n=13) groups.
Main Results:
- Overweight children exhibited significant differences in bone mineral content (BMC), BMD, and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) compared to normal-weight children.
- Positive correlations were observed between BMC, BMD, BMAD and body mass index (BMI) standard deviation scores, waist circumference, and subscapular skinfold.
- Adiponectin showed a significant inverse correlation with BMC, BMD, and BMAD, and was identified as an independent determinant of these bone parameters.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to assess BMD using heel-DXL in relation to anthropometry and metabolic markers in 4-year-old children.
- Adiponectin levels were inversely correlated with bone mass parameters, suggesting a potential role in bone development.
- Adiponectin may independently influence bone development and metabolism in young children.
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD), anthropometric characteristics, levels of biological markers for growth, bone turnover, insulin resistance and fat mass in 4-year-old Swedish children.
Methods:
Descriptive study with 41 children (28 boys) who had anthropometric measurements and blood samples taken and heel dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and laser (DXL) performed. The study participants were divided into groups of normal-weight (n=28) and overweight or obese (n=13) children.
Results:
There was a significant difference in bone mineral content (BMC), BMD and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) between overweight and normal-weight children. There was a significant positive correlation between BMC, BMD, BMAD and body mass index standard deviation scores (r=0.36, 0.34 and 0.29, P<0.01, respectively), waist circumference (r=0.32, 0.30, P<0.01 and r=0.26, P<0.05, respectively) and subscapular skinfold (r=0.26, 0.25 and 0.23, P<0.05, respectively). BMC and BMD correlated significantly with the sum of skinfold measures (r=0.25 and 0.23, P<0.05, respectively). Adiponectin was significantly inversely correlated with BMC, BMD and BMAD (r=-0.41, -0.40 and -0.41, P<0.01, respectively). Adiponectin was not correlated with skinfold measures. Multiple regression analysis revealed that adiponectin was an independent determinant of BMD, BMC and BMAD.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating BMD assessed by heel-DXL in relation to anthropometry and metabolic markers in 4-year-old children. Adiponectin was significantly inversely correlated with bone mass parameters. Adiponectin may have an independent role in bone development and metabolism in young children.
