Ultrasound bone measurement in an older population with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis are recognized as major public health problems in many countries. This study investigated the association between bone quality and components of metabolic syndrome in an elderly population.

The study included a population sample of 211 men and women, of mean age 77.9 ± 4.5 years. Anthropometry, blood pressure, serum levels of lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), triglycerides and glucose were measured, and ultrasound bone densitometry was performed in all subjects. Information on lifestyle habits, including physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption, were obtained by a questionnaire.

Metabolic syndrome, defined by the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation, was determined in 59% of men and 65% of women. The quantitative ultrasound index (QUI) was significantly correlated with serum glucose in men (r=-0.31; p=0.005) and with body mass index (BMI) in women (r=0.39; p<0.0001). QUI was significantly lower in men with metabolic syndrome (F=7.57; p<0.007) and significantly higher in women with it (F=6.47; p=0.012) compared with controls. When QUI was adjusted for body mass index in women and for serum glucose in men, it was no longer significantly different from values for controls. Other covariates such as cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, alcohol, and physical activity did not change the difference in QUI between patients with metabolic syndrome and controls. Diabetes in men (p=0.005) and obesity and waist circumference in women (p<0.05) were also significant predictors of QUI in regression analysis.

The association between metabolic syndrome and bone stiffness in elderly people may be explained by increased BMI in women and high serum glucose in men.