Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Relationship between intima-media thickness and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study
Afshin Mohammadi1, Kamran Shateri2, Farhad Behzadi1
1Department of Radiology, Solid Tumor Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences Urmia 5716763111, Iran.
Insights
This study found a negative correlation between bone mineral density and carotid intima media thickness in postmenopausal women, suggesting a link between osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to explore this connection.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis are leading causes of mortality in postmenopausal women.
- Existing research suggests a potential negative correlation between these two conditions.
- This study investigates the relationship between bone mineral density and carotid intima media thickness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in postmenopausal women.
- To explore the potential link between osteoporosis and atherosclerosis through these markers.
Main Methods:
- 136 postmenopausal women were included in the study.
- Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) was measured using High Resolution B-mode Ultrasonography.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed at the lumbar spine and femoral neck via Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry.
Main Results:
- Osteoporotic women exhibited a significantly higher mean CIMT (0.7±0.1 mm) compared to non-osteoporotic women (0.6±0.1 mm).
- A significant negative correlation was observed between CIMT and BMD T-scores for both the lumbar spine (r=-0.35) and femoral neck (r=-0.23).
- A significant negative correlation was also found between CIMT and the lumbar spine Z-score (r=-0.27).
Conclusions:
- Bone mineral density and carotid intima media thickness are negatively correlated in postmenopausal women.
- This finding supports a potential relationship between osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.
- Further research is required to elucidate the underlying pathways connecting these two conditions.
Background:
Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis are two conditions that confer the major cause of mortality and morbidity in postmenopausal women. Several studies have suggested that these two conditions are negatively correlated by a common pathway. The aim of our study was to show a relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), as two factors that are directly related to osteoporosis and atherosclerosis respectively.
Methods:
The study group consisted of 136 postmenopausal women that presented at the Radiology Clinic of our hospital for BMD measurements. The CIMT was measured using High Resolution B mode Ultrasonography; BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck using Dual-energy X-Ray Absorptiometry.
Results:
The mean IMT value in osteoporotic women (0.7±0.1 mm) was significantly higher compared to non-osteoporotic women (0.6±0.1 mm, P < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between CIMT and the T score of lumbar spine (r=-0.35; P < 0.001) and femoral neck (r=-0.23, P < 0.001), as well as Z score of the lumbar spine (r=-0.27, P=0.004). No significant correlation was found between CIMT and Z score of the femoral neck.
Conclusion:
Our study shows that bone mineral density and carotid intima media thickness are negatively correlated, thus showing a possible relationship between osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. However, more research is necessary to determine the pathway that connects these two conditions.
More Related Videos
06:59Author Spotlight: An Economic and Efficient Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Bone Microarchitecture in a Murine Osteoporosis Model
Published on: September 8, 2023
10:39Longitudinal Evaluation of Mouse Hind Limb Bone Loss After Spinal Cord Injury using Novel, in vivo, Methodology
Published on: December 7, 2011
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:40Bone Remodeling
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...