MRI-Based Phenotyping for Osteosarcopenic Adiposity in Subjects from a Population-Based Cohort

Area of Science:

• Biomedical imaging
• Body composition analysis
• Metabolic health

Background:

• Osteosarcopenic adiposity (OSA) involves bone, muscle, and fat abnormalities.
• Current diagnostic methods for OSA components can be limited.
• Novel imaging biomarkers are needed for comprehensive OSA assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utility of MRI-derived biomarkers for bone, muscle, and fat in phenotyping OSA.
• To explore the association of these biomarkers with metabolic health indicators.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, population-based case-control study.
• Whole-body 3 Tesla MRI scans to assess bone marrow fat-fraction (BMFF), skeletal muscle fat-fraction (SMFF), and total adipose tissue (TAT).
• Phenotypic allocation based on OSA complex criteria.

Main Results:

• 81 participants (22.3%) were classified within the OSA subgroup, characterized by older age and higher SMFF.
• OSA participants showed elevated BMFF and BMI, particularly when combined with other adiposity indicators.
• The OSA subgroup exhibited higher prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis.

Conclusions:

• MRI biomarkers for bone, muscle, and fat are feasible for body composition phenotyping.
• These imaging biomarkers can aid in targeted risk stratification for suspected OSA syndrome.
• This approach offers a comprehensive view of OSA components and associated metabolic risks.