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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
NHANES data analysis of the cardiometabolic index in relation to lumbar spine bone mineral density
Rui Zhu1, Chao-Ren Deng1, Shao-Ping Wu2
1School of Laboratory Medicine. Chengdu Medical College.
Insights
The cardiometabolic index (CMI) is inversely correlated with lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) in U.S. adults. Higher CMI values, particularly below 0.797, are associated with decreased bone density, indicating a potential risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Health
- Bone Metabolism
- Public Health Research
Background:
- Cardiometabolic index (CMI) is an indicator of metabolic health.
- Lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) is crucial for skeletal integrity.
- Understanding factors influencing LSBMD is vital for preventing osteoporosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between CMI and LSBMD in U.S. adults.
- To identify potential thresholds and patterns in this association.
- To assess the consistency of this relationship across different demographic and health subgroups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2011-2018).
- Employed logistic regression, restricted cubic spline models, and threshold effect analysis.
- Adjusted for various confounders including age, BMI, and chronic disease status; conducted subgroup analyses.
Main Results:
- A significant inverse correlation was observed between CMI and LSBMD (for each unit increase in CMI, LSBMD decreased by 0.011 g/cm²).
- A threshold effect was identified at CMI = 0.797, with a stronger negative correlation below this value.
- The inverse relationship was generally consistent across subgroups but showed instability in specific groups (e.g., older adults, certain ethnicities, individuals with diabetes).
Conclusions:
- A non-linear inverse correlation exists between CMI and LSBMD.
- CMI may be a contributing factor to decreased bone mineral density, especially within a specific range.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and implications in diverse populations.
Introduction:
Objective: to investigate the correlation between cardiometabolic index (CMI) and lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) in U.S. adults. Methods: the study selected eligible participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2011 to 2018. After adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), liver function markers, kidney function markers, blood routine indicators, metabolic markers, and chronic disease status, a logistic regression model combined with a restricted cubic spline model, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect analysis was used to examine the association between CMI and LSBMD. Subgroup analysis was performed to verify the robustness of the results. Result: among the 3,885 participants, for each unit increase in CMI, LSBMD decreased by 0.011 g/cm². Additionally, a turning point was identified at CMI = 0.797. When CMI was below 0.797, LSBMD decreased as CMI increased, showing a strong negative correlation (β = -0.077, 95 % CI: -0.097 to -0.058, p < 0.001). However, beyond this threshold, the relationship between CMI and LSBMD was no longer significant. Subgroup analysis revealed that the negative correlation between CMI and BMD was consistent across most subgroups (such as gender, BMI, hypertension, and high cholesterol), but instability was observed in subgroups such as individuals aged 51-59, Mexican Americans, non-Hispanic Blacks, and those with diabetes. Conclusion: there exists a non-linear inverse correlation with CMI and LSBMD, showing that CMI could be a potential contributing factor for decreased bone mineral density, with a more pronounced effect within a specific range.

