The relationship between non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio and bone mineral density: an NHANES study

Area of Science:

• Lipid Metabolism
• Bone Health
• Osteoporosis Research

Background:

• The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) is an emerging lipid parameter.
• Limited research exists on NHHR's association with bone mineral density (BMD) beyond the lumbar spine and its risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between NHHR and BMD at various sites.
• To identify risk factors influencing the NHHR-BMD relationship.
• To enhance understanding of lipid levels' impact on bone health.

Main Methods:

• Utilized National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2011-2018) from 8,671 participants.
• Employed univariate and generalized linear models (GLMs), stratified analysis, and smooth curve fitting.
• Categorized NHHR levels into tertiles (low, medium, high).

Main Results:

• NHHR showed a stratified negative correlation with BMD across multiple sites.
• The association was significant in individuals with low-to-middle BMI (<25 kg/m²), males, and younger age groups (18-30 years).
• NHHR's impact on BMD was more pronounced in males (lumbar spine, total body) and weakened with age.

Conclusions:

• NHHR's effect on BMD is modulated by BMI, gender, and age.
• Controlling NHHR may be a viable strategy for bone health management, especially for at-risk populations.
• Findings provide a novel perspective on lipid-bone metabolism interplay and support personalized osteoporosis strategies.