Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Author Spotlight: An Economic and Efficient Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Bone Microarchitecture in a Murine Osteoporosis Model
Published on: September 8, 2023
Unveiling the wealth-bone connection: How socioeconomic status influences trabecular bone health
Yuan Zhang1, Tingxiao Zhao2, Yanlei Li3
1Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
Background:
Currently, the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and trabecular bone score (TBS) remains unclear. This study uses existing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to test the hypothesis that SES, measured by the poverty income ratio (PIR), is associated with TBS among adults in the United States of America.
Methods:
This study analyzed the relationship between SES and TBS in 7,832 adults using data from the 2005-2008 NHANES. The TBS data were obtained from pre-existing lumbar spine DXA scans collected in the NHANES database. The study employed a multivariable linear regression model, adjusting for various confounding factors, to examine the association between the PIR and TBS. Additionally, demographic characteristics were described, stratified analyses, single factor analysis, smooth curve fitting, and interaction analysis were conducted.
Results:
Results showed that PIR was positively correlated with TBS (β = 0.0019, 95% CI 0.0002-0.0035, P < 0.05), and high-income individuals had a TBS 0.018 higher than low-income individuals (95% CI 0.0106-0.0254, P < 0.001). Smooth curve fitting analysis revealed a linear relationship between PIR and TBS. Stratified analysis showed that this positive correlation was particularly evident among adults aged 50 and older, observed specifically in Mexican Americans and individuals of European and African ancestry.
Conclusions:
Our research shows that there is a significant positive correlation between adult SES and TBS. Higher household income levels correspond to better TBS levels, which can help prevent osteoporosis and fractures. When developing strategies for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, healthcare professionals and policymakers should consider the impact of socioeconomic inequalities.
More Related Videos
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...
01:09Spongy Bone
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
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...
01:27Compact Bone
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
01:23Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts—...