Weekend Warrior Physical Activity Pattern, Metabolomic Profiles, and Risk of Osteoporosis and Fracture
Huan Huang1, Jiong Liu1, Peixuan Li2
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
Background & Aims:
The weekend warrior pattern, characterized by infrequent but sufficient bouts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), has become increasingly common. Its association with the risk of osteoporosis and fracture remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association between the weekend warrior pattern and bone outcomes, identify related metabolites, and assess the modifying role of genetic susceptibility.
Methods:
We included 14,069 UK Biobank (UKB) participants with accelerometer and metabolomic data. Metabolomic signatures corresponding to weekend warrior and regular physical activity patterns were identified using elastic net regression. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations of physical activity patterns and metabolomic profiles with osteoporosis and fracture risk. Stratified analyses by polygenic risk scores (PRS) for osteoporosis and fracture were conducted to evaluate the potential effect modification by genetic susceptibility.
Results:
During a median follow-up of 7.8 years, 267 cases of osteoporosis and 554 fracture events were documented. In comparison with the inactive group, the weekend warrior pattern was significantly associated with reduced risks of osteoporosis (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.44-0.79) and fracture (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.63-0.95). Using elastic net regression, we identified 51 metabolites characterizing the weekend warrior pattern and 62 metabolites representing regular physical activity. Each standard deviation (SD) increase in the weekend warrior-related metabolomic signature corresponded to a 27% lower risk of osteoporosis (HR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.62-0.85) and a 12% lower risk of fracture (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79-0.99). These associations were not significantly modified by genetic susceptibility to osteoporosis (P = 0.429) or fracture (P = 0.221).
Conclusions:
The weekend warrior pattern was associated with lower risks of osteoporosis and fracture. We further identified distinct metabolomic signature characterizing this pattern, providing potential mechanistic insights into its protective effects.
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...
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
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...
01:31Essential 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...
01:40Bone Remodeling
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...