Relationships between serum adiponectin, apelin, leptin, resistin, visfatin levels and bone mineral density, and bone biochemical markers in post-menopausal Chinese women.

BACKGROUND

Adiponectin, apelin, leptin, resistin, and visfatin, as the main circulating peptides secreted by adipose tissue, are potential contributors to bone metabolism. However, their association with bone mineral density (BMD) is unclear.

AIM

The present study investigated whether these serum adipocytokines levels are associated with BMD and bone turnover markers.

METHODS

Serum adiponectin, apelin, leptin, resistin, visfatin levels, bone turnover biochemical markers, and BMD were determined in 336 post-menopausal Chinese women (41-81 yr old).

RESULTS

Adiponectin was negatively correlated with fat mass, while leptin had a positive correlation. In the multiple linear stepwise regression analysis, years since menopause, lean mass, estradiol, and adiponectin, but not fat mass, apelin, leptin, resistin, and visfatin, were independent predictors of BMD. The significant positive correlations between adiponectin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, bone crosslinked N-telopeptides of type I collagen were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Adiponectin was an independent predictor of BMD in post-menopausal Chinese women, and positively correlated with bone turnover biochemical markers. It suggested that adiponectin may exert a negative effect on bone mass by promoting excessive bone resorption associated with bone loss in post-menopausal women.