Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a decreased bone strength, as a result of increased bone porosity and impaired mineralization. According to the mechanostat theory, loads generated by the muscle mass and muscle strength, stimulate bone reconstruction.

Aim of the study: In our study, we investigated whether muscle strength and mass exert a significant effect on bone mineral density in young adult women. We also tested whether sclerostin concentration can be used as an indicator in the assessment of bone mineralization.

Methods: The study included 111 patients with transient menstrual disorders, in whom organic causes were excluded. The subjects had their anthropometric measurements taken, along with a laboratory analysis of hormonal status. Metabolic activity of osteocytes was assessed by serum sclerostin concentration, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Whole body and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) as well as body composition (fat mass- FM, lean body mass – LBM, visceral fat -VF) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Muscle strength was assessed by measuring handgrip strength using a hand dynamometer.

Results: There was a significant positive correlation of left and right handgrip strength and all parameters expressing bone mineralization. Lumbar spine (L1-L4) BMD was also positively associated with the body mass components: fat mass, lean body mass and their ratio (FLR). In contrast, sclerostin levels in this study did not differ between groups with normal and reduced bone mineral density.

Conclusions: Assessment of muscle strength may be an indicator of decreased bone mineral density in young adult women. However, the utility of sclerostin in the clinical assessment of bone mineralization has not been demonstrated.