The association between hypercholesterolemia and reduced bone density in the femoral head and lumbar spine using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Background & Objective: Some studies have suggested the association between the risk of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. So, we aimed to compare the serum lipid levels of postmenopausal women with reduced bone density to serum lipid levels of those with normal bone density. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all 48-65 year-old women, menopause for more than 1 year prior to the study, who referred to Akbarabadi Hospital, Tehran, Iran, during September 2011-March 2013 were recruited. They underwent bone densitometry using the Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Method and were divided into two groups: normal density (control group) and low density (case group). Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured. After 14 hours, fasting serum levels of lipid, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and HbA1C were checked. Hypercholesterolemia, as low high density lipoprotein (HDL) (<35 mg/dL) and high cholesterol levels (>200 mg/dL), were compared between the groups in addition to low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Results: The data of 241 women were analyzed. The mean±SD levels of serum TC were 192±24.7 and 185±19 mg/dL, in the case and control groups, respectively (P=0.009), and that of serum LDL levels were 112±20.2 and 105±17 g/dL, respectively (P=0.005). There was a significant and negative correlation between the women’s Z-score and their cholesterol level (r=-0.162, P=0.012). Regression results revealed that the following factors significantly affected Z-score: BMI, LDL, TC, and duration of menopause. Conclusion: LDL and TC levels were higher in menopausal women with reduced bone density, which indicates the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and reduced bone density. © 2021, Farname Inc. All rights reserved.