Association between phytoestrogens and osteoarthritis based on NHANES database

Abstract

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive and destructive joint disease that occurs in middle-aged and elderly people and seriously affects their quality of life. Phytoestrogens are plant components with molecular structures and biological activities similar to those of animal estrogens, and they have a wide range of effects on hormone-related diseases. However, conclusions regarding the relationship between phytoestrogens and osteoarthritis are still lacking. Therefore, this study focused on the relationship between phytoestrogens and osteoarthritis based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods The present cross-sectional study obtained information on 6286 adults from the NHANES database. The association between urinary phytoestrogens and OA was explored using weighted multiple stratified linear regression, with multiple logistic regression models used for the primary analyses. Fully adjusted models included sex, age, race, education, marriage, poverty-to-income ratio, body mass index, smoking, alcohol use, exam period, and five other phytoestrogens. Smooth curve-fitting models were used to analyze nonlinear relationships. Result After correcting for all confounding variables, urinary Daidzein concentration was negatively associated with OA in men (Tertile 2 OR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.98). Meanwhile, urinary Daidzein concentration was negatively associated with OA in older adults (≥60 years) (ratio OR: 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-0.98). Conclusion Urinary Daidzein concentration was negatively correlated with OA in men and in the elderly (≥60 years). In addition, a smooth curve between phytoestrogens and 0A was plotted.