Evaluating Weight Status and Sex as Moderators of the Association of Serum Leptin with Bone Mineral Density in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Background/Aims: Animal studies suggest that leptin may adversely affect bone mineral density (BMD). Clinical studies have yielded conflicting results. We therefore investigated associations between leptin and bone parameters in children. Methods: 830 healthy children (age = 11.4 ± 3.1 years; 75% female; BMI standard deviation score [BMIz] = 1.5 ± 1.1) had fasting serum leptin measured with ELISA and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The main effects for leptin and BMIz plus leptin’s interactions with sex and BMIz were examined using hierarchical linear regressions for appendicular, pelvis, and lumbar spine BMD as well as bone mineral content (BMC), and bone area (BA). Results: Accounting for demographic, pubertal development, and anthropometric variables, leptin was negatively and independently associated with lumbar spine BMC and BA, pelvis BA, and leg BA (p < 0.05 for all). Sex, but not BMIz, moderated the associations of leptin with bone parameters. In boys, leptin was negatively correlated with leg and arm BMD, BMC at all bone sites, and BA at the subtotal and lumbar spine (p < 0.01 for all). In girls, leptin was positively correlated with leg and arm BMD (p < 0.05 for both). Conclusion: Independent of body size, leptin is negatively associated with bone measures; however, these associations are moderated by sex: boys, but not girls, have a negative independent association between leptin and BMD.

What Is New in Pediatric Bone Health

“…Increased leptin levels also negatively affected bone parameters (BMD, bone mineral content) with greatest deficit seen in the axial skeleton in males. It was hypothesized that higher estrogen levels in females protected bones from the negative effects of excess leptin 9. Leptin levels in patients with and without slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) showed an almost 5-fold increased risk for SCFE: greatest in obese patients but increased regardless of BMI 10…”

“…It was hypothesized that higher estrogen levels in females protected bones from the negative effects of excess leptin. 9 Leptin levels in patients with and without slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) showed an almost 5-fold increased risk for SCFE: greatest in obese patients but increased regardless of BMI. 10 Obesity and vitamin D levels are closely related.…”