The role of metabolites under the influence of genes and lifestyles in bone density changes

Abstract

PurposeOsteoporosis is a complex bone disease influenced by numerous factors. Previous studies have found that some metabolites are related to bone mineral density (BMD). However, the associations between metabolites and BMD under the influence of genes and lifestyle have not been fully investigated.MethodsWe analyzed the effect of metabolites on BMD under the synergistic effect of genes and lifestyle, using the data of 797 participants aged 55–65 years from the Taizhou Imaging Study. The cumulative sum method was used to calculate the polygenic risk score of SNPs, and the healthful plant-based diet index was used to summarize food intake. The effect of metabolites on BMD changes under the influence of genes and lifestyle was analyzed through interaction analysis and mediation analysis.ResultsNineteen metabolites were found significantly different in the osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal BMD groups. We found two high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions were positively associated with osteopenia, and six very-low-density lipoprotein subfractions were negatively associated with osteopenia or osteoporosis, after adjusting for lifestyles and genetic factors. Tea drinking habits, alcohol consumption, smoking, and polygenic risk score changed BMD by affecting metabolites.ConclusionWith the increased level of HDL subfractions, the risk of bone loss in the population will increase; the risk of bone loss decreases with the increased level of very-low-density lipoprotein subfractions. Genetic factors and lifestyles can modify the effects of metabolites on BMD. Our results show evidence for the precise prevention of osteoporosis.

The Hidden Dangers of Plant-Based Diets Affecting Bone Health: A Cross-Sectional Study with U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Data from 2005–2018

“…Several previous studies have indicated that a plant-based diet may have a negative impact on bone health, which is consistent with our findings. For instance, a Chinese cohort study reported significant differences in hPDI between three groups (normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis), with the normal group having a significantly lower hPDI than the osteopenia and osteoporosis groups [ 27 ]. In an Iranian case–control study of post-menopausal women with osteoporosis, a higher uPDI was associated with an increased risk of bone loss in the femoral neck (OR: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.37–5.06) and lumbar spine (OR: 4.23; 95% CI: 2.19–8.19) [ 26 ].…”

“…However, few studies have used the three indexes to examine the association between a plant-based diet and BMD. Despite some initial research conducted in Iranian and Chinese populations, the association between plant-based dietary indexes and BMD is still not well understood, and the findings are inconsistent [ 26 , 27 ]. Further studies with larger sample sizes and diverse populations are needed to better elucidate this relationship and its potential implications.…”

Unraveling the role of serum metabolites in the relationship between plant-based diets and bone health in community-dwelling older adults

“…Additionally, recent studies have shown that HDL-C can negatively affect osteogenic differentiation by removing oxysterols from peripheral tissues, further suggesting a role in bone health ( Y. Yang et al, 2018 ). Secondly, two studies conducted within a Chinese population have supported the beneficial impact of VLDL on bone health ( Lv et al, 2022 ; You et al, 2014 ). Moreover, investigations conducted using two separate cohorts (UK Biobank and MrOS) have revealed a positive correlation between valine levels and BMD at the femoral neck ( Grahnemo et al, 2023 ).…”

“…A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Lunar DPX NT-400157; GE Healthcare, Madison, WI, United States) was employed for the assessment of BMD at the lumbar spine (L1-L4), total hip, and the femoral neck ( Lv et al, 2022 ). BMD is measured by an experienced physician using the same instrument, and strictly following the manufacturer's guidelines for equipment usage ( Jiang et al, 2018 ).…”