Bone mineral content has stronger association with lean mass than fat mass among Indian urban adolescents

Introduction: There are conflicting reports on the relationship of lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) with bone mineral content (BMC). Given the high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in India, we planned the study to evaluate the relationship between LM and FM with BMC in Indian children and adolescents. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship of BMC with LM and FM. Materials and Methods: Total and regional BMC, LM, and FM using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and pubertal staging were assessed in 1403 children and adolescents (boys [B]: 826; girls [G]: 577). BMC index, BMC/LM and BMC/FM ratio, were calculated. Results: The age ranged from 5 to 18 years, with a mean age of 13.2 ± 2.7 years. BMC adjusted for height (BMC index and BMC/height ratio) was comparable in both genders. There was no difference in total BMC between genders in the prepubertal group but were higher in more advanced stages of pubertal maturation. The correlation of total as well as regional BMC was stronger for LM (B: Total BMC - 0.880, trunk - 0.715, leg - 0.894, arm - 0.891; G: Total BMC - 0.827, leg - 0.846, arm - 0.815 (all value indicate r2 , P < 0.0001 for all) when compared with FM (B: Total BMC - 0.776, trunk - 0.676, leg - 0.772, arm - 0.728; G: Total BMC - 0.781, leg - 0.741, arm - 0.689; all P < 0.0001) except at trunk BMC (LM - 0.682 vs. FM - 0.721; all P < 0.0001), even after controlling for age, height, pubertal stage, and biochemical parameters. Conclusions: BMC had a stronger positive correlation with LM than FM

Relationship of lipid parameters with bone mineral density in Indian population

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis share common risk factors including dyslipidemia. There are conflicting reports of differential relation of various lipid parameters on bone mineral density (BMD). Hence, we studied the correlation between lipid parameters and BMD in healthy adult. Materials and Methods: A total of 2347 participants (male 39.4%; female 60.6%) included in this cross-sectional study were divided according to sex and age. Fasting blood samples were drawn for biochemical parameters. BMD at lumbar spine, femur, and forearm were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results: In males, BMD at femur and lumbar spine decreased significantly with increasing quartiles of total cholesterol (TC) (P < 0.0001, and 0.004) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (P = 0.001, and 0.01). In premenopausal women, BMD at femoral neck (P = 0.001) and lumbar spine (P = 0.029) showed declining trend with LDL-c (P = 0.007). In postmenopausal women, only BMD at total femur decreased significantly with TC (P = 0.024) and LDL-c (P = 0.036). All above findings were confirmed in correlation studies. In multiple regression analysis after adjusting for age, body mass index, ionized calcium, alkaline phosphatase, 25 hydroxy vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels correlation of BMD with TC and LDL-c persisted. TC, LDL-c was higher in subjects with low bone density compared those with normal bone density in both sexes. Conclusions: TC and LDL-c had weak but significant negative correlation with BMD at femur and lumbar spine

Role of parathyroid hormone in determination of fat mass in patients with Vitamin D deficiency

Background: Obesity has become a global epidemic and it is rising is Asia. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is widely prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Studies have linked VDD to obesity and shown correlation between parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxy Vitamin D (25(OH)D), and fat mass (FM). However, studies on the role of PTH among subjects with VDD are lacking. Objective: The objective of this study is to study the role of PTH in the determination of FM in participants with VDD. Subjects: Five hundred and fifty-one adults (m:247, f:304) were included in this study. Materials and Methods: Total and regional (trunk, arm, and leg) FM was assessed by dual X-ray absorptometry. Biochemical and hormonal parameters such as calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, ionic calcium, 25(OH)D, and PTH were also analyzed. Results: The mean age of the study population was 58.8 ± 15.8 years (Male: [63.3 ± 13.1], Female: [55.2 ± 16.9]). FM and body mass index were significantly lower in females with higher levels of serum 25(OH)D. Total FM was negatively correlated with serum 25(OH)D (r = −0.363, P < 0.0001) and positively correlated with serum PTH (r: 0.262, P < 0.0001) in females only. Females with VDD and secondary hyperparathyroidism had higher FM than those with normal PTH. Conclusions: Females with VDD had higher total and regional FM. However, this correlation was evident only in those with high serum PTH levels, suggesting a potential role of PTH in the accumulation of FM

Normative data of body fat mass and its distribution as assessed by DXA in Indian adult population

Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) assessment of body fat mass is precise and highly correlated with under water weighing. In view of ethnic differences, we undertook this study to prepare normative data for body fat mass in apparently healthy adult Indians and correlate it with Body Mass Index (BMI). This cross-sectional population-based study included 2347 subjects (male: 924; female: 1423) aged &#62; 20 yr who participated in a general health examination. They were evaluated for anthropometry and body fat mass by DXA. All subjects were categorized as overweight and obese based on standard BMI criteria. Mean age and BMI were 49.1 &#177; 18.2 yr and 25.0 &#177; 4.7 kg/m2, respectively. Mean percent total and regional fat (trunk, arm and leg) reached maximum in the age group of 30–40 yr in males and 50–60 yr in females. Females had significantly higher total and regional fat mass compared with males. Fat mass was positively correlated with age (r = 0.224; p &#60; 0.00001) and BMI (r = 0.668; p &#60; 0.00001). Prevalence of overweight and obesity was seen in 2119 (46.1%) and 536 (13.8%), respectively, according to World Health Organization definition and 64.0% and 31.1%, respectively, as per Indian guidelines. Percent Total Body Fat Mass (PTBFM) of 25% in males and 30% in females corresponds to BMI of 22.0 kg/m2 with sensitivity of &#62; 80% and specificity of &#62; 70% in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Body fat mass in Indians is higher than that in Western populations for a given age and BMI. PTBFM of 25% in males and 30% in females corresponds to BMI of 22 kg/m2 in Indians

Relationship of body fat and its distribution with bone mineral density in Indian population

Obesity has been associated with increased Bone Mineral Density (BMD). There is evidence of differential effect of regional fat on BMD. Hence, we undertook this study to evaluate the correlation between total body fat and its distribution with BMD in nonobese (mean body mass index: 25.0 &#177; 4.7 kg/m²) Indian adult volunteers. A total of 2347 participants (men: 39.4% and women: 60.6%) included in this cross-sectional study were divided according to sex and age. Fasting blood samples were drawn for biochemical parameters. Percent total body, truncal and leg fat and BMD at lumbar spine, femur and forearm were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The BMD at all sites (radius, femur and spine) increased from lowest to highest quartiles of percent body fat. Percent truncal fat was positively correlated with BMD at all sites in both sexes, except for femoral neck in men, where it had negative correlation. Percent leg fat was positively related with BMD at all sites in premenopausal women, and spine and radius BMD in postmenopausal women. However, in men, it had negative correlation with femoral neck BMD. On multiple regression analysis, regional fat had positive association with BMD at all sites after adjusting for age, sex, lean mass index, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and intact parathyroid hormone levels. Leg-to-total body fat ratio was negatively associated with BMD at all sites in men and pre- and post-menopausal women. Percent total body and regional fat have positive association with BMD at all sites in men and women

Lean body mass and bone health in urban adolescents from northern India

Objective: To prepare percentile charts of Lean Body Mass (LBM) among Indian urban children and adolescents and to evaluate gender differences in LBM and its relation with pubertal status. Design: Secondary data analysis. Setting: School in city of Delhi, India. Participants: 1403 apparently healthy children and adolescents (826 boys) with mean (SD) age 13.2 (2.7) years. Outcome Measures: Lean Body Mass assessed by dual energy absorptiometry. Results: Total and regional lean mass were greater in older age groups in both sexes. LBM showed rising trends up to the age of 18 years in boys, whereas it plateaued after the age of 15 years in girls. The age-associated increase in LBM was significantly higher in boys (130%) compared to girls (83%) (P&#60;0.001). Total and regional lean mass increased with progression of pubertal staging in both genders. During pubertal development, LBM almost doubled (100% increase) from stage-2 to stage-5 in boys, as opposed to a 73% rise in girls (P&#60;0.001). Total and regional lean mass and Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (ASMI) was positively correlated with age, Body Mass Index (BMI), serum 25(OH)D, total fat mass and Bone Mineral Content (BMC). Relation between LBM and BMC remained significant even after adjusting for age, fat mass and various biochemical parameters. Conclusion: Total and regional LBM rise with age and pubertal maturation in both genders, but more so in boys when compared to girls. LBM has direct bearing on BMC even after adjusting for age, fat mass and biochemical parameters

Thyroid function and bone mineral density among Indian subjects

Background: Thyroid hormones affect bone remodeling in patients with thyroid disease by acting directly or indirectly on bone cells. In view of limited information on correlation of thyroid function with Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in euthyroid subjects, we undertook this study to evaluate the correlation between thyroid function with BMD in subjects with normal thyroid function and subclinical hypothyroidism. Material and Methods: A total of 1290 subjects included in this cross sectional study, were divided in Group-1 with normal thyroid function and Group-2 with subclinical hypothyroidism. Fasting blood samples were drawn for the estimation of serum 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone, total and ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. BMD at lumbar spine, femur and forearm was measured. Results: BMD at all sites (radius, femur and spine) were comparable in both groups. There was no difference in BMD when subjects were divided in tertiles of TSH in either group. In group-1, FT4 and TSH were positively associated with BMD at 33% radius whereas FT3 was negatively associated with BMD at femoral neck in multiple regression analysis after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, 25(OH)D and PTH levels. In group-2, there was no association observed between TSH and BMD at any site. Amongst all study subjects FT4 and FT3 were positively correlated with BMD at lumbar spine and radius respectively among all subjects. Conclusion: TSH does not affect BMD in euthyroid subjects and subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones appear to have more pronounced positive effect on cortical than trabecular bone in euthyroid subjects

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) & tissue transglutaminase (anti-TTG) antibodies in patients with thyroid autoimmunity

Background & objectives: Several autoimmune disorders have been reported to be associated with autoimmune thyroiditis and may coexist with other organ-specific autoantibodies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of tissue transglutaminase (anti-TTG) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies in patients suffering from autoimmune thyroiditis as diagnosed by anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, which may indicate high risk for developing celiac disease or type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Five thousand children and 2800 adults were screening as part of a general health examination done on a voluntary basis in four different parts of Delhi. A total of 577 subjects positive for anti-TPO antibody constituted the cases. Equal number of age and sex matched anti-TPO antibody negative controls were randomly selected from the same cohort to form paired case control study. The cases and controls were further divided into two groups as follows: group-1 (children and adolescent 18 yr). Serum samples of cases and controls were analysed for thyroid function test (FT3, FT4, and TSH), anti-TTG and anti-GAD antibodies. Results: A total of 1154 subjects (577 cases and 577 controls) were included in this study. Hypothyroidism was present in 40.2 per cent (232) cases compared to only 4.7 per cent (27) in controls (P<0.001). Anti-TTG and anti-GAD antibodies were present in 6.9 and 12.5 per cent subjects among cases compared to 3.5 per cent (P=0.015) and 4.3 per cent (P=0.001) in controls, respectively. Only anti-GAD antibody were significantly positive in cases among children and adolescents (P =0.0044) and adult (P=0.001) compared to controls. Levels of anti-TTG and anti-GAD antibodies increased with increasing titre of anti-TPO antibody. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings showed high positivity of anti-GAD and anti-TTG antibodies among subjects with thyroid autoimmunity. It is, therefore, important to have high clinical index of suspicion for celiac disease or type 1 diabetes mellitus in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis

Establishment of age-specified bone mineral density reference range for Indian females using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

We undertook this study to establish age-specified Bone Mineral Density (BMD) reference range for Indian females using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. BMD at multiple skeletal sites was measured in 2034 healthy women aged 18–85 yr. The effect of anthropometry and biochemical parameters on BMD was determined. Peak BMD was observed between 30 and 35 yr at the hip, lumbar spine and radius. Significant positive correlation of height and weight with BMD was observed at 33% radius, femur neck and lumbar spine, whereas significant negative correlation was seen between serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and serum parathyroid hormone levels with BMD at aforementioned sites. On multivariate regression analysis, age, weight and serum ALP were the most consistent contributors to variance in the BMD. Compared with age-matched US females, BMD of lumbar spine was significantly lower for our subjects in all age groups. Prevalence of osteoporosis among women aged older than 50 yr was significantly higher based on Caucasian T-scores as opposed to using peak BMD/standard deviation values from the population under review at lumbar spine but not at femoral neck

Status of thyroid function in Indian adults: two decades after universal salt iodization

Objectives: The aim was to find impact of two decades of universal salt iodization on the prevalence of goiter, thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid dysfunction in Indian adults. Methods: This was a cross sectional study from Delhi, India. The subject population included 4409 adult members of resident welfare associations of 5 residential colonies, from 18-90 years of age, who participated in general health check-up camps. The subjects underwent a detailed evaluation including history, anthropometry, goiter grading, USG thyroid, thyroid auto-antibodies and thyroid function tests. All these subjects were regularly consuming iodized salt. Results: Overall, 9.6 % of subjects had clinical goiter (13.3% women and 3.3% in men). Prevalence of nodules on palpation was found to be in 1.6% which was lower in men. The nodule prevalence increased to 4.6% in men and 5.6 % in women on ultrasonography. Thyroid hypoechogenicity was seen in 30.6% of subjects with severe hypoechogenicity higher in women (5.7% men and 15.5% women). TPO antibody was positive in 13.3% adults and it showed a positive correlation with age, female sex and hypothyroidism. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the commonest abnormality encountered and affected 19.3% subjects (15.9% men; 21.4% women). Thyroid dysfunction showed a rising trend with age in both genders. Conclusions: Normal UIE and low goiter prevalence, especially in males, suggest success of the universal salt iodization program in the region under review. High prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was not correlated with either thyroid autoimmunity or iodine intake, as reflected in urinary iodine excretion