Objective
Recent studies suggest a possible pathogenic linkage between the osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Both osteoporosis and atherosclerosis, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, are independent predictors of cardiovascular disease. They may share common regulatory mechanisms as well as histopathology. In this study, we want to show the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and atherosclerotic parameters in postmenopausal women with diabetes.
Methods
Total 60 postmenopausal women with diabetes were enrolled in this study. We measured pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaque as atherosclerotic parameters. We also checked anthropometric and serologic markers including HbA1C, C-peptide, lipid profiles and bone markers. The lumbar spine, femur neck and total hip BMD was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Results
The prevalence of carotid plaque in our study is 30%. According to increasing of age, serum calcium (P=0.012), aortic PWV (P=0.002) and mean IMT (P=0.024) are significantly increased. BMD is significantly decreased by increased duration of diabetes, not by HbA1C level. Lipid profile, IMT, PWV are not correlated with BMD. Only patients with presence of carotid plaque showed significantly decreased lumbar spine BMD (P=0.048), increased duration of diabetes (P=0.033) and aortic PWV (P=0.001) compared to those with absence of plaque.
Conclusion
Out of many atherosclerotic parameters, only carotid plaque showed significantly decreased lumbar spine BMD. [Korean Journal of Bone Metabolism, 15(2): 117-125, 2008]
