Frontiers in Medicine (Aug 2022)

Inverse association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and bone mineral density in young- and middle-aged people: The NHANES 2011–2018

  • Fangjun Xiao,
  • Peng Peng,
  • Shihua Gao,
  • Tianye Lin,
  • Weihua Fang,
  • Wei He,
  • Wei He

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.929709
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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ObjectivesLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) plays an essential part in bone metabolism. However, the correlation between LDL-C levels and bone mineral density (BMD) is still controversial. This study aimed to explore the relationship between LDL-C levels and lumbar BMD in young- and middle-aged people.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study comprising 4,441 participants aged 20–59 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). LDL-C levels and lumbar BMD were used as independent and dependent variables, respectively. We evaluated the correlation between LDL-C levels and lumbar BMD through a weighted multivariate linear regression model. We performed a subgroup analysis of the relationship between LDL-C levels and lumbar BMD based on age, gender, and body mass index (BMI).ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding factors, LDL-C levels were negatively correlated with lumbar BMD. In subgroup analyses stratified by gender, this negative association was statistically significant in men and women. In the subgroup analysis stratified by age, a negative connection existed in people aged 30–49 years. In the subgroup analysis divided by BMI, there was an inverse correlation in overweight people (25 ≤ BMI < 30).ConclusionsOur research observed an inverse association between LDL-C levels and lumbar BMD in young- and middle-aged people, especially in people aged 30–49 years and who are overweight. Close monitoring of BMD and early intervention may be required for these people.

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