J Korean Soc Endocrinol.  2002 Feb;17(1):79-86.

Serum Leptin Levels in Relation to Quantitative Ultrasound Values of Calcaneus in Korean Postmenopausal Women in Chung-Up District

• Kim SW
• Koh JM
• Kim HY
• Kim DJ
• Kim GS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Obese postmenopausal women usually have a tend to have greater bone mineral density than lean women. This has been attributed to either the mechanical effects of their excessive weight on bone tissue or to their high body fat content. A recent study demonstrated that leptin, the hormone produced in adipocytes, acts on bone metabolism. These findings have prompted speculations on the possible role of leptin in the protective effect of obesity on bone. METHEODS: We studied the relationship between serum leptin levels and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) values of calcaneus in 94 postmenopausal Korean women who were randomly selected from the population of the Chung-Up osteoporosis prevalence study. QUS values, broadband ultrasound attenuation and speed of sound; were measured at the calcaneus.
RESULTS
Leptin values were strongly correlated with body mass index (r = 0.478, p< 0.001), confirming a positive relationship between leptin levels and fat mass. In contrast, no significant correlations were observed between serum leptin levels and calcaneal QUS values.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that circulating plasma leptin does not have a significant influence on QUS values of calcaneus in Korean postmenopausal women.

MeSH Terms

Adipocytes
Adipose Tissue
Body Mass Index
Bone and Bones
Bone Density
Calcaneus*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Jeollabuk-do*
Leptin*
Metabolism
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Plasma
Ultrasonography*
Leptin