Serum type I collagen carboxyl-terminal peptide β glypeptide was positively associated with osteoporosis and skeletal muscle loss

Abstract

Abstract Background Previous studies have presented osteoporosis and sarcopenia frequently occur concomitantly in elderly. Type I collagen carboxyl-terminal peptide β (β-CTX) usually increases in osteoporosis. However, the relationship between β-CTX and muscle mass remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between serum β-CTX and the risk of sarcopenia in elderly inpatients. Methods 228 patients > 65 years were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Dual-energy X-ray scanning (DXA) was used to access skeletal muscle and bone mass. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was defined as appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) divided by height2. Serum markers of bone remodeling were detected by electrochemical immunofluorescence assay. Results Serum concentration of β-CTX as well as the prevalence of osteoporosis were higher in low SMI group than in the normal SMI group. Correlation analysis showed that serum β-CTX levels negatively correlated with SMI and bone mass. Across the quartiles of serum β-CTX, total skeletal muscle mass (TSM), ASM, SMI, total bone mass (TBM) and bone mass at various sites including the limbs, spine and pelvis decreased significantly, wherea the prevalence of low SMI and osteoporosis increased. Logistic regression analysis showed the higher quartiles of serum β-CTX had an increased risk of low SMI and osteoporosis, compared to the lowest quartile (the third and fourth quartiles for low SMI and the fourth quartile for osteoporosis). Conclusions With increasing serum β-CTX levels, muscle and bone mass decreased in Chinese elderly inpatients. Serum β-CTX was positively associated with the risk of osteoporosis and muscle loss.