The increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in total cholesterol is correlated with osteopenia in middle-aged and older adults

Abstract

Abstract Objective To study the correlation between the proportion of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in total cholesterol and osteopenia in middle-aged and older adults. Methods From July 2016 to November 2016, 711 middle-aged and older adults aged 40–90 years in Southwest China were selected by random cluster sampling. The bone mineral density (BMD) of subjects was measured from the calcaneus by using an ultrasound bone densitometer (OSTEOSPACE), and the T value was calculated. According to the diagnostic criteria for osteopenia and the inclusion and exclusion criteria formulated by the WTO, 254 subjects with normal bone mass and 111 subjects with reduced bone mass were obtained. The serum of these subjects was collected, and the levels of LDL-C and TC and the ratio of LDL-C/TC in the serum were determined by the enzymatic method. The values of T, LDL-C, and TC levels and the LDL-C/TC ratio of 16,465 people from 2013 to 2018 were obtained from the NCHS NHANES database (National Center for Health Statistics). The rank sum test was used to analyze the differences in various indexes in different groups of samples, and linear regression and binary logistic regression analysis were used to explore the correlation between osteopenia and LDL-C and TC levels and the LDL-C/TC ratio. Results Compared to the normal group, the levels of LDL-C and TC and the LDL-C/TC ratio in the osteopenia group were higher (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI as related factors, serum LDL-C (OR = 1.452, P < 0.01), TC (OR = 1.264, P < 0.01) and LDL-C/TC (OR = 21.161, P < 0.05) were risk factors for osteopenia in middle-aged and older adults. LDL-C and TC levels in osteopenia groups of all ages were relatively high (Fig. 2). According to the verification of the database, after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI as related factors, LDL-C (OR = 1.353, P < 0.001), TC (P < 0.001, OR = 1.293), LDL-C/TC (OR = 13.743, P < 0.01). Conclusion The high proportion of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in total cholesterol is correlated with osteopenia in middle-aged and older adults.