Muscle-Bone Relationship: Positive Association Between Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass and Bone Microarchitecture in Postmenopausal Women.

Abstract

Background: Low estrogen levels affect bone mineral density and bone microarchitecture, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. This hormonal change can also contribute to the loss of strength, muscle mass, and physical performance.

Aim: To investigate associations between the components of sarcopenia and bone microarchitecture in postmenopausal women.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 98 women ≥ 50 years of age. Data were collected on sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics. Measurements were performed of height, body mass, calf circumference adjusted for BMI, grip strength, and physical performance using the Timed Up and Go test. The appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) and bone mineral density were estimated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone microarchitecture was determined by the trabecular bone score. The association between ASMI and bone microarchitecture was tested using multivariate linear regression analysis with adjusted models.

Results: The participants were predominantly between 60.0 and 69.9 years of age (62.3%), lived with a partner (51.0%), declared themselves to be non-White (59.2%), had low or no education (67.3%), were sufficiently active (52.0%), and did not consume alcohol (87.8%) or smoke (94.9%). ASMI was associated with bone microarchitecture after the adjustment of the models (β = 0.047; 95% CI: 0.009-0.084; p = 0.015).

Conclusion: The positive association found between skeletal muscle mass and bone microarchitecture indicates that maintaining muscle mass may play a significant role in bone health among postmenopausal women.