Osteoprotegerin and nuclear factor-kappaB ligand are associated with leptin and adiponectin levels, in apparently healthy women

R. Tenta (1), D.B. Panagiotakos (1), E. Fragopoulou (1), T. Nomikos (1), C. Pitsavos (2), C. Chrysohoou (2), S. Antonopoulou (1), C. Stefanadis (2)

(1) Department of Nutrition Science - Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
(2) First Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece

Abstract
Objectives:We investigated the relationship between the major bone turnover markers, i.e., Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and serum adipokines (leptin, adiponectin) levels in a sample of apparently healthy women. Methods: A random sample which consisted of 80 females (18-71 years) was studied. Elisa method was used to measure the OPG, RANKL and the leptin, adiponectin levels in females’ serum. Results: OPG values were inversely correlated with leptin (rho = -0.38, p = 0.002) and positively correlated with age (rho = 0.27, p=0.01) and body mass index (rho = 0.29, p=0.009). RANKL values were inversely correlated with adiponectin (rho = -0.23, p = 0.06) and age (rho = -0.30, p=0.01). Additionally, OPG was higher in post- as compared to pre-menopausal women. Further data analysis adjusting for potential confounders revealed that the OPG/RANKL ratio was positively associated with adiponectin and inversely associated with leptin levels independent of the effect of age, body mass index and menopausal status. Conclusions: These results reveal that leptin circulating levels are inversely associated with serum OPG/RANKL ratio among healthy women.

Keywords: Opg, RANKL, Adipokines, Metabolism, Physiology