Abstract / Summary
Prediabetes is a prevalent metabolic disorder. The potential impact of a bone-pancreas-testis axis on bone density in males with prediabetes is a topic of interest. This study examines the bone parameters in prediabetic males compared to a control group, focusing on the interrelationship between sex hormones, metabolic changes, and bone density. In this case-control study, 65 prediabetic males were compared to 66 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were collected to measure serum levels of insulin, osteocalcin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Bone density at the lumbar vertebrae, neck of the left femur, total hip, and lumbar spine trabecular bone score (LS TBS) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Prediabetic males exhibited lower levels of testosterone ( p = 0.030) and osteocalcin ( p = 0.004) compared to controls. There was no significant relationship between total testosterone and insulin levels or the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. However, total testosterone was inversely related to the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) in subjects with prediabetes. Both groups displayed similar bone parameters, with BMI significantly associated with bone density in individuals with prediabetes. Additionally, prediabetic males had lower lumbar spine trabecular bone score (LS TBS) compared to normoglycemic males, and a negative correlation was observed between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and LS TBS in subjects with prediabetes. Despite lower levels of testosterone and osteocalcin in prediabetic males, their bone density was similar to that of the controls. Nonetheless, prediabetic males exhibited lower TBS values. However, the potential influence of sex hormones and metabolic abnormalities on bone density or quality in prediabetic males remains uncertain and warrants further research. Not applicable.