Cholesterol and triglyceride levels appear to be inversely correlated with bone density in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD); the causes of this association are currently unknown, according to a recently published study in Lipids in Health and Disease.
About DMD and dyslipidemia
Elevated fat levels in the form of cholesterol or triglycerides (called dyslipidemia) are relatively common among patients with DMD. Some experts hypothesize that the dystrophin deficiency observed in DMD could also lead to abnormalities in fat metabolism. Furthermore, recent research has linked dyslipidemia with increased disease severity.
About DMD and bone health
Bone health is one of the primary concerns in patients with DMD. Although the disease primarily affects muscles, reduced mobility and long-term corticosteroid therapy can lead to decreased bone mineral density in many cases. This reduction in bone density increases the risk of a patient experiencing a fracture.
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Studies in other populations, such as menopausal women, have shown a relationship between fat metabolism abnormalities and decreased bone health. The authors of the study aimed to determine whether a similar link exists in DMD.
Fat metabolism abnormalities and DMD bone health
The study’s researchers assessed the medical records of over 200 patients with genetically confirmed DMD, as well as 99 healthy controls. The DMD patients were divided into groups based on their corticosteroid use.
There were no significant differences in lipid levels between patients receiving corticosteroid treatment and those who were not. However, spinal bone density analysis revealed an inverse correlation between triglyceride and cholesterol levels and spinal bone density: higher levels of these fats meant weaker bones. These findings suggest that dyslipidemia negatively affects bone health.
The researchers emphasized that the impact of dyslipidemia on spinal bone density was independent of corticosteroid use.
“Lipid abnormalities, particularly elevated TG and RC levels, were significantly associated with lower bone mineral density in patients with DMD,” the authors concluded. “These findings suggest that lipid abnormalities contribute to bone health impairment in DMD, warranting further studies to confirm the association.”
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