Adipose tissue, estradiol levels, and bone health in obese men with metabolic syndrome

ObjectiveVisceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Recent studies have suggested that VAT negatively affects bone. However, MetS has also been associated with higher estradiol (E2) levels, which is bone protective. We therefore investigated the impact of VAT and E2 levels on bone density, structural parameters, and strength estimates.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted in 72 obese men with MetS to investigate the impact of VAT and E2 levels on bone.MethodsBone parameters were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and high-resolution peripheral QCT (HRpQCT) at lumbar spine, proximal femur, radius, and tibia. VAT volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sexual hormones were measured in blood samples.ResultsMen with high VAT had a lower bone density at the hip (P