Bone marrow fat unsaturation in young adults is not affected by present or childhood obesity, but increases with age: A pilot study

Abstract Objectives Obesity increases bone marrow fat (BMF) content. The association between early obesity and bone marrow fatty acid composition is unknown. We measured BMF unsaturation index (UI) in normal-weight and overweight young adults with a known weight status in early childhood and tested the relationship between BMF UI and exercise history, glycemic state, and other clinical characteristics. Methods The study included 18 normal-weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2 ; 2 males, 16 females) and 17 overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 ; 9 males, 8 females) young adults aged 15–27 years. BMF UI was assessed with magnetic resonance proton spectroscopy optimized to reduce water interference. Exercise information was obtained with a pedometer accompanied with the history of recent physical activity. Blood samples (insulin, glucose, HbA1c) and body characteristics (BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat composition) were assessed. Results BMF UI was not affected by obesity at the time of study or before age 7 years. BMF UI increased with age in normal-weight and overweight subjects (R = 0.408, p = 0.015) but did not associate with gender, physical activity or body fat composition; a suggestive association was observed with glucose (R = − 0.289, p = 0.10). Conclusions The association of BMF UI with age in early adulthood may represent normal maturation of bone marrow. There was a trend toward an association with blood glucose, warranting further studies.