Liver Fat, Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue, and Bone Mineral Density in Children With Overweight
Authors' conclusion
These findings suggest that hepatic steatosis, rather than overall excess adiposity, is associated with greater bone marrow adipose tissue in preadolescent children with overweight/obesity, which in turn, is related to lower BMD. Hepatic steatosis could be a potential biomarker of osteoporosis risk, and a therapeutic target for interventions that aim to reduce not only hepatic steatosis, but for those designed to improve bone health in such children.
Study context
- Population
- Preadolescent children with overweight/obesity (aged 10.6 ± 1.1 years, 53.8% girls)
- Participants
- 106 children
- Outcome
- Relationship between LS-BMFF and LS-BMD; mediating role of LS-BMFF in the relationship of % hepatic fat with LS-BMD
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
LS-BMFF vs lumbar spine (LS)-aBMD, inverse correlation (P = .001)
r = −0.313
LS-BMFF vs % hepatic fat, direct correlation (P = .005)
r = 0.276
LS-BMFF mediated 50% of the association of hepatic fat with lower LS-aBMD; indirect effect (95% CI, −0.143 to −0.015)
β = −.076
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Cohen's d (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS-BMFF, children withvs without hepatic steatosisLS-BMFF significantly greater with hepatic steatosis | 0.61 (−0.21 to 1.0) | P = 0.003 | |
| LS-BMFF, overweightvs obesity | 0.16 (−0.21-0.55) | P = 0.604 | |
| −0.500.511.5Difference (linear scale) |
Original publication
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