DObesity: Relationship between vitamin D deficiency, obesity and sclerostin as a novel biomarker of bone metabolism

Abstract

AIM: To study the relationship between obesity, insulin resistance, vitamin D deficiency and sclerostin as a bone biomarker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-section study of 75 subjects grouped into 3 groups; obese (n = 31), overweight (n = 23) and normal (n = 21) subjects. Sclerostin, fasting insulin, fasting plasma glucose and 25(OH)D were measured and anthropometric measures were taken. RESULTS: 25(OH)D was lower in obese subjects than overweight and control groups (mean ± SD 5.27 ± 5.14 vs. 12.55 ± 6.99 vs.17.65 ± 4.07 ng/L, p < 0.001). Sclerostin was significantly lower in obese subjects versus the control (mean ± SD 1.02 ± 0.45 vs 1.58 ± 0.83 ng/mL, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: These results lead us to hypothesize that the relationship between sclerostin and Vitamin D levels has an important role in the link between obesity and bone metabolism. DObesity could be an active focus of research in the coming years.