Serum Periostin Correlates with Bone and Muscle Health in Chinese Postmenopausal Women
Overview
This study found that higher serum periostin levels in Chinese postmenopausal women are associated with poorer bone microarchitecture, reduced muscle mass, and increased fall risk. These findings suggest serum periostin as a potential biomarker for skeletal and muscular health assessment in this population.
Background
Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are prevalent age-related conditions that increase fracture and fall risk in postmenopausal women. Periostin, an extracellular matrix protein, regulates bone formation and muscle remodeling. While prior studies linked periostin to bone mineral density and fracture risk, its relationship with bone microarchitecture and muscle function remains unclear, especially in Chinese postmenopausal women. This study addresses these gaps by evaluating serum periostin alongside bone and muscle parameters.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Correlation with Serum Periostin
Bone microarchitecture (Tot.Ar, Ct.Pm, Tb.Ar)
Negative
Estimated bone strength (stiffness, failure load)
Negative
Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM)
Negative
Balance test scores
Negative
Gait speed
Negative
Timed Up and Go (TUG) time
Positive
Falls Risk for Older People in the Community (FROP-Com) scores
Positive
Key Findings
Mean serum periostin level was 1770.3 ± 440.4 pmol/L in the cohort of 135 Chinese postmenopausal women.
Higher serum periostin correlated negatively with bone cross-sectional area parameters including total area, cortical perimeter, and trabecular area.
Serum periostin was inversely associated with estimated bone strength metrics such as stiffness and failure load.
Increased serum periostin levels were linked to reduced appendicular skeletal muscle mass and poorer muscle function indicated by lower balance scores and slower gait speed.
Higher serum periostin was positively correlated with longer Timed Up and Go test times and elevated fall risk scores (FROP-Com).
Clinical Implications
Serum periostin measurement may serve as a useful biomarker to identify postmenopausal women at higher risk of compromised bone strength, muscle loss, and falls. Integrating periostin assessment could enhance early detection and guide interventions targeting both skeletal and muscular health to prevent fractures and disability.
Conclusion
Elevated serum periostin is associated with deteriorated bone microarchitecture, diminished muscle mass, and increased fall risk in Chinese postmenopausal women, highlighting its potential role in comprehensive musculoskeletal risk evaluation.
References
Chinese Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (ChiVos) -- Correlation of Serum Periostin Levels with Bone Microarchitecture, Muscle Mass, and Functional Capacity in Postmenopausal Women from China
