Relationship between serum leptin levels and bone mineral density: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The association between leptin and bone mineral density (BMD) is controversial because of conflicting findings from previous studies.

Methods: This meta-analysis aimed to provide an overview of the serum leptin levels and BMD in a healthy population. We reviewed the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases until July 2014 for research on the association between leptin levels and BMD in healthy people.

Results: We included and analyzed 45 studies in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled correlations between leptin and BMD were analyzed by using the method of the inverse of the variance. Leptin was positively associated with BMD and the bone mineral content (BMC), especially in postmenopausal women (pooled r: 0.13-0.49). Overall, high serum leptin levels were associated with higher BMD levels.

Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that serum leptin levels are positively associated with BMD and BMC, especially in postmenopausal women.

Keywords: Bone mineral content; Bone mineral density; Leptin; Menopausal status; Meta-analysis.