Comparison of interleukins IL-1β and IL-6 levels, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism (IBM) in menopausal women

Introduction: Bone metabolism in women is affected among others by estrogens and interleukins.

In the menopausal period, the protective effect of estrogens is lowered and production of interleukins IL-1β and IL-6 is significantly increased.

Aim: To assess the relation between levels of interleukins IL-1β and IL-6, estradiol and bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism (IBM) in menopausal women.

Material and methods: 48 menopausal women, aged 49-61, non-menstruating, without any previous endocrine treatment. Group I comprised 19 women with normal BMD, while group II – 29 women with osteoporosis.

Bone densitometry (BMD and bone density T-score). Radioisotope dynamic and static bone scintigraphy and assessment of bone metabolism index (IBM). Serum: interleukins IL-1β and IL-6, Ca+, ALP, P, E2 and TSH.

Results:

Group I – normal IBM values: 86.2 < IBM < 98.9.

Group II – in 40% of subjects, IBM values below normal: 75.1 < IBM < 90.3.

Group I – strong positive correlation between BMD and IBM.

Group II – moderate positive correlation between BMD and IBM.

Group I – normal values of biochemical and hormonal measurements.

Group II – insubstantial increase of phosphatase and phosphates concentrations.

Interleukin IL-1β and IL-6 levels in group II were significantly higher than in group I (p < 0.0001).

Group I – no relation between BMD and interleukin concentrations .

Group II – relation between BMD and interleukin concentrations was inversely proportional.

Conclusions:

In the menopausal period, a reduction of estradiol concentration is accompanied by an increase of bone-resorbing interleukins IL-1β and IL-6, which leads to reduction of body mass and decelerates bone metabolism.