ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a skeletal condition that is characterized by reduction in bone volume and an increased vulnerability to fracture, practically of the proximal femur and vertebrae. But the etiology of osteoporosis in most men without history of alcohol abuse, or glucocorticoid excess is unknown. Several studies revealed that bone density in aged men was associated with serum sex steroids or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). METHODS: We have analyzed bone density and sex steroids, and SHBG of healthy 100 middle aged men who visited one university hospital located in Taejon city from Jan. 1997 to Nov. 1997. Aim of this study was to determine whether bone density in middle aged men was associated with serum sex steroids or SHBG. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Body mass index was significantly associated with serum FEI. BMI also associated negatively with SHBG. Bone density at lumbar spine was significantly positively associated with FEI (Free Estradiol Index) (r=0.359, P<0.001). SHBG was negatively associated (r=-0.273, P<0.01) with lumbar bone mineral density. After controlling for age, FEI and SHBG were still associated with BMD of lumbar spine. Because of these associations, multiple stepwise regression models were constructed, and accounted for 12-17% of the variability in bone density. Also, these results showed consistent, significant positive associations between bone density and FEI, BMI in middle aged men. Therefore, our data suggest that FEI and BMI may play an important role in the maintenance of the male skeleton.