RESUMEN
Total body fat mass is considered to be one of the major determinants of bone mass. Plasma leptin concentrations correlate with body fat content. Raised peripheral leptin levels may favour bone formation while suggesting adipogensis Estimation of serum leptin may be of value: In screening postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between plasma leptin concentrations and bone mineral density in non obese postmenopausal women. Cross-sectional study. Menopausal and Outpatient clinics of Gyenecology and Orthopedics departments at Kasr El-Aini, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. The study included 93 non-obese, nonsmoker postmenopausal women with a body mass index [BMI] of less than 30kg/m[2]. Bone mineral density [BMP] measure was done using dual x ray absorptiometry [DEXA] of the lumber spine. According to the results the study sample was divided into: Low BMD group [36 women]; and control group [57 women]. Plasma assay for leptin and biomarkers of bone turnover [plasma bone specific alkaline phosphates, phosphatase osteocalcin and urinary deoxypridioline] were all measured. Analysis of the results showed that leptin appears not to be a marker for bone mineral density and it may be just a refection of weight or obesity. Higher parity is more associated with low BMD