Serum Dickkopf-1 Level in Postmenopausal Females : Correlation with Bone Mineral Density and Serum Biochemical Markers

Abstract EN

Objective.

To assess serum level of Dickkopf-1 in postmenopausal females and its correlation with bone mineral density and serum biochemical markers.

Methods.

Bone densitometry, serum Dickkopf-1, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were done in sixty postmenopausal females.

Patients were divided according to T score into osteoporosis (group I), osteopenia (group II), and normal bone mineral density that served as controls.

Results.

There was highly significant increase in serum Dickkopf-1 levels in postmenopausal females with abnormal T score versus controls (P<0.001).

Serum DKK-1 levels correlated negatively with both lumbar T score (r=-0.69, P<0.001) and femur T score (r=-0.64, P<0.001) and correlated positively with duration of menopause (r=0.61, P<0.001), while there was no significant correlation between serum levels of either calcium, phosphorus or alkaline phosphatase, and both serum Dickkopf-1 levels and the level of bone mineral density (P>0.05).

Conclusion.

Postmenopausal females may suffer from osteoporosis as evidenced by bone densitometry.

Postmenopausal women with significantly increased serum Dickkopf-1 had more significant osteoporosis.

Prolonged duration of menopause and increased serum Dickkopf-1 are important risk factors for the development and severity of osteoporosis.