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Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) are extremely frequent among elderly people and their impact on life quality makes them of high sociohealth relevance. While OA is a joint disease characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and bone remodeling that may affect different sites and involve peripheral or axial joints, OP is characterized by low bone mass, and microarchitectural deterioration of bony tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. The relationship between OP and OA is still complicated. Previous studies suggested that OA is inversely related to OP. However, there are differences in the results depending on the parameter used to define OA. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between osteoporosis, serum leptin level and knee osteoarthritis in postmenopausal females Forty postmenopausal women with primary knee OA diagnosed according to ACR Clinical Classification Criteria for Osteoarthritis of the knee constitute the patient group, and 37 asymptomatic postmenopausal women constitute the control group. Plain X-Ray of both knees was done for all participants, and assessed using the Kellgren - Lawrence grading scale (KLG). Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in lumbar spine, hip, and forearm regions. As a bone turn- over marker; serum osteocalcin was measured. Serum leptin level was assessed and compared in both groups. Both groups were comparable regarding demographic characteristics, personal history, and anthropometric measures. Osteoporosis was detected among 12.5% of the patient group and 43% of the control group. BMD assessed at the lumbar spine and forearm regions was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. Serum leptin level was significantly higher in the patient group, and had a positive moderate linear correlation with degree of knee osteoarthritis. No statistical significant difference was noted between both groups regarding serum osteocalcin level, and no correlation could be detected between serum osteocalcin level and the degree of knee osteoarthritis. |