Abstract:
In order to identify possible correlations between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and hormonal and biochemical parameters of bone metabolism, or bone density, 24 postmenopausal women were studied. Serum IL-6, estradiol, calcium, phosphorus, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, the urinary secretion of calcium, phosphorus and hydroxyproline, and bone density of the lumbar spine, femur and radius were measured. No significant correlation was found between IL-6 and the biochemical parameters. A negative correlation was found between IL-6 and serum estradiol, as well as between IL-6 and bone density in 5 out of 6 sites studied. It is possible that women with high IL-6 levels, may develop lower bone mass.
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