Inflammatory markers and bone mass in children with overweight/obesity: the role of muscular fitness

Objectives To examine which inflammatory markers are associated with bone mass and whether this association varies according to muscular fitness in children with overweight/obesity. Methods Plasma interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), epidermal growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF), and C-reactive protein were analyzed in 55 children aged 8–11 years. A muscular fitness score was computed. Bone mineral content (BMC) of the total body-less head (TBLH) and lumbar spine (LS) were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results IL-6 ( β = −0.136) and VEGF ( β = −0.099) were associated with TBLH BMC, while TNF-α ( β = −0.345) and IL-1β ( β = 0.212) were associated with LS BMC ( P < 0.05). The interaction effect of muscular fitness showed a trend in the association of VEGF with TBLH BMC ( P = 0.122) and TNF-α with LS BMC ( P = 0.057). Stratified analyses by muscular fitness levels showed an inverse association of VEGF with TBLH BMC ( β = −0.152) and TNF-α with LS BMC ( β = −0.491) in the low-fitness group, while no association was found in the high-fitness group. Conclusion IL-6, VEGF, TNF-α, and IL-1β are significantly associated with bone mass. Higher muscular fitness may attenuate the adverse effect of high VEGF and TNF-α on bone mass.