An Independent Positive Relationship Between the Serum Total Osteocalcin Level and Fat-Free Mass in Healthy Premenopausal Women

Context: It is widely reported that osteocalcin is negatively associated with fat mass. However, there are few reports describing its correlation with fat-free mass, particularly in women. Objectives: The objective of the current study was to investigate the possible relationship between osteocalcin and fat-free mass in healthy, nonobese women. Design and Setting: This study was performed in a tertiary university teaching hospital. Subjects: A total of 504 healthy women aged 20–75 years were enrolled. Main outcome measures: Body composition was measured using a bioelectronics impedance analyzer. The serum concentrations of total osteocalcin, estradiol, leptin, osteoprotegerin, the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, IGF-I, fasting plasma glucose, and urinary N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen were tested. The bone mineral densities (BMDs) at the lumbar spine and proximal femoral neck were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: The serum total osteocalcin level had a sign...