Association Between Triglyceride-glucose Related Indices and Bone Health: A Review Study

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by reduced bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures. It has significant health impacts and is associated with socioeconomic consequences. Triglyceride-glucose indices [TyG, TyG-body mass index (BMI), TyG-waist circumference (WC), and TyG-waist to height ratio (WHTR)] are recognized as surrogate and cost-effective markers for assessing insulin resistance and can be effective in evaluating bone health and predicting the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. However, according to existing evidence, the relationship between these indices and bone health can be influenced by various factors such as gender, age, obesity, and metabolic disorders. There is also evidence of a nonlinear association between these indices and bone density, where their positive effect diminishes or reverses after reaching a certain threshold. These indices can serve as alternative and affordable markers for assessing bone health and early identification of individuals at risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Nonetheless, further longitudinal research is needed to confirm these findings across different populations and to determine the underlying mechanisms. The aim of this review study was to examine the existing evidence regarding the relationship between triglyceride-glucose indices and bone health.