Abdulkerim Furkan TAMER, Ömer YILMAZ
Archives of Basic and Clinical Research - 2026;8(2):92-99
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum leptin, ghrelin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) to elucidate possible mechanisms underlying impaired bone mineralization in UC. Methods: A total of 38 patients with UC and 38 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Serum levels of leptin, ghrelin, IGF-1, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured during both the active and remission phases. Bone mineral densitometry was performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and vertebral and femoral T- and Z-scores were recorded. The results were compared between disease phases and those of controls. Results: Among UC patients, 27% had normal BMD, 50% were osteopenic, and 23% were osteoporotic. Mean T- and Z-scores were significantly lower in UC patients than in controls (P < 0.05). Serum leptin and IGF-1 levels during the active phase were significantly decreased, while ghrelin and TNF-alpha levels were significantly elevated, compared with controls (P < 0.05). In remission, ghrelin levels remained higher than in controls (P < 0.05), whereas leptin, IGF-1, and TNF-alpha levels were similar. A positive correlation was observed between IGF-1 and femoral neck T-scores in the active phase (P < 0.05). Conclusion: BMD is significantly reduced in UC patients, particularly during active inflammation. Decreased secretion of leptin and IGF-1 and elevated ghrelin levels may contribute to bone loss, highlighting the interplay among inflammation, metabolism, and skeletal health in UC.
