| Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the association of the circulating osteocalcin levels ,with selected calciotropic hormones as well as biochemical markers of the bone, glucose, and lipid metabolism in university students. Methods One hundred and three subjects were recruited from a university and participated in this study. They were divided into two groups according to the gender of the subjects. Univariate linear regression and multiple linear regression were used to determine factors associated with serum osteocalcin levels. Results Serum osteocalcin levels were significantly higher in male subjects than in female subjects (P<0.01). The results of univariate linear regression showed that serum osteocalcin levels in male subjects were negatively correlated with age and BMI, but were positively correlated with serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. After adjustment for basic parameters, serum osteocalcin levels were positively correlated with serum insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Serum osteocalcin levels in female subjects were negatively correlated with body weight and BMI, but were positively correlated with serum PTH, ALP, P, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels. After adjustment for basic parameters, serum osteocalcin levels were positively correlated with serum 25(OH)D, calcium, HDL-C, and FBG levels. Multiple linear regression results showed that serum osteocalcin levels in male subjects had independent negative association with age and BMI, and independent positive association with serum PTH level. In female subjects, serum osteocalcin levels had independent positive association with FBG level. Conclusion The circulating osteocalcin level and its independent associations with age, BMI, PTH and FBG levels are gender-dependent in university students. |