The increase of osteopontin and β‐carboxy‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type I collagen enhances the risk of hip fracture in the elderly

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture in the elderly is a health burden worldwide due to its high mortality rate. This study was conducted to determine the possible mechanisms of osteopontin (OPN) and β‐carboxy‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type I collagen (β‐CTX) in hip fracture in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study, we recruited 108 elderly patients with hip fracture diagnosed from May 2012 to May 2015 at the Third Hospital of Xiamen and 86 healthy individuals without a history of hip fracture were taken as controls. Serum levels of OPN and β‐CTX were then determined. The T and Z values for bone mineral density (BMD) were also measured. Moreover, logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk and protective factors for hip fracture in the elderly. RESULTS: Serum levels of both OPN and β‐CTX were increased in elderly patients with hip fracture. OPN was positively correlated with β‐CTX. In addition, the levels of OPN and β‐CTX shared a positive association with the age, and a negative association with the BMD, in terms of T and Z values of the hip. In addition, increased BMD and outdoor sports might be protective factors for hip fracture, and an increase in levels of OPN and β‐CTX might be associated with a higher risk of hip fracture in the elderly population. DISCUSSION: Collectively, increased serum levels of OPN and β‐CTX might be correlated with a higher risk of a hip fracture and have predictive values in the occurrence of hip fracture in the elderly.