Liver Health Linked to Men's Bone Brittleness

A groundbreaking study from McGill University suggests a previously unrecognized role for the liver in men's bone health. Researchers have identified that liver disease, whether alcohol-induced or fatty liver disease, can trigger osteopenia and osteoporosis in men. This occurs because the liver produces a protein, plasma fibronectin, crucial for robust bone growth in males. When liver disease impairs this production, bone density diminishes, elevating the risk of fractures.

The findings highlight a significant health concern, as around one in three UK adults may have undiagnosed liver disease, often linked to lifestyle factors like excessive alcohol or poor diet. While women experience bone density loss primarily due to hormonal changes during menopause, the underlying causes for bone weakening in aging men have been less clear. This new research points to liver health as a key, previously overlooked factor contributing to bone fragility in men.

Experiments in mice demonstrated that disabling the fibronectin gene in the liver specifically impaired bone-building capabilities in male subjects. This underscores the importance of recognizing biological differences between sexes in medical research. The study emphasizes that osteoporosis should be viewed as a systemic condition, not solely an issue originating within the bone itself.