Evaluation of Serum Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 and Vitamin D Levels in Elderly Patients with Bone Fractures

Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between levels of serum vitamin D and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in elderly patients with bone fractures. Materials and Methods: This study included 56 patients and 31 control subjects. The patients included were those aged ≥65 years who were admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of bone fracture. The control group comprised age-matched, healthy individuals. Levels of serum vitamin D and GLP-1 were measured and compared between the 2 groups. Results: Significant differences were noted between the groups in terms of serum levels of vitamin D (p < 0.001) and serum levels of GLP-1 (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between serum levels of vitamin D and GLP-1. Conclusion: Serum levels of GLP-1 were found to be significantly lower in elderly patients with bone fracture compared to healthy adults. In addition, a significant correlation was found between decreased vitamin D and GLP-1 levels. These results may therefore demonstrate the protective effects of GLP-1 on bone structure and metabolism, similar to those of vitamin D. © 2019 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.