Effects of DHEA and Exercise on Bone Marrow Fat in Postmenopausal Women

Bone strength -the main determinant of bone fracture- is a function not only of bone mineral density (BMD) and microstructure, but also of its microenvironment, including bone marrow fat (BMF). The adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) -the main precursor for estrogens and androgens in postmenopausal women- as well as bone-loading exercise, increase BMD in older women, however, their effects on BMF are largely unknown. This study has high potential to unveil the hormonal and mechanical effects of DHEA and exercise on BMF, respectively, and to elucidate longitudinal associations of BMF with bone strength in older women with bone loss.