Relationship between the serum CA-125 level and bone mineral density in healthy pre- and post-menopausal women

Background: Osteoporosis and tumour-associated antigen (TAA) levels are associated with inflammatory processes, but little remains known about TAA levels and bone mineral density (BMD). Aims: We determined whether or not high-normal TAA levels are associated with a lower BMD in healthy women. Methods: A total of 3769 healthy women were enrolled from the health screening programme over 5 years. Each participant had undergone a basic health examination. Serum carbohydrate antigen (CA)-125, CA-19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha-fetoprotein levels were evaluated as tumour markers. The correlations between serum TAA levels and BMD were analysed. Results: Carbohydrate antigen 125 and CEA levels were positively associated with a higher BMD in the pre-menopause. In the post-menopause, the CA-125 level was positively associated with BMD. In the pre-menopause, CA-125 (r = 0.102; P < 0.001) and CEA levels (r = 0.134; P < 0.001) had a significant correlation with BMD. In the post-menopause, CA-125 was negatively associated with alkaline phosphatase (r = -0.298; P < 0.001). Conclusions: There was a significant positive association between CA-125 and BMD in healthy women. Additional basic and clinical studies on the relationship between CA-125 and bone are needed.