Objective To investigate the relationships of levels of serum serine protease inhibitor (Vaspin), ligand of the receptor that belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor family (Apelin), chemokine with bone metabolism in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Methods A total of 100 patients with hyperthyroidism were divided into normal bone mass group (30 cases), osteopenia group (35 cases) and osteoporosis group (35 cases) according to bone mineral density. The baseline data, serum Vaspin, serum Apelin, serum chemerin levels and bone metabolism indexes were compared among the three groups, and the relationships of serum Vaspin, serum Apelin, serum chemerin levels with bone metabolism indexes were analyzed.

Results There were no significant differences in gender, age and basic diseases among the three groups (P>0.05). The values of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH VD) and type Ⅰ procollagen N-terminal propeptide (PINP) significantly decreased with the decrease of bone mineral density, while bone derived alkaline phosphatase (BALP), serum osteocalcin (BGP) and β-collagen specific sequence (β-CTX) values significantly increased with the decrease of bone mineral density (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the levels of blood calcium (Ca) and blood phosphorus (P) among the three groups (P>0.05). The levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum Vaspin, Apelin and chemerin in the three groups significantly increased with the decrease of bone mineral density (P < 0.05). The expression levels of serum Vaspin, Apelin and chemerin were positively correlated with bone metabolism indexes (P < 0.05).

Conclusion The changes of serum Vaspin, Apelin and chemerin levels in patients with hyperthyroidism show certain correlations with the decline of bone mineral density. Clinically, bone metabolism in patients with hyperthyroidism can be evaluated by combined detection of serum Vaspin, Apelin and chemerin levels, and then the relative measures can be performed to prevent osteoporosis.