Association Between Body Roundness Index, Serum Alpha-Klotho, and Osteoarthritis in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Strategic Insights -

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the relationship between body roundness index (BRI), serum alpha-Klotho levels, and osteoarthritis (OA) among middle-aged and older adults. A recent study conducted in Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, aimed to investigate the association between BRI and OA, as well as the potential mediating role of alpha-Klotho in the bidirectional relationships between BRI and OA. The study involved 8,275 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and utilized weighted logistic regressions and restricted cubic splines to assess the relationships between BRI, alpha-Klotho, and OA.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant association between higher body roundness index (BRI) and lower odds of osteoarthritis (OA) among middle-aged and older adults (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.29 to 1.52, P < 0.001).
  • The researchers identified a mediating role of alpha-Klotho in the bidirectional relationships between BRI and OA among middle-aged and older adults.
  • Subgroup analyses revealed that the association between BRI and OA varied across different age groups, with a stronger association observed among older adults.
  • The study's findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationships between BRI, alpha-Klotho levels, and OA, which may inform future hypothesis-driven or mechanistic studies.
  • The research was conducted by a team of scientists from Nanjing University, led by Qing Jiang, in collaboration with Wentian Gao, Yu Zhang, Yuejian Ding, Qiangqiang Li, and Dongyang Chen.

Statistics:

  • The study enrolled 8,275 participants, aged 40-89 years, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
  • The analysis revealed that higher BRI was associated with lower odds of OA (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.29 to 1.52, P < 0.001).
  • The study found a significant mediating effect of alpha-Klotho in the relationships between BRI and OA among middle-aged and older adults.
  • The analysis indicated that the association between BRI and OA varied across different age groups, with a stronger association observed among older adults (P < 0.01).

Sources:

  • Association of Body Roundness Index, Serum A-klotho and Osteoarthritis: a Nationwide Population-based Study of Middle-aged and Older Adults. Experimental Gerontology, 2025;210.
  • Experimental Gerontology. Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Experimental Gerontology - www.journals.elsevier.com/experimental-gerontology/)
  • NewsRx. Findings from Nanjing University Provides New Data about Osteoarthritis (Association of Body Roundness Index, Serum A-klotho and Osteoarthritis: a Nationwide Population-based Study of Middle-aged and Older Adults). Nursing Home & Elder Business Week. October 26, 2025; p 1087.