2.4. Biomarkers of Bone Turnover and Biochemical Analysis
Fasting blood samples collected in EDTA/heparin tubes were centrifuged at 3000 rpm at 4 °C for 10 min within 40 min after collection. Samples were stored at −80 °C until analysis. Plasma concentrations of osteocalcin and sclerostin were measured using an automated analyzer according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Multiplex LuminexSerum 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D3), plasma 17-β oestradiol, blood lipids (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides), glucose homeostasis parameters (blood glucose, insulinaemia, HbA1c, and HOMA IR), and safety parameters were also measured.