Impact of Masticatory Performance and the Tongue-Lip Motor Function on Incident Adverse Health Events in Patients with Metabolic Disease.

AIM: The present study aimed to determine whether decreased masticatory performance and tongue-lip motor function are associated with an increased incidence of adverse health events in patients with metabolic disease. METHODS: One thousand patients with metabolic diseases including diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperuricemia were recruited. Masticatory performance was assessed using a gummy jelly test, wherein glucose elution from chewed gummy jelly was measured. The tongue-lip motor function was measured using repeatedly pronounced syllables per second. Their association with the incidence of adverse health events (a composite of all-cause death, cardiovascular disease, bone fracture, malignant neoplasm, pneumonia, and dementia) was investigated using the generalized propensity score (GPS) method. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 36.6 (interquartile range, 35.0-37.7) months, adverse health events were observed in 191 patients. The GPS adjusted dose-response function demonstrated that masticatory performance was inversely associated with the incidence of adverse health events. The 3-year incidence rate was 22.8% (95% confidence interval, 19.0-26.4%) for the lower quartile versus 13.6% (10.5-16.7%) for the upper quartile (P＜0.001). Similarly, the tongue-lip motor function was inversely associated with the incidence of adverse health events, with a 3-year incidence rate of 23.6% (20.0-27.0%) for the lower quartile versus 13.2% (10.4-15.9%) for the upper quartile (P＜0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased masticatory performance and tongue-lip motor function were associated with an increased incidence of adverse health events in patients with metabolic disease.

Daily Glucose Profiles after Switching from Injectable to Oral Semaglutide in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective This prospective observational study explored the changes in the daily glycemic profile after switching from injectable to oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were treated with once-weekly 0.5 mg injectable semaglutide and wished to switch to once-daily oral semaglutide participated in this study. Oral semaglutide was initiated at 3 mg and increased to 7 mg a month later, according to the package insert. Before and two months after the switch, participants wore a sensor for continuous glucose monitoring for up to 14 days. We also evaluated the questionnaire-based treatment satisfaction and the preference between the two formulations. Patients Twenty-three patients participated. Results Mean glucose levels significantly increased by 9 mg/dL on average, from 132±20 to 141±27 mg/dL (p=0.047), which was equivalent to a change of 0.2% in the estimated hemoglobin A1c (6.5±0.5% to 6.7±0.7%). The inter-individual variability assessed with standard deviation also significantly increased (p=0.004). The change in treatment satisfaction varied considerably among patients, with no specific trend in the overall population. After trying oral semaglutide, 48% of patients responded that they preferred the oral formulation, while 35% preferred the injectable formulation, and 17% had no preference. Conclusion The mean glucose levels increased by 9 mg/dL on average after switching from once-weekly 0.5 mg injectable semaglutide to once-daily 7 mg oral semaglutide, with an increased inter-individual variability. The change in treatment satisfaction considerably varied among patients.

Association between History of Vaccination and Symptoms at Diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Introduction: We investigated the association between history of vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and symptoms at its diagnosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 2566 consecutive individuals suspected of having COVID-19 and visited a designated clinic between January and September 2022 (1733 were diagnosed with COVID-19, and 816 tested negative for COVID-19) in Japan. The individuals were divided by vaccination history for COVID-19. Results: In the COVID-19-free individuals, the vaccination was not significantly associated with any symptoms. Contrarily, those with COVID-19 demonstrated an inverse relationship between the vaccination and body temperature; the adjusted mean value was higher by 0.01°C, 0.04°C, 0.09°C, 0.27°C, and 0.34°C and 0.48°C in individuals vaccinated 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, and >10 months before and those unvaccinated, respectively, than in those vaccinated within 2 months (P = 0.96, 0.41, 0.081, 0.006, 0.004, and <0.001). Furthermore, among the affected population, individuals vaccinated long before or never vaccinated more frequently complained of fatigue and headache; the adjusted odds ratios of those vaccinated >10 months before and those unvaccinated compared with those vaccinated within 2 months were 2.53 and 2.45 for fatigue and 2.53 and 2.17 for headache (all P < 0.05). Contrarily, the prevalence of rhinorrhea, sore throat, and cough was higher in recently vaccinated individuals (adjusted odds ratios of those vaccinated within 2 months versus those unvaccinated, 2.40, 2.46, and 2.46; all P < 0.05). Conclusions: Symptoms at the COVID-19 diagnosis differed with the vaccination history. Information on vaccination history would be worth using when suspecting COVID-19 based on symptoms.

Improvement of beta-cell function in conjunction with glycemic control after medical nutrition therapy in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The current study aimed to reveal the correlation of beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity with glycemic control and weight control before and after medical nutrition therapy (MNT) in patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive 68 patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus who started MNT without antihyperglycemic medications and underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and after the therapy. Beta-cell function was evaluated by the OGTT-derived disposition index, whereas insulin sensitivity was evaluated by Matsuda's insulin sensitivity index. RESULTS: After 4.0 ± 1.5 months of MNT, mean HbA1c and body mass index significantly decreased from 9.6 ± 1.8% to 7.2 ± 1.0% and from 26.9 ± 4.1 to 25.4 ± 3.7 kg/m2 (both P < 0.001), while the median disposition index and Matsuda's index significantly increased from 0.34 (0.20-0.68) to 0.88 (0.53-1.52) (P < 0.001) and from 4.70 (2.95-5.93) to 5.17 (3.48-6.89) (P = 0.003), respectively. The disposition index was significantly correlated with HbA1c levels both before and after MNT (r = -0.61 and -0.68; both P < 0.001). The magnitude of the correlation after MNT was not different from that before MNT (P = 0.42). Matsuda's index was correlated not with HbA1c levels but with body mass index, both before (r = 0.07 [P = 0.57] and r = -0.58 [P < 0.001]) and after MNT (r = -0.01 [P = 0.95] and r = -0.52 [P < 0.001]). CONCLUSIONS: Beta-cell function was improved in conjunction with glycemic control after MNT in patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin sensitivity was linked with weight control rather than glycemic control.

Screening for a Decreased Masticatory Function by a Color-changeable Chewing Gum Test in Patients with Metabolic Disease.

Objective This study aimed to reveal the screening performance of a color-changeable chewing gum test for a decreased masticatory function in the assessment of oral hypofunction in patients with metabolic diseases. Methods We analyzed 1,000 patients with metabolic diseases, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperuricemia. A decreased masticatory function was diagnosed by a gummy jelly test. Patients were asked to chew a test gum, which changed from green to red by thorough mastication, 60 times for 1 minute. The color change was visually evaluated using the color scale, from 1 (green-dominant) to 10 points (red-dominant), and was colorimetrically quantified as delta E in the L*a*b* color space. The screening performance for a decreased masticatory function was evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Seventy-seven patients (7.7%) were diagnosed with a decreased masticatory function. The mean color scale and delta E of the gum test were 6.7±1.8 points and 42.9±6.7 units, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.822 (95% confidence interval, 0.768-0.872) for the color scale and 0.838 (0.781-0.890) for delta E (p=0.41). The optimal cut-off point of the color scale was 5.5 (5.0-6.5) points, whereas that of delta E was 37.7 (35.5-38.8) units. The optimal cut-off points were not significantly different between the subgroups divided by clinical characteristics. Conclusions A color-changeable chewing gum test using the color scale as well as delta E would be a useful tool for screening patients with metabolic diseases for a decreased masticatory function in the assessment of oral hypofunction.

Lifestyle changes and their impact on glycemic control and weight control in patients with diabetes during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Japan.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to reveal lifestyle changes and their impact on glycemic control and weight control in patients with diabetes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1,402 outpatients with diabetes at a clinic in Osaka, Japan, who responded to an interview sheet regarding lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic between 28 March and 30 May 2020. The association of lifestyle changes with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and weight changes from February to May 2020 was investigated using the linear regression model. We also investigated the association with clinically important change of HbA1c (by ≥0.3%) and bodyweight (by ≥3%), using the cumulative link model. RESULTS: Leisure time and other outside physical activities were decreased in one-quarter of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas the amount of meals and snacks was decreased and increased in approximately 10%, respectively. The change in leisure time physical activities was inversely associated with HbA1c and weight changes, whereas the quantitative change of meals with the decline in eating out and that of snacks were positively associated with HbA1c and weight changes (all P < 0.05). The quantitative change of meals without the decline in eating out was also positively associated with weight change (P = 0.012). The cumulative link model for clinically important HbA1c and weight change showed broadly similar associations, except for that between snacks and bodyweight (P = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: A considerable number of outpatients with diabetes experienced lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lifestyle changes were associated with HbA1c and weight changes.

Association of obesity, diabetes, and physical frailty with dental and tongue-lip motor dysfunctions in patients with metabolic disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reveal the clinical features associated with decreased dental (or shearing/crushing) and tongue-lip motor functions in patients with metabolic diseases. METHODS: One thousand patients with metabolic diseases including diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperuricemia were recruited. Dental function was assessed with a gummy jelly test, wherein glucose elution from a chewed gummy jelly was measured. Tongue-lip motor function was measured as repeatedly pronounced syllables per second. The association of clinical variables with the two functions was analyzed using multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS: The mean measurement of dental function was 202 ± 73 mg/dL, and that of tongue-lip motor function was 5.5 ± 1.0 times/s. Clinical variables independently associated with dental function (mg/dL) were age (adjusted regression coefficient ß = -9.8 per standard deviation [SD]), smoking (ß = -14.4 and -25.9 for past and current smoking, respectively), body mass index (BMI) 25-30 and ≥30 versus 20-25 kg/m2 (ß = -14.7 and -23.1, respectively), diabetes (ß = -11.9), hemoglobin A1c level ≥64 mmol/mol (ß = -14.6), gait speed (ß = 6.2 per SD), and handgrip strength (ß = 7.5 and 7.7 per SD for males and females, respectively) (all P < 0.05). Clinical variables independently associated with tongue-lip motor function (times/s) were age (ß = -0.31 per SD), BMI ≥ 30 versus 20-25 kg/m2 (ß = -0.24), diabetes (ß = -0.22), dyslipidemia (ß = 0.16), gait speed (ß = 0.12 per SD), and handgrip strength (ß = 0.18 and 0.13 per SD for males and females, respectively) (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity, diabetes, physical frailty, and old age were shared risk factors for decreased dental and tongue-lip motor functions in patients with metabolic diseases.

Investigation of the Effect of Canagliflozin on the Disposition Index, a Marker of Pancreatic Beta Cell Function, in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

AIM: Our aim was to investigate the effects of add-on canagliflozin with glimepiride dose adjustment or glimepiride dose adjustment on pancreatic beta cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and inadequate glycemic control despite stable triple therapy (metformin, teneligliptin, and glimepiride) plus diet/exercise therapy. METHODS: Forty patients on stable triple therapy were randomized to glimepiride dose adjustment without (glimepiride group) or with add-on canagliflozin 100 mg (canagliflozin group) for 24 weeks. The glimepiride dose was adjusted every 4 weeks based on continuous glucose monitoring over the previous 2 weeks according to a prespecified algorithm. After the 24-week treatment period, the patients returned to the pre-intervention regimen for 1 week (wash-out period). Patients underwent 75 g OGTTs at the start of the run-in period and at the end of the wash-out period. The primary endpoint was the change in disposition index (DI). RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients completed the study (canagliflozin, n = 19; glimepiride, n = 20). The change in DI was +5.1% and -11.0% in the canagliflozin and glimepiride groups, respectively, with a between-group difference ratio of 18.0% (P = 0.330). HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, body weight, and daily-life continuous glucose monitoring-derived parameters improved in the canagliflozin group. Hypoglycemia occurred in 60% (44 episodes) and 70% (79 episodes) of patients in the canagliflozin and glimepiride groups, respectively. The change in DI was significantly correlated with the changes in glycemic control and variability in overall cohort. CONCLUSION: Adding canagliflozin to the triple therapy improved beta cell function by 18%, but it did not reach statistical significance. This study also demonstrated a correlation between the change in DI and glycemic control. As canagliflozin improved both glucose level and variability with relatively lower risk of hypoglycemia compared with glimepiride dose adjustment, adding canagliflozin to the triple therapy may be clinically beneficial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000030208/jRCTs051180036.

Different daily glycemic profiles after switching from once-daily alogliptin plus twice-daily metformin to their once-daily fixed-dose combination in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether daily glycemic profiles and treatment satisfaction would be changed after switching from once-daily 25-mg alogliptin plus twice-daily 250-mg metformin to the fixed-dose combination of 25-mg alogliptin and 500-mg metformin once daily in type 2 diabetic patients. Twenty adult Japanese type 2 diabetic patients in whom once-daily 25-mg alogliptin plus twice-daily 250-mg metformin were switched to the fixed-dose combination of 25-mg alogliptin and 500-mg metformin once daily participated. Before and one month after the switch, participants were asked to perform one day of seven-point self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), to wear a sensor of flash glucose monitoring for up to 14 days, and to respond to a questionnaire for treatment satisfaction. As a result, the SMBG profiles were significantly changed after the switch (p = 0.021); blood glucose levels 2 hours after breakfast were significantly elevated (p = 0.022), whereas those 2 hours after lunch were significantly reduced (p = 0.036). The flash glucose monitoring also demonstrated a significant change of daily glucose profiles (p < 0.001). The risk of glucose levels <80 mg/dL were decreased from evening to morning, while the risk of glucose levels ≥140 mg/dL were increased. Mean 24-hour glucose values were increased by 5 mg/dL on average (p < 0.001). Treatment satisfaction was significantly improved after the switch (p < 0.001). In conclusion, daily glycemic profiles were significantly changed after switching from once-daily 25-mg alogliptin plus twice-daily 250-mg metformin to the once-daily fixed-dose combination in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. Treatment satisfaction was significantly improved after the switch.

Significant association of fracture of the lumbar spine with mortality in female hemodialysis patients: a prospective observational study.

Prevalent fracture of the lumbar spine is established as a predictor of increased mortality in the general population. To examine whether this association is retained in hemodialysis patients, we conducted a single-center prospective observational study in 635 hemodialysis patients (60.3 + or - 12.0 years old, male/female 369/266). Patients were divided into two groups (with and without lumbar fracture, assessed by simple lateral radiograph), and survival was followed for an average of 53.8 months. Lumbar fracture was present in 62 patients (9.76%; male 9.76%, female 9.77%). During the follow-up period, there were 176 all-cause deaths (27.7%; male 27.6%, female 27.8%), of which 72 were from cardiovascular diseases. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, all-cause and noncardiovascular mortality rates, but not cardiovascular mortality, were significantly higher in patients with fracture than in those without (P < 0.0001). In multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, the presence of lumbar fracture was significantly associated with increased noncardiovascular mortality (HR = 2.035, 95% CI 1.135-3.652, P < 0.05) after adjustment for age, duration of hemodialysis, presence of diabetes, body mass index, and serum calcium, phosphate, and albumin. Significantly higher all-cause and noncardiovascular mortality rates were also evident for patients with fracture in separate analyses in males and females, but multivariate analysis showed a significant association of lumbar fracture with increased all-cause (HR = 2.151, 95% CI 1.033-4.478, P < 0.05) and noncardiovascular (HR = 2.637, 95% CI 1.014-6.858, P < 0.05) mortality rates only in females. In conclusion, lumbar fracture is significantly associated with all-cause mortality in female patients.

Association of reduction in bone mineral density with mortality in male hemodialysis patients.

In the present study we examined the relationship of bone mineral density (BMD) reduction with increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. A single-center prospective observational study was conducted on 269 male hemodialysis patients. The BMD in the distal third of the radius (DR1/3) and in the ultradistal radius (UR), which are enriched with cortical and cancellous bone, respectively, was measured twice using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with a 1-year interval. Subjects were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of BMD reduction. Survival was followed for 61.0 months, after which time 104 patients (39%) had died. A significant BMD reduction at the UR and DR1/3 occurred in 182 (68%) and 195 (72%) patients, respectively. Patients with BMD reduction in the UR, in contrast to the DR1/3, had a significantly lower survival rate than those without BMD reduction (P = 0.01). In Cox regression analysis, the rate of BMD change at the UR, in addition to patient age, diabetes mellitus, and serum albumin, emerged as an independent predictor for increased mortality (HR = 0.970, 95% CI 0.945-0.996). Our results suggest that BMD reduction at the UR might be a clinically relevant marker that predicts an increased risk of mortality in male hemodialysis patients.

Serum beta2-microglobulin level is a significant predictor of mortality in maintenance haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)-M) is recognized as a surrogate marker of middle-molecule uraemic toxins and is a key component in the genesis of dialysis-associated amyloidosis. Few studies have evaluated the association of beta(2)-M levels with clinical outcome in dialyzed patients. METHODS: The prognostic implication of serum beta(2)-M levels for the survival of haemodialysis patients was examined in 490 prevalent haemodialysis patients (60.1 +/- 11.8 years, haemodialysis duration of 87.4 +/- 75.7 months, 288 males and 202 females; 24% diabetics). The patients were divided into two groups according to their serum beta(2)-M levels: lower beta(2)-M group (n = 245) with serum beta(2)-M <32.2 mg/L (the median serum beta(2)-M) and higher beta(2)-M group (n = 245) with that >or=32.2 mg/L. RESULTS: During the follow-up period of 40 +/- 15 months, there were 91 all-cause deaths, and out of them, 36 were from cardiovascular diseases. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that all-cause mortality in the higher beta(2)-M group was significantly higher compared to that in the lower beta(2)-M group (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses showed that serum beta(2)-M level was a significant predictor for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; P = 0.005), and for non-cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10; P = 0.006), after adjustment for age, gender, haemodialysis duration, the presence of diabetes, serum albumin and serum C-reactive protein. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the serum beta(2)-M level is a significant predictor of mortality in haemodialysis patients, independent of haemodialysis duration, diabetes, malnutrition and chronic inflammation, suggesting the clinical importance of lowering serum beta(2)-M in these patients.

Presence of abdominal aortic calcification is significantly associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Although abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is reported as a predictor for cardiovascular mortality in the general population, it is unknown whether this is also true in hemodialysis patients in whom vascular calcification and cardiovascular diseases are highly prevalent. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTINGS & PARTICIPANTS: 515 patients on maintenance hemodialysis therapy at a single center. PREDICTOR: AAC evaluated in a plain roentgenograph of the lateral abdomen at baseline. OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS: All-cause and cardiovascular death. RESULTS: Mean age was 60 +/- 12 (SD) years. AAC was present in 291 patients (56.5%). During a mean follow-up period of 51 +/- 17 months, there were 103 all-cause deaths, of which 41 were from cardiovascular diseases. Of patients with and without AAC, 27.8% and 9.8% died, respectively (11.6% and 3.1% of cardiovascular diseases, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that all-cause mortality was significantly greater in patients with AAC compared to those without (P < 0.0001, log-rank test). Similarly, cardiovascular mortality was significantly greater in the former than in the latter group (P = 0.0001, log-rank test). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis found that the presence of AAC was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 3.56; P < 0.01) and increased cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 5.66; P < 0.05) after adjustment for age, hemodialysis duration, presence of diabetes, serum albumin level, and C-reactive protein level. LIMITATIONS: Nonquantitative assessment of AAC and the lack of information for medication and history of cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSION: The presence of AAC is significantly associated with both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients, suggesting that careful attention should be given to the presence of AAC in a simple radiograph of the lateral abdomen as a prognostic indicator.

Serum concentrations of cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen: new marker for bone resorption in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Urinary cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) is a reliable bone resorption marker in patients with metabolic bone disease. We assessed a clinically available serum NTX assay suitable for anuric patients on hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: Serum concentrations of NTX, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (beta-CTX), pyridinoline (PYD), and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were determined as bone resorption markers, and those of bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and intact osteocalcin (OC) as bone formation markers, in 113 male HD patients (mean age, 59.3 years; mean HD duration, 67.7 months). Each patient's bone mineral density (BMD) in the distal third of the radius was measured twice, with a 2-year interval between measurements, by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Serum NTX correlated significantly with beta-CTX, PYD, DPD, BAP, and intact OC. NTX, as well as beta-CTX, PYD, DPD, BAP, and intact OC, correlated significantly with BMD at the time of measurement. NTX, beta-CTX, and DPD correlated significantly with the annual change in BMD during the 2-year period thereafter, in contrast to PYD, BAP, and intact OC. Patients in the highest quartile of serum NTX concentrations showed the fastest rate of bone loss. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting rapid bone loss were 48% and 83%, respectively, for serum NTX. CONCLUSION: Serum NTX may provide a clinically relevant serum assay to estimate bone turnover in HD patients.

Serum BAP as the clinically useful marker for predicting BMD reduction in diabetic hemodialysis patients with low PTH.

With decrease of serum PTH in hemodialysis (HD) patients, other factors besides parathyroid hormone (PTH) become important in regulating bone metabolism. We investigated which serum bone metabolic marker is the best to predict the bone mineral density (BMD) reduction in HD patients with serum PTH<180 pg/ml. The bone formation markers, bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), intact osteocalcin (OC), and N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP), and the bone resorption markers, deoxypyridinoline (DPD), pyridinoline (PYD), and beta-crossLaps (beta-CTx) were measured in serum from 137 HD patients. BMD of all patients was measured twice, approximately 1.5 years before and 1.5 years after measurement of their markers of bone metabolism. In all 137 HD patients, serum BAP was the only marker significantly higher in those with BMD reduction than in those without. In 42 diabetes mellitus (DM) HD patients with serum PTH<180 pg/ml, hypothetically low bone turnover state, serum BAP was again the only marker to discriminate those with BMD reduction from those without. At serum PTH<60 pg/ml, serum BAP retained tendency toward higher value. These findings suggest that serum BAP might be the most sensitive to identify small changes of bone metabolism in low bone turnover state. Retrospective study confirmed the usefulness of serum BAP in clinical practice by significantly higher values in those with bone loss at PTH<180 pg/ml even in under routine sample handling. In conclusion, serum BAP is a clinically useful bone formation marker to predict the BMD reduction in DM HD patients with low level of PTH.