Symptomatic fractures in systemic sclerosis: A case-control study.

This case-control study analyzed risk factors for symptomatic fractures in a group of 52 patients with systemic sclerosis compared with a group of 104 patients without fractures, matched for sex and age, who were attended at a single systemic sclerosis outpatient clinic from 2010 to 2020. Fractures affected predominantly vertebral (65.4%), rib (13.5%), and hip (7.7%) joints, while the mean age of fracture was 55.3 ± 9.5 years. Age at disease onset, age at diagnosis, disease duration, age at menarche, and age at menopause were similar in both groups, and 58.9% of the patients were menopausal at the time of the fracture. The presence of fractures had a significant association with densitometric osteoporosis (p < 0.001), lower weight (p = 0.032), and bone mineral index (p = 0.044), anti-RNA polymerase III (p = 0.040), use of corticosteroids (p = 0.019), and bisphosphonates (p < 0.001), as well as with densitometric T-scores of lumbar spine (p < 0.001), femoral neck (p = 0.025), and total hip (p = 0.013). Multivariate analysis showed that the variables significantly associated with fractures were high doses of corticosteroids (odds ratio = 4.10; 95% confidence interval = 1.290-13.090; p = 0.017), bisphosphonates (odds ratio = 3.91; 95% confidence interval = 1.699-8.984; p = 0.001), negative anti-Scl70 (OR = 0.34; 95% confidence interval = 0.124-0.943; p = 0.038), and lumbar T-score (odds ratio = 0.39; 95% confidence interval = 0.034-0.460; p = 0.010). In conclusion, symptomatic fractures were associated predominantly with lower bone mineral density of lumbar spine and use of high doses of corticosteroids and bisphosphonates in this cohort.

Lower hand grip in rheumatoid arthritis patients is associated with low finite element analysis using high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography scan of the 2nd metacarpophalangeal joint.

AIM: To evaluate hand function by hand grip test in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and its association with bone erosions and the estimated bone strength (finite element - FE analysis) through the analysis of the 2nd metacarpal head of the dominant hand using high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). METHOD: Eighty-two female RA patients between 18-50 years old were selected. Demographic data, Health Questionnaire Assessment Disability Index (HAQ), Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS)-28, simplified disease activity index (SDAI) and the hand grip test were set. The HR-pQCT scans of 2nd metacarpophalangeal joints of the dominant hand of all patients were performed according to SPECTRA group protocols. The images were used to assess bone erosions and FE analysis. The hand grip test was categorized in 2 groups and separately compared (< 18 vs ≥18 kgf). A logistic regression was performed using hand grip test <18 kgf as a dependent variable. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the 2 groups regarding HAQ, inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein), DAS-28, SDAI, total volume of erosion and bone strength parameter (FE analysis - Failure Load [F.Load]). The logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors associated with hand grip test <18 kgf were higher SDAI (odds ratio [OR] 0.912; 95% CI 0.837-0.993) and lower values of bone strength parameter (F.Load) (OR 1.007; 95% CI 1.002-1.012). CONCLUSION: Lower values of hand grip test were associated with higher disease activity score-SDAI and lower bone strength of 2nd metacarpal bone head of the dominant hand evaluated here through a FE analysis using HR-pQCT scan.

Creatine Supplementation (3 g/d) and Bone Health in Older Women: A 2-Year, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Creatine supplementation could be a nonexpensive, safe, and effective dietary intervention to counteract bone loss. The aim of this study was to investigate whether long-term creatine supplementation can improve bone health in older, postmenopausal women. METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, randomized trial was conducted between November 2011 and December 2017 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Two hundred postmenopausal women with osteopenia were randomly allocated to receive either creatine monohydrate (3 g/d) or placebo for 2 years. At baseline and after 12 and 24 months, we assessed areal bone mineral density (aBMD; primary outcome), lean and fat mass (through dual X-ray absorptiometry), volumetric BMD and bone microarchitecture parameters, biochemical bone markers, physical function and strength, and the number of falls and fractures. Possible adverse effects were self-reported. RESULTS: Lumbar spine (p < .001), femoral neck (p < .001), and total femur aBMD (p = .032) decreased across time; however, no interaction effect was observed (all p > .050). Bone markers, microarchitecture parameters, and the number of falls/fractures were not changed with creatine (all p > .050). Lean mass and appendicular skeletal muscle mass increased throughout the intervention (p < .001), with no additive effect of creatine (p = .731 and p = .397, respectively). Creatine did not affect health-related laboratory parameters. CONCLUSION: Creatine supplementation more than 2 years did not improve bone health in older, postmenopausal women with osteopenia, nor did it affect lean mass or muscle function in this population. This refutes the long-lasting notion that this dietary supplement alone has osteogenic or anabolic properties in the long run. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT: 01472393.

Acroosteolysis and bone metabolism parameters distinguish female patients with limited systemic sclerosis with and without calcinosis: a case control study.

Calcinosis usually represents a late manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc), inducing tissue damage and chronic calcifications. To analyze clinical and bone metabolism parameters associated with calcinosis in limited systemic sclerosis (lSSc), thirty-six female lSSc patients with calcinosis were compared with 36 female lSSc patients without calcinosis, matched by age, disease duration, and body mass index. Organ involvement, autoantibodies, bone density, and laboratory parameters were analyzed. Statistical significance was considered if p < 0.05. Calcinosis was significantly associated with acroosteolysis (69% vs. 22%, p < 0.001), higher modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS 4.28 ± 4.66 vs. 1.17 ± 2.50, p < 0.001), and higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) (24.46 ± 8.15 vs. 20.80 ± 6.60 ng/ml, p = 0.040) and phosphorus serum levels (3.81 ± 0.41 vs. 3.43 ± 0.45 mg/dl, p < 0.001). 25OHD levels > 30 ng/ml were also significantly more frequent in patients with calcinosis (p = 0.041). Regarding treatment, current use of corticosteroids was lower in patients with calcinosis compared with patients without calcinosis (8% vs. 28%, p = 0.032). On logistic regression analysis, acroosteolysis (OR = 12.04; 95% CI, 2.73-53.04; p = 0.001), mRSS (OR = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.11-1.69; p = 0.003), phosphorus serum levels (OR = 5.07; 95% CI, 1.06-24.23; p = 0.042), and lower glucocorticoid use (OR = 0.07; 95% CI, 0.007-0.66; p = 0.021) are independent risk factors for calcinosis. This study showed that limited SSc patients with calcinosis present a distinct clinic and biochemical profile when compared with a matched group without calcinosis, paired by disease duration, age and BMI. KEY POINTS: • Calcinosis in patients with limited SSc was associated with acroosteolysis, higher mRSS and higher serum levels of phosphorus.

Low vitamin D serum levels in diffuse systemic sclerosis: a correlation with worst quality of life and severe capillaroscopic findings.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation of vitamin D levels with clinical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), quality of life (QoL) and nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) in patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: Thirty-eight female patients with diffuse SSc were analyzed regarding 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) serum levels. At inclusion, organ involvement, autoantibodies, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), Medsger Disease Severity Index (MDSI), body mass index (BMI), BMD, NC, Short-Form-36 Questionnaire (SF-36), and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), were performed through a standardized interview, physical examination and electronic chart review. RESULTS: Mean 25OHD serum level was 20.66±8.20ng/mL. Eleven percent of the patients had 25OHD levels ≤10ng/mL, 50% ≤20ng/mL and 87% ≤30ng/mL. Vitamin D serum levels were positively correlated with BMI (r=0.338, p=0.038), BMD-total femur (r=0.340, p=0.037), BMD-femoral neck (r=0.384, p=0.017), SF-36-Vitality (r=0.385, p=0.017), SF-36-Social Function (r=0.320, p=0.050), SF-36-Emotional Role (r=0.321, p=0.049) and SF-36-Mental Health (r=0.531, p=0.0006) and were negatively correlated with HAQ-Reach (r=-0.328, p=0.044) and HAQ-Grip Strength (r=-0.331, p=0.042). A negative correlation with NC-diffuse devascularization (p=0.029) and NC-avascular area (p=0.033) was also observed. CONCLUSION: The present study provides novel evidence demonstrating that low levels of 25OHD have a negative impact in diffuse SSc QoL and further studies are needed to define whether vitamin D supplementation can improve health related QoL in these patients. The additional observation of a correlation with severe NC alterations suggests a possible role of 25OHD in the underlying SSc vascular involvement.

Low vitamin D serum levels in diffuse systemic sclerosis: a correlation with worst quality of life and severe capillaroscopic findings / Baixos níveis séricos de vitamina D na esclerose sistêmica difusa: correlação com pior qualidade de vida e alterações capilaroscópicas graves

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation of vitamin D levels with clinical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), quality of life (QoL) and nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) in patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods: Thirty-eight female patients with diffuse SSc were analyzed regarding 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) serum levels. At inclusion, organ involvement, autoantibodies, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), Medsger Disease Severity Index (MDSI), body mass index (BMI), BMD, NC, Short-Form-36 Questionnaire (SF-36), and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), were performed through a standardized interview, physical examination and electronic chart review. Results: Mean 25OHD serum level was 20.66 ± 8.20 ng/mL. Eleven percent of the patients had 25OHD levels ≤10 ng/mL, 50% ≤20 ng/mL and 87% ≤30 ng/mL. Vitamin D serum levels were positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.338, p = 0.038), BMD-total femur (r = 0.340, p = 0.037), BMD-femoral neck (r = 0.384, p = 0.017), SF-36-Vitality (r = 0.385, p = 0.017), SF-36-Social Function (r = 0.320, p = 0.050), SF-36-Emotional Role (r = 0.321, p = 0.049) and SF-36-Mental Health (r = 0.531, p = 0.0006) and were negatively correlated with HAQ-Reach (r = −0.328, p = 0.044) and HAQ-Grip Strength (r = −0.331, p = 0.042). A negative correlation with NC-diffuse devascularization (p = 0.029) and NC-avascular area (p = 0.033) was also observed. Conclusion: The present study provides novel evidence demonstrating that low levels of 25OHD have a negative impact in diffuse SSc QoL and further studies are needed to define whether vitamin D supplementation can improve health related QoL in these patients. The additional observation of a correlation with severe NC alterations suggests a possible role of 25OHD in the underlying SSc vascular involvement.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a correlação entre os níveis de vitamina D e parâmetros clínicos, densidade mineral óssea (DMO), qualidade de vida (QV) e capilaroscopia periungueal (CPU) em pacientes com esclerose sistêmica difusa (ES). Métodos: Mensuraram-se os níveis séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25OHD) de 38 pacientes do sexo feminino com ES difusa. No momento da inclusão, analisaram-se o envolvimento de órgãos, autoanticorpos, escore cutâneo de Rodnan modificado (ERM), Medsger Disease Severity Index (MDSI), índice de massa corporal (IMC), DMO, CPU, Short-Form-36 Questionnaire (SF-36) e Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) por meio de uma entrevista padronizada, exame físico e avaliação de prontuário eletrônico. Resultados: A média do nível sérico de 25OHD foi de 20,66 ± 8,20 ng/mL. Dos pacientes, 11% tinham níveis de 25OHD ≤ 10 ng/mL, 50% ≤ 20 ng/mL e 87% ≤ 30 ng/mL. Os níveis séricos de vitamina D estiveram positivamente correlacionados com o IMC (r = 0,338, p = 0,038), DMO-fêmur total (r = 0,340, p = 0,037), DMO-colo femoral (r = 0,384, p = 0,017), SF-36-Vitalidade (r = 0,385, p = 0,017), SF-36-Aspecto social (r = 0,320, p = 0,050), SF-36-Aspecto emocional (r = 0,321, p = 0,049) e SF-36-Saúde mental (r = 0,531, p = 0,0006) e se correlacionaram negativamente com o HAQ-Alcance (r = –0,328, p = 0,044) e HAQ-força de preensão (r = –0,331, p = 0,042). Também foi observada uma correlação negativa com a CPU- desvascularização difusa (p = 0,029) e CPU-área avascular (p = 0,033). Conclusão: O presente estudo fornece evidências novas de que níveis baixos de 25OHD têm um impacto negativo sobre a qualidade de vida de pacientes com ES difusa e que são necessários mais estudos para definir se a suplementação de vitamina D pode melhorar a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde desses pacientes. A observação adicional de uma correlação com alterações graves na CPU sugere um possível papel da 25OHD no envolvimento vascular subjacente da ES.

Subsensitivity to insulin in adipocytes from rats submitted to foot-shock stress.

We examined the effect of three daily foot-shock stress sessions on glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion by isolated pancreatic islets, insulin sensitivity of white adipocytes, and glycogen stores in the liver and soleus muscle of rats. Stressed rats had plasma glucose (128.3 +/- 22.9 mg/dL) and insulin (1.09 +/- 0.33 ng/mL) levels higher than the controls (glucose, 73.8 +/- 3.5 mg/dL; insulin, 0.53 +/- 0.11 ng/mL, ANOVA plus Fisher's test; p < 0.05). After a glucose overload, the plasma glucose, but not insulin, levels remained higher (area under the curve 8.19 +/- 1.03 vs. 4.84 +/- 1.33 g/dL 30 min and 102.7 +/- 12.2 vs. 93.2 +/- 16.1 ng/mL 30 min, respectively). Although, the area under the insulin curve was higher in stressed (72.8 +/- 9.8 ng/mL) rats than in control rats (34.9 +/- 6.9 ng/mL) in the initial 10 min after glucose overload. The insulin release stimulated by glucose in pancreatic islets was not modified after stress. Adipocytes basal lipolysis was higher (stressed, 1.03 +/- 0.14; control, 0.69 +/- 0.11 micromol of glycerol in 60 min/100 mg of total lipids) but maximal lipolysis stimulated by norepinephrine was not different (stressed, 1.82 +/- 0.35; control, 1.46 +/- 0.09 micromol of glycerol in 60 min/100 mg of total lipids) after stress. Insulin dose-dependently inhibited the lipolytic response to norepinephrine by up to 35% in adipocytes from control rats but had no effect on adipocytes from stressed rats. The liver glycogen content was unaltered by stress, but was lower in soleus muscle from stressed rats than in control rats (0.45 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.35 +/- 0.04 mg/100 mg of wet tissue). These results suggest that rats submitted to foot-shock stress develop hyperglycemia along with hyperinsulinemia as a consequence of insulin subsensitivity in adipose tissue, with no alteration in the pancreatic sensitivity to glucose. Foot-shock stress may therefore provide a useful short-term model of insulin subsensitivity.