Secondary hyperparathyroidism: Predictors and relationship with vitamin D status, bone turnover markers and bone mineral density.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) has adverse implications for bone health but is relatively understudied. In this study we examine the prevalence and determinants of SHPT and describe the relationship of SHPT with bone turnover markers and bone mineral density (BMD) in older Irish adults. METHOD: Eligible participants (n = 4139) were identified from the Trinity-Ulster-Department of Agriculture (TUDA) study, a cohort of Irish adults aged ≥60 years. Exclusion criteria included an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 ml/min and serum calcium >2.5 mmol/l to remove hyperparathyroidism due to advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and primary hyperparathyroidism respectively. The relationship between SHPT and bone turnover markers and BMD (measured by densitometry) was examined in a subsample (n = 1488). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH)D] <30 nmol/l. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 73.6 ± 7.9 years, 65.1 % were female and 19.4 % were found to be vitamin D deficient. The prevalence of SHPT decreased as vitamin D increased, from 30.6 % in those deficient to 9.8 % in those with 25(OH)D ≥ 50 nmol/l and increased with declining kidney function. In non­calcium supplement users, principal determinants of SHPT were vitamin D deficiency (OR 4.18, CI 3.05-5.73, p < 0.001), eGFR 30-44 ml/min (OR 3.69, CI 2.44-5.57, p < 0.001), loop diuretic use (OR 3.52, CI 2.59-4.79, p < 0.001) and to a lesser extent body mass index (p = 0.001), eGFR 45-59 ml/min (p < 0.001) and 25(OH)D level 30-49 nmol/l (p = 0.002). Similar findings were observed in calcium supplement users, though proton pump inhibitors were also associated with SHPT (OR 1.55, CI 1.08-2.22, p = 0.018) while vitamin D 30-49 nmol/l was not. In participants with SHPT versus those without, bone turnover markers were higher: bone alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.017) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (p = 0.033), whilst there was lower BMD at the neck of femur (0.880 vs. 0.903 g/cm2, p = 0.033) and total hip (0.968 vs. 0.995 g/cm2, P = 0.017). DISCUSSION: The results show that up to one in six older Irish adults had SHPT and this was associated with lower BMD and higher concentrations of bone turnover markers. Both vitamin D deficiency and 25(OH)D level 30-49 nmol/l were important predictors of SHPT. Loop diuretics and PPIs may also increase the risk of SHPT, and their use may need to be carefully considered in this population. Further studies examining the potential impact of these factors on bone health in similar populations to our study sample are warranted.

Determination of the Combined Effects of Asian Herbal Medicine with Calcium and/or Vitamin D Supplements on Bone Mineral Density in Primary Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Our review of 52 RCTs from 5 databases suggests a tendency for notable improvement in BMD when combining herbal medicine with supplements (calcium and vitamin D variants) compared to supplement monotherapy in primary osteoporosis. However, caution is needed in interpreting results due to substantial heterogeneity among included studies. PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether herbal medicine (HM) plus supplements such as calcium (Ca) or vitamin D (Vit.D) improves bone mineral density (BMD) compared to supplements alone in primary osteoporosis (OP) patients. METHODS: We searched 5 databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using HMs with supplements (Ca or Vit.D variants) as interventions for primary OP patients published until August 31, 2022. Meta-analysis using BMD score as the primary outcome was performed using RevMan 5.4 version. Risk of bias in the included studies was assessed useing RoB 2.0 tool. RESULTS: In total, 52 RCTs involving 4,889 participants (1,408 men, 3,481 women) were included, with average BMD scores of 0.690 ± 0.095 g/cm2 (lumbar) and 0.625 ± 0.090 g/cm2 (femoral neck). As a result of performing meta-analysis using BMD scores for all 52 RCTs included in this review, combination of HMs with Ca and Vit.D variants improved the BMD score by 0.08 g/cm2 (lumbar, 38 RCTs, 95% CI: 0.06-0.10, p < 0.001, I2 = 97%) and 0.06 g/cm2 (femoral neck, 19 RCTs, 95% CI: 0.04-0.08, p < 0.001, I2 = 92%)compared to controls. However, statistical significance of the lumbar BMD improvement disappeared after adjusting for potential publication bias. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that combining of HM and supplements tends to be more effective in improving BMD in primary OP than supplements alone. However, caution is needed in interpretation due to the reporting bias and high heterogeneity among studies, and well-designed RCTs are required in the future.

Dual x-ray absorptiometry monitoring in pediatric short bowel syndrome: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the bone health of pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome intestinal failure (SBS-IF). DATA SOURCE: An integrative literature review was performed using the data published in the MEDLINE-PubMed and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases between January 2010 and April 2021, and through a manual search of the reference lists of relevant studies. Studies were included if they assessed bone mineral density by the Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) technique, incorporated pediatric patients (up to 20 years of age) with SBS under parenteral nutrition (PN) and were written in English. Eleven primary sources met the inclusion criteria for this study. DATA SYNTHESIS: Pediatric patients with SBS-IF under long-term parenteral nutrition experienced frequent changes in bone metabolism, leading to osteoporotic fractures and growth failure. These patients have deficiencies in multiple nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Consequently, there are variations in the secretion and regulation of the parathyroid hormone. In addition, the pharmacotechnical limitations related to calcium and phosphorus in the PN solution, use of glucocorticoids, and difficulty performing physical activity are risk factors for the development of metabolic bone disease in pediatric patients with SBS-IF. CONCLUSIONS: Low bone mineral density was associated with a high risk of developing osteoporosis, fractures, and growth deficiency in pediatric patients with SBS-IF on PN therapy in the long term.

Clinical Features, Incidence and Treatment Outcome in Pregnancy-Associated Osteoporosis: A Single-Centre Experience over Two Decades.

Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis (PAO) is a rare syndrome which typically presents with vertebral fractures during pregnancy or lactation. The medical records of sixteen patients with PAO who presented to a specialist clinic at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh over a 20-year period were reviewed to evaluate the mode of presentation, potential risk factors and response to treatment. The most common presentation was back pain occurring in 13/16 (81.2%) individuals due to multiple vertebral fractures. The diagnosis was usually made postpartum and in 12/16 individuals (75.0%), PAO presented during the woman's first pregnancy. Medicines which could have contributed to the development of PAO included thromboprophylaxis therapies in 8 subjects (50.0%), inhaled or injected corticosteroids in 5 (31.3%), anticonvulsants in 2 (12.5%) and a LHRH agonist in 1 (6.3%). Five individuals reported a family history of osteoporosis, and two pregnancies were complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum. Treatments administered included calcium and vitamin D supplements, bisphosphonates and teriparatide. Bone mineral density increased following the diagnosis in all cases, regardless of treatment given. One patient had further fracture during follow-up, but four patients had subsequent pregnancies without fractures. We estimated that in this locality, the incidence of PAO was 6.8/100,000 pregnancies with a point prevalence of 4.1 per 100,000 women. This case series indicates the importance of family history of osteoporosis and thromboprophylaxis drugs as risk factors for PAO while also demonstrating that the reductions in bone density tend to reverse with time, irrespective of the treatment given.

Optimal Serum 25(OH)D Levels and Vitamin D Intake in Korean Postmenopausal Women.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the growth and maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. Postmenopausal women are vulnerable to bone fractures because of the decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants that influence BMD and the 25(OH)D levels in Korean postmenopausal women. This study collected general and dietary intake information, measured biochemical indices, and conducted BMD tests in 96 postmenopausal women residing in a metropolitan area in Korea. This study analyzed factors that influenced serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and BMD, as well as the correlation between the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and serum 25(OH)D levels. The serum 25(OH)D levels increased by 0.226 ng/mL in the summertime, 0.314 ng/mL in the wintertime, and 0.370 ng/mL on annual average when vitamin D intake rose by 1 µg/1000 kcal. When the serum 25(OH)D levels were ≥18.9 ng/mL, the iPTH levels did not rapidly increase. To maintain the serum 25(OH)D levels at ≥18.9 ng/mL, a daily vitamin D intake of ≥13.21 µg was required. Consequently, consuming vitamin D-fortified foods or vitamin D supplements is necessary to improve both bone health and vitamin D nutritional status.

Effectiveness of FES-supported leg exercise for promotion of paralysed lower limb muscle and bone health-a systematic review.

Leg exercises through standing, cycling and walking with/without FES may be used to preserve lower limb muscle and bone health in persons with physical disability due to SCI. This study sought to examine the effectiveness of leg exercises on bone mineral density and muscle cross-sectional area based on their clinical efficacy in persons with SCI. Several literature databases were searched for potential eligible studies from the earliest return date to January 2022. The primary outcome targeted was the change in muscle mass/volume and bone mineral density as measured by CT, MRI and similar devices. Relevant studies indicated that persons with SCI that undertook FES- and frame-supported leg exercise exhibited better improvement in muscle and bone health preservation in comparison to those who were confined to frame-assisted leg exercise only. However, this observation is only valid for exercise initiated early (i.e., within 3 months after injury) and for ≥30 min/day for ≥ thrice a week and for up to 24 months or as long as desired and/or tolerable. Consequently, apart from the positive psychological effects on the users, leg exercise may reduce fracture rate and its effectiveness may be improved if augmented with FES.

Risk factors associated with low bone mineral density in children with idiopathic scoliosis: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Children with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) have a high risk of osteoporosis and IS with low bone mineral density (BMD) are susceptible to curve progression. This review aims to explore the risk factors of low BMD in children with IS. METHODS: Studies were retrieved from 5 databases that were published up to January 2022. Search terms are keywords in titles or abstracts, including subject headings related to "Scoliosis", "Bone Mineral Density", and "Risk Factors". Observational studies on risk factors of low BMD in children with IS were enrolled in this review. The number of studies, sample size, outcome measures, research type, endocrine, and lifestyle-related factors, gene/signal pathway, and other contents were extracted for qualitative analysis. RESULTS: A total of 56 studies were included in this scoping review. Thirty studies involved genetic factors that may affect BMD, including the Vitamin-D receptor gene, RANK/RANKL signal pathway, the function of mesenchymal stem cells, Runx2, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and miR-145/ß-catenin pathway. Eight studies mentioned the influence of endocrine factors on BMD, and the results showed that serum levels of IL-6, leptin and its metabolites, and ghrelin in children with IS were different from the age-matched controls. In addition, there were 18 articles on lifestyle-related factors related to low BMD in children with IS, consisting of physical activity, calcium intake, Vitamin D level, and body composition. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic, endocrine, and lifestyle-related factors might relate to low BMD and even osteoporosis in IS. To prevent osteoporosis, the effectiveness of regular screening for low BMD risk factors in children with IS needs to be investigated. Additionally, clear risk factors suggest strategies for bone intervention. Future studies should consider the effectiveness of calcium and vitamin D supplements and physical activity in BMD improvement.

The use of alkaline phosphatase as a bone turnover marker after spinal cord injury: A scoping review of human and animal studies.

BACKGROUND: Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is measured as an indicator of bone or liver disease. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) is an isoform of ALP found in the bone tissue which can predict fractures and heterotopic ossification. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this scoping review was to explore the current use of ALP and B-ALP in studies using humans or animal models of SCI, and to identify ways to advance future research using ALP and B-ALP as a bone marker after SCI. RESULTS: HUMAN STUDIES: 42 studies were included. The evidence regarding changes or differences in ALP levels in individuals with SCI compared to controls is conflicting. For example, a negative correlation between B-ALP and total femur BMD was observed in only one of three studies examining the association. B-ALP seemed to increase after administration of teriparatide, and to decrease after treatment with denosumab. The effects of exercise on ALP and B-ALP levels are heterogeneous and depend on the type of exercise performed. ANIMAL STUDIES: 11 studies were included. There is uncertainty regarding the response of ALP or B-ALP levels after SCI; levels increased after some interventions, including vibration protocols, curcumin supplementation, cycles in electromagnetic field or hyperbaric chamber. Calcitonin or bisphosphonate administration did not affect ALP levels. CONCLUSION: Researchers are encouraged to measure the bone-specific isoform of ALP rather than total ALP in future studies in humans of animal models of SCI.

Osteometabolic profile and bone mass in the transition phase: ethnic differences in Brazilians treated with somatropin during childhood.

OBJECTIVE: The main growth hormone action is to promote linear growth increasing protein synthesis stimulation and osteoblastic activity. Peak bone mass extends from adolescence to 30 years of age. Several factors may influence this acquisition and prevent fracture risk in adulthood, such as genetic potential, GH, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors. This study aims to compare bone mass and osteometabolic profile of white and Afro-descendant Brazilian adolescents in the transition phase, who were treated with human recombinant growth hormone in childhood. METHODS: The authors selected 38 adolescents from the Transition Outpatient Clinic of the University of São Paulo. Lumbar spine and total body bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), serum calcium, 25-OH-vitamin D and bone markers were analyzed at the rhGH withdrawal. RESULTS: The mean age was 16.8 ± 1.6 years. There were 21 Afro-descendant and 17 whites. Thirty-four percent of the sample presented vitamin D insufficiency, 66% inadequate calcium intake and 44.7% physical inactivity. The Afro-descendants showed a lower lumbar spine and total body Z scores than those of the whites (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively), as well as their mean body weight (p = 0.03). There were no differences in the remaining osteometabolic parameters. CONCLUSION: As most adolescents had vitamin D insufficiency, low calcium intake, and physical inactivity, calcium, and cholecalciferol supplementation and lifestyle changes should be encouraged. The Brazilian Afro-descendant may be a vulnerable group for low bone mass, requiring special strategies to increase bone accrual and body weight. More studies are necessary to compare ethnic differences in this population.

Looking at the spine in controlled Acromegaly.

Skeletal fragility with high risk of vertebral fractures (VFs) is an emerging complication of growth hormone (GH) hypersecretion. VFs often coexist with spine arthropathy and both clinical conditions negatively impact on quality of life of acromegalic subjects. Management of spine osteopathy and arthropathy in acromegaly could be challenging since both complications can persist or even progress after biochemical control of disease. This article analyzes the latest evidence about possible pathophysiological links between VFs and spine arthropathy in active and controlled acromegaly, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects concerning the holistic management of acromegalic osteo-arthropathy.

An Overview of Nutritional Aspects in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

There is evidence that nutritional impairment can complicate juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). It is also recognized that the JIA drug treatment may affect the nutritional aspects of patients. It is crucial to understand the impacts that nutritional aspects can have on a patient's treatment, health, and life. Therefore, this review explores how nutrition influences juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Dietary aspects play essential roles in JIA patients' growth, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), inflammation, and recovery. Suboptimal nutrition seems to adversely affect the long-term outcome of JIA patients. Nutritional deficiency potentially affects JIA patients' general wellbeing and disease control and contributes to growth, inflammation, BMI, and BMD disturbances. It was also possible to verify that the correct status of nutrients helps the body recover and reduce inflammation in JIA patients, since nutritional status and nutrients play an important role in regulating immune function. Studies are diverse, and most analyze the effects of a single nutrient on JIA. Moreover, the diet and nutrition impacts are difficult to interpret in the pediatric population due to family influence, dietary regulation, and data collection in children/adolescents. Despite the lack of standardization among studies, the potential benefits of a healthy diet on short- and long-term health and wellbeing in JIA patients are noteworthy.

Clinical observation of diminished bone quality and quantity through longitudinal HR-pQCT-derived remodeling and mechanoregulation.

High resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) provides methods for quantifying volumetric bone mineral density and microarchitecture necessary for early diagnosis of bone disease. When combined with a longitudinal imaging protocol and finite element analysis, HR-pQCT can be used to assess bone formation and resorption (i.e., remodeling) and the relationship between this remodeling and mechanical loading (i.e., mechanoregulation) at the tissue level. Herein, 25 patients with a contralateral distal radius fracture were imaged with HR-pQCT at baseline and 9-12 months follow-up: 16 patients were prescribed vitamin D3 with/without calcium supplement based on a blood biomarker measures of bone metabolism and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry image-based measures of normative bone quantity which indicated diminishing (n = 9) or poor (n = 7) bone quantity and 9 were not. To evaluate the sensitivity of this imaging protocol to microstructural changes, HR-pQCT images were registered for quantification of bone remodeling and image-based micro-finite element analysis was then used to predict local bone strains and derive rules for mechanoregulation. Remodeling volume fractions were predicted by both average values of trabecular and cortical thickness and bone mineral density (R2 > 0.8), whereas mechanoregulation was affected by dominance of the arm and group classification (p < 0.05). Overall, longitudinal, extended HR-pQCT analysis enabled the identification of changes in bone quantity and quality too subtle for traditional measures.

Yak (Bos grunniens) milk improves bone mass and microarchitecture in mice with osteoporosis.

The effect of milk on bone health is controversial. In this study, the effects of yak milk in mice with retinoic acid-induced osteoporosis (OP) were evaluated. Yak milk was provided to OP mice as a nutrition supplement for 6 wk. The results showed that yak milk significantly reduced bone turnover markers (tartrate acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase). The yak milk treatment was also associated with remarkably increased bone mineral density, bone volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number, as well as improved biomechanical properties (maximum load and stress) of the tibia. Furthermore, yak milk mitigated the deterioration of the network and thickness of trabecular bone in treated OP mice compared with the OP model group. The results indicated that yak milk could improve bone mass and microarchitecture through the inhibition of bone resorption in OP mice.

Bone Response to Weight Loss Following Bariatric Surgery.

Obesity is a global health challenge that warrants effective treatments to avoid its multiple comorbidities. Bariatric surgery, a cornerstone treatment to control bodyweight excess and relieve the health-related burdens of obesity, can promote accelerated bone loss and affect skeletal strength, particularly after malabsorptive and mixed surgical procedures, and probably after restrictive surgeries. The increase in bone resorption markers occurs early and persist for up to 12 months or longer after bariatric surgery, while bone formation markers increase but to a lesser extent, suggesting a potential uncoupling process between resorption and formation. The skeletal response to bariatric surgery, as investigated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), has shown significant loss in bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip with less consistent results for the lumbar spine. Supporting DXA studies, analyses by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) showed lower cortical density and thickness, higher cortical porosity, and lower trabecular density and number for up to 5 years after bariatric surgery. These alterations translate into an increased risk of fall injury, which contributes to increase the fracture risk in patients who have been subjected to bariatric surgery procedures. As bone deterioration continues for years following bariatric surgery, the fracture risk does not seem to be dependent on acute weight loss but, rather, is a chronic condition with an increasing impact over time. Among the post-bariatric surgery mechanisms that have been claimed to act globally on bone health, there is evidence that micro- and macro-nutrient malabsorptive factors, mechanical unloading and changes in molecules partaking in the crosstalk between adipose tissue, bone and muscle may play a determining role. Given these circumstances, it is conceivable that bone health should be adequately investigated in candidates to bariatric surgery through bone-specific work-up and dedicated postsurgical follow-up. Specific protocols of nutrients supplementation, motor activity, structured rehabilitative programs and, when needed, targeted therapeutic strategies should be deemed as an integral part of post-bariatric surgery clinical support.

Increased PHOSPHO1 expression mediates cortical bone mineral density in renal osteodystrophy.

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) often present with skeletal abnormalities, a condition known as renal osteodystrophy (ROD). While tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) and PHOSPHO1 are critical for bone mineralization, their role in the etiology of ROD is unclear. To address this, ROD was induced in both WT and Phospho1 knockout (P1KO) mice through dietary adenine supplementation. The mice presented with hyperphosphatemia, hyperparathyroidism, and elevated levels of FGF23 and bone turnover markers. In particular, we noted that in CKD mice, bone mineral density (BMD) was increased in cortical bone (P < 0.05) but decreased in trabecular bone (P < 0.05). These changes were accompanied by decreased TNAP (P < 0.01) and increased PHOSPHO1 (P < 0.001) expression in WT CKD bones. In P1KO CKD mice, the cortical BMD phenotype was rescued, suggesting that the increased cortical BMD of CKD mice was driven by increased PHOSPHO1 expression. Other structural parameters were also improved in P1KO CKD mice. We further investigated the driver of the mineralization defects, by studying the effects of FGF23, PTH, and phosphate administration on PHOSPHO1 and TNAP expression by primary murine osteoblasts. We found both PHOSPHO1 and TNAP expressions to be downregulated in response to phosphate and PTH. The in vitro data suggest that the TNAP reduction in CKD-MBD is driven by the hyperphosphatemia and/or hyperparathyroidism noted in these mice, while the higher PHOSPHO1 expression may be a compensatory mechanism. Increased PHOSPHO1 expression in ROD may contribute to the disordered skeletal mineralization characteristic of this progressive disorder.

Effect of Core Muscle Strength Training Combined with Taijiquan on Bone Mineral Density Measured by Quantitative CT Scanning in the Elderly.

Learn about the benefits of muscle strength training combined with tai chi for adult skeletal muscle in multiple CT scanning. The study included 182 people over the age of 60 with no long-term history of physical activity and exercise. They were divided into the Taijiquan group (52 people), student muscle strength group (45 people), student muscle group combined with Taijiquan group (45 people), and control group (40 people). The board of directors did not attend. The other three groups received tai chi (more than 4 times a week), muscle strength training, and muscle training combined with tai chi for 6 months. Lumbar spine (L1-4) BMD and Berg scores were approximately the same as those measured in adults before exercise and at 3 and 6 months after exercise. The results showed that there were significant differences in the scores of lumbar spine BMD and Berg Balance Scale between the Taijiquan group and students before and after exercise combined with muscle strength training (P < 0.05 or <0.01). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The scores of lumbar BMD and Berg Balance Scale in the core muscle strength training combined with Taijiquan group after 6 months of exercise were higher than those after 3 months of exercise (P < 0.05), and the CT value of lumbar vertebral bone calcium was significantly positively correlated with BMD (Pearson correlation coefficients of L5 vertebral body were r = 0.704, 0.683, 0.728, 0.673, and 0.686, P < 0.01). Single or combined training of core muscle strength or Taijiquan can improve lumbar bone mineral density and balance function in the elderly.

Vitamin D and Bone Health of Older Adults within Care Homes: An Observational Study.

Limited studies have reported vitamin D status and health outcomes in care home residents, a group at risk of vitamin D deficiency. This study investigated serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations in older adults within care homes in Northern Ireland (NI) and its association with musculoskeletal health (ultrasound T-score, muscle strength, Timed Up & Go test (TUG)), bone turnover markers (BTMs), and immune function markers. A total of 87 participants were recruited with mean ± SD age 83.2 ± 7.9 years. Mean ± SD serum 25-OHD concentration (n 69) was 49.52 ± 35.58 nmol/L. Vitamin D deficiency (25-OHD <25 nmol/L) was observed in 34.8% (n 24) of participants with 17.4% (n 12) classified as insufficient (25-OHD 25−50 nmol/L) and 47.8% (n 33) as sufficient (25-OHD >50 nmol/L). 25-OHD concentration was not an independent predictor of T-score, muscle strength, TUG, or inflammatory cytokines. After adjusting for covariates, a significant negative association was observed between 25-OHD concentration and the BTMs; osteocalcin (ß = −0.395; p = 0.001), procollagen type 1 N propeptide (P1NP) (ß = −0.320; p = 0.012), and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) (ß = −0.377; p = 0.003). Higher 25-OHD concentration was positively associated with use of vitamin D ± calcium supplementation (ß = 0.610; p < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were highly prevalent in this sample of care home residents in NI. Higher 25-OHD concentration was associated with greater supplement use and with reduced bone turnover, which in this population is linked with reduced bone loss. These findings emphasize the need for a mandatory vitamin D ± calcium supplementation policy specific for care home residents.

The lower basal metabolic rate is associated with increased risk of osteosarcopenia in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study is to clarify clinical, functional, and biochemical features of postmenopausal women who are at risk of developing osteosarcopenia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study undertaken to investigate the co-accordance of osteoporosis and sarcopenia and common risk factors on 305 postmenopausal Iranian women. Sarcopenia and osteoporosis were defined based on the European Working Group on sarcopenia in Older People guidelines and WHO criteria, respectively. Confounding factors including age, menopausal age, obesity, sun exposure, physical activity, macronutrient composition, and calcium and vitamin D supplementations were considered for all participants. A multivariate model was used to consider the common risk factors of both disorders; osteoporosis and sarcopenia. RESULTS: The mean age was 57.9 years ± 6.0 SD (range: 48-78 years) and 37.4% of patients were 60 years or older. Among all participants, 35.7% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Approximately 45% of all the study population had insufficient physical activity and at least half of participants had insufficient intake of protein. There was a significant correlation between bone density and muscle mass and basal metabolic rate (BMR) (p < 0.01). In multivariate-multivariable regression model, after Bonferroni correction for obesity, lower BMR was the only one associated with both lower muscle mass and bone density in lumbar and hip sites (p < 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that low BMR might be an early predictor for concordance of osteoporosis and sarcopenia in postmenopausal women.

Effects of Korean red ginseng on three-dimensional trabecular bone microarchitecture and strength in growing rats: Comparison with changes due to jump exercise.

OBJECTIVES: The preventive effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on bone loss and microarchitectural deterioration have been extensively studied in animal models. However, few results have been reported for the effects of KRG on the trabecular microarchitecture as compared to changes resulting from physiological stimuli such as exercise load. We compared the effects of KRG and jump exercise on improvements in trabecular microarchitecture and strength of the distal femoral metaphysis in rats. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eleven-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into sedentary (CON), KRG-administered (KRG), and jump-exercised (JUM) groups. Rats were orally administered KRG extract (200 mg/kg body weight/day) once a day for 6 weeks. The jump exercise protocol comprised 10 jumps/day, 5 days/week at a jump height of 40 cm. We used microcomputed tomography to assess the microarchitecture, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and fracture load as predicted by finite element analysis at the right distal femoral metaphysis. The left femur was used for the quantitative bone histomorphometry measurements. RESULTS: Although KRG produced significantly higher trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) than CON, BV/TV was even higher in JUM than in KRG, and differences in vBMD and fracture load were only significant between JUM and CON. In terms of trabecular microarchitecture, KRG increased trabecular number and connectivity, whereas the JUM group showed increased trabecular thickness. Bone resorption showed significant decrease by JUM and KRG group. In contrast, bone formation showed significant increase by JUM group. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that KRG has weak but significant positive effects on bone mass and suggest that the effects on trabecular microarchitecture differ from those of jump exercise. The effects of combined KRG and jump exercise on trabecular bone mass and strength should be investigated.

The Short-Term Effect of Prunes in Improving Bone in Men.

Osteoporosis is a major health concern in aging populations, where 54% of the U.S. population aged 50 and older have low bone mineral density (BMD). Increases in inflammation and oxidative stress play a major role in the development of osteoporosis. Men are at a greater risk of mortality due to osteoporosis-related fractures. Our earlier findings in rodent male and female models of osteoporosis, as well as postmenopausal women strongly suggest the efficacy of prunes (dried plum) in reducing inflammation and preventing/reversing bone loss. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of two doses of prunes, daily, on biomarkers of inflammation and bone metabolism in men with some degree of bone loss (BMD; t-score between -0.1 and -2.5 SD), for three months. Thirty-five men between the ages of 55 and 80 years were randomized into one of three groups: 100 g prunes, 50 g prunes, or control. Consumption of 100 g prunes led to a significant decrease in serum osteocalcin (p < 0.001). Consumption of 50 g prunes led to significant decreases in serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) (p = 0.003) and serum osteocalcin (p = 0.040), and an increase in the OPG:RANKL ratio (p = 0.041). Regular consumption of either 100 g or 50 g prunes for three months may positively affect bone turnover.