PTH level but not 25 (OH) vitamin D level predicts bone loss rates in the elderly

Concurrent effects of high-intensity interval training and vitamin D supplementation on bone metabolism among women diagnosed with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is often responsible for bone fragility and increased fracture risk due to the micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue. In addition to nutritional supplements, exercise is considered an adjunct factor in safeguarding bone health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 16-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) in women with osteoporosis.

TRIAL DESIGN

This study used a four-arm pretest-posttest experimental randomized controlled design.

METHODS

One hundred twenty sedentary women aged (30-50 years), diagnosed with osteoporosis were recruited in this study. Patients were randomly classified into four groups with 30 patients in each group: control group (normal daily activities), exercise group (HIIT-exercise for 16 weeks), Vitamin D group (vitamin D 800IU/ day for 16 weeks), and concurrent group (HIIT exercise plus vitamin D for 16 weeks). Anthropometric measurements, BMD, and serum levels of vitamin 25-(OH) D, Osteocalcin, s-BAP, and calcium were estimated in all participants before and after exercise training.

RESULTS

Serum samples revealed that bone resorption markers, osteocalcin, total calcium, s-BAP, and vitamin 25(OH) D significantly improved in all groups; there was greater improvement in the HIIT training-vitamin D group than in the HIIT training, vitamin D, and control groups. Furthermore, the HIIT training-vitamin D group showed improvements in hip (right and left) and lumbar spine BMD than the HIIT training, Vitamin D, and Control groups. BMD improvements correlated positively with serum osteocalcin levels and total calcium and negatively with BMI and s-BAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Sixteen weeks of HIIT and vitamin D consumption showed greater benefits for BMD levels in women with osteoporosis than either vitamin D consumption or HIIT training alone. Therefore, HIIT plus vitamin D consumption may be a strategic option to prevent BMD reduction with aging or to slow demineralization.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study protocol was retrospectively registered at 'ClinicalTrials.gov PRS' under the trial identifier NCT06624657, dated 1/10/2024.

Body composition changes in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer after iodine-131 treatment and short-term levothyroxine replacement and suppression therapy

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to assess the changes in body composition in patients who underwent thyroidectomy due to differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) and short-term levothyroxine (LT4) supplementation and to explore the correlations between body composition distribution and corresponding blood indices.

METHODS

Fifty-seven thyroidectomized DTC patients were included. Serum was tested for several biochemical indices of thyroid function, lipids, and bone metabolism, and body composition parameters were measured via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry before and 4-6 weeks after RAI and LT4 supplementation.

RESULTS

The body composition of DTC patients changed after RAI. Fat mass in all parts of the body decreased (range of relative change (RRC) -12.97--2.80%). Bone mineral content (BMC) increased throughout the body (relative change (RC) 12.12%), head (RC 36.23%), pelvis (RC 9.00%), and legs (RC 3.15%). Similarly, bone mineral density (BMD) increased in different regions (RRC 3.60-26.43%), except for the arms. Notably, lean mass in the arms (RC 4.30%) and legs (RC 3.67%) increased, while that in the head decreased (RC -2.75%), while total lean mass did not change at 4-6 weeks after LT4 supplementation. Furthermore, changes in fat distribution in the android region were related to the changes in total cholesterol (r = -0.390) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.354), and changes in the BMC and BMD of the lumbar spine were positively associated with the changes in calcitonin (r = 0.302 and 0.325, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

After RAI and short-term LT4 supplementation in DTC patients, body composition rapidly and positively changed and was characterized by decreased fat mass and increased BMC and BMD.

Biomedical generative pre-trained based transformer language model for age-related disease target discovery

Target discovery is crucial for the development of innovative therapeutics and diagnostics. However, current approaches often face limitations in efficiency, specificity, and scalability, necessitating the exploration of novel strategies for identifying and validating disease-relevant targets. Advances in natural language processing have provided new avenues for predicting potential therapeutic targets for various diseases. Here, we present a novel approach for predicting therapeutic targets using a large language model (LLM). We trained a domain-specific BioGPT model on a large corpus of biomedical literature consisting of grant text and developed a pipeline for generating target prediction. Our study demonstrates that pre-training of the LLM model with task-specific texts improves its performance. Applying the developed pipeline, we retrieved prospective aging and age-related disease targets and showed that these proteins are in correspondence with the database data. Moreover, we propose CCR5 and PTH as potential novel dual-purpose anti-aging and disease targets which were not previously identified as age-related but were highly ranked in our approach. Overall, our work highlights the high potential of transformer models in novel target prediction and provides a roadmap for future integration of AI approaches for addressing the intricate challenges presented in the biomedical field.

Dietary calcium intake and change in bone mineral density in older adults: a systematic review of longitudinal cohort studies

Many older adults do not achieve recommended intakes of calcium and there is some concern over the potential impact of this on bone health. The objective of this review was to examine evidence from cohort studies on the relationship between calcium intake and change in bone mineral density (BMD) in older adults, something not undertaken in the last two decades. Data sources included Ovid Medline, Embase, and PubMed and references from retrieved reviews and articles. The final search was performed in February 2021. We included cohort studies of calcium intake in participants aged >50 years with change in BMD over ≥1 year as an outcome. We identified 23 studies of women and 7 of men. Most studies found no association between calcium intake and change in BMD in women (71%) or men (71%). Among women, five studies reported high rates (>30% of participants) of hormone treatment or osteoporosis therapy (HT/OT) use; 80% of these studies reported a positive association between calcium intake and change in BMD, compared with 10% of studies in which HT/OT use was low. No study in women in which the mean age was >60 years reported a positive association between calcium intake and change in BMD. We conclude that calcium intake across the ranges consumed in these studies (mean intake in all but one study >500 mg/day) is not an important determinant of bone loss, particularly among women >60 years. The positive findings in studies with high rates of HT/OT use are likely to arise from confounding as a result of co-administration of calcium supplements with these medications.

A prospective case-control pilot study to evaluate bone microarchitecture in children and teenagers on long-term parenteral nutrition using HR-pQCT

Long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) may induce bone complications. Tridimensional bone imaging techniques such as high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) allow the assessment of both compartmental volumetric densities and microarchitecture. Our aim was to evaluate these parameters in children and teenagers receiving long-term PN. This cross-sectional, case–control study included children older than 9 years undergoing PN for at least 2 years. They were age-, gender- and puberty-matched with healthy controls (1:2). Evaluation included biological assessment of bone metabolism (serum calcium, phosphate, and albumin; urinary calcium and creatinine; 25-OH vitamin D, osteocalcin and PTH), dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and HR-pQCT at the ultradistal tibia and radius. Results are presented as median [range]. Eleven patients (3 girls) with a median age of 16 [9–19] years were included. Bone parameters assessed by HR-pQCT at the ultradistal radius and tibia were similar in patients and controls. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were higher (14 [7–115] vs 16 [12–27]) and osteocalcin levels were lower (44 [15–65] vs 65 [38–142]) in patients than in controls, although within the normal range. Conclusions: there were no differences for compartmental bone densities and microarchitecture in patients undergoing chronic PN. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm these quite reassuring preliminary results.

Obesity, vitamin D status and physical activity: 1,25(OH)2D as a potential marker of vitamin D deficiency in obese subjects

BACKGROUND

Obesity has been regarded to be protective against fracture in spite of its association with low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is the key regulator of bone metabolism and its deficiency contributes to higher level of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to the activation of bone turnover.

METHODS

We studied 161 subjects of which 65 were young healthy subjects and 96 were elderly subjects. We measured creatinine, 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D, PTH, albumin, and calcium plasma levels, we evaluated physical activity, and we calculated BMI. A sub-cohort of elderly subjects also underwent DXA scans.

RESULTS

Overweight and obese subjects, as well as underweight ones, had lower levels of vitamin D but normal serum concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D and PTH was higher in underweight and obese subjects. Moreover, we found a nonlinear relationship between body mass index (BMI) and PTH with a significant U-shaped exponential regression. Regardless of BMI, 25(OH)D mean levels were higher in subjects who practice physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that physical activity and BMI had a significant effect on the metabolism of bone and vitamin D, but the effect of BMI was different in underweight, normal weight or obese subjects. In obesity the real vitamin D deficiency could be estimate by serum 1,25(OH)2D concentrations whose lower levels contribute to the higher PTH production and consequently to bone loss and to a greater fracture risk.

Why is primary hyperparathyroidism more severe in children?

The disease presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is more severe in children. We hypothesize that this difference in disease presentation is a result of several factors including a delay in diagnosis, age-related differences in calcium metabolism and bone turnover, and the influence of the growth hormone (GH)/insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis. Only the first two explanations for the heightened disease severity of PHPT in children have been previously discussed in the literature. In regards to the potential role GH and IGF-1 may play in this disparity, previous studies have documented decreases in GH and IGF-1 secretion in symptomatic adult PHPT patients potentially influencing the severity of the patients' disease presentation. While these studies have yet to be replicated in the pediatric population, given that both GH and IGF-1 are important for the achievement of peak bone mass in young individuals, it is logical to infer that the GH/IGF-1 axis may be partly responsible for the severe presentation of PHPT in children.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Lebanese Adults: Prevalence and Predictors from a Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study

METHODS

A random sample of Lebanese adults residing in the Greater Beirut area was selected based on area probability and multistage cluster sampling. Data from 446 participants (68% females) with mean age 45.3 ± 15 years were used for the analyses. Participants were recruited between March and May. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured using electrochemiluminescent immunoassay.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent whether using the cutoff of 50 nmol/L or using the more conservative cutoff of 30 nmol/L; more specifically, 71.9% and 39.1% of the study population were deficient using the above cutoffs, respectively In the bivariate analyses, gender, BMI and body fat mass, socioeconomic factors (income and education level), alcohol consumption, dietary intake of fat and of vitamin D, serum LDL-cholesterol, and serum creatinine were all associated with vitamin D status. After adjustment for multiple covariates, age, income, alcohol consumption, and serum creatinine were independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Lebanon. Preventive measures should target the modifiable risk factors.

Long-term rates of change in musculoskeletal aging and body composition: findings from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study

Musculoskeletal disorders are common among older people. Preventive strategies require understanding of age-related changes in strength, function and body composition, including how they interrelate. We have described, and examined associations between, 9-year changes in these parameters among 2917 Health, Aging and Body Composition Study participants (aged 70-79 years). Appendicular lean mass (ALM), whole body fat mass and total hip BMD were ascertained using DXA; muscle strength by grip dynamometry; and muscle function by gait speed. For each characteristic annualised percentage changes were calculated; measures of conditional change (independent of baseline) were derived and their interrelationships were examined using Pearson correlations; proportion of variance at 9-year follow-up explained by baseline level was estimated; and mean trajectories in relation to age were estimated using linear mixed models. Analyses were stratified by sex. Median [lower quartile, upper quartile] annual percentage declines were grip strength (1.5 [0.0, 2.9]), gait speed (2.0 [0.6, 3.7]), ALM (0.7 [0.1, 1.4]), fat mass (0.4 [- 1.1, 1.9]) and hip BMD (0.5 [0.0, 1.1]). Declines were linear for ALM and accelerated over time for other characteristics. Most conditional change measures were positively correlated, most strongly between ALM, fat mass and hip BMD (r > 0.28). Proportion of variation at follow-up explained by baseline was lower for grip strength and gait speed (39-52%) than other characteristics (69-86%). Strength and function declined more rapidly, and were less correlated between baseline and follow-up, than measures of body composition. Therefore, broader intervention strategies to prevent loss of strength and function in later life are required as those targeting body composition alone may be insufficient.

Effects of PTH and PTH Hypersecretion on Bone: a Clinical Perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hyperparathyroidism may be due to an autonomous hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) or occurs in response to a number of physiological stimuli. A number of recent findings have provided new insights into the importance of the calcium-parathyroid-vitamin D axis to bone in normal physiology and pathological conditions.

RECENT FINDINGS

PTH is known to affect bone microarchitecture with different effects on cortical and trabecular bone compartments. In trabecular bone, PTH may exert anabolic effects, whereas PTH promotes bone resorption in cortical bone. Vertebral fractures are prevalent in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), and patients seem to fracture at higher values of bone mineral density (BMD) than patients with osteoporosis. This may be explained by changes in bone microarchitecture, which cannot be detected by measuring BMD. Even in mild PHPT, bone seems to benefit from parathyroidectomy. In secondary hyperparathyroidism, bone seems much more susceptible to fracture with insufficient levels of vitamin D compared with a replete vitamin status. If elevated PTH levels cannot be explained by conditions known to cause secondary hyperparathyroidism, the condition is termed normocalcemic PHPT, which also has been associated with an increased risk of fractures. Hyperparathyroidism is harmful to bone, which is why it is of importance to normalize PTH levels either by parathyroidectomy in PHPT or by counteracting conditions known to increase PTH in secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Magnesium Intake Predicts Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Black South African Women

This prospective study investigated the association between nutrient intake, dietary patterns, and changes in bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal urban black South African women over two years. These women (n = 144) underwent BMD measurements at the distal radius, lumbar spine, femoral neck (FN), as well as a biochemical analysis which included the parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, C-Telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) in 2010 and 2012. Their dietary intake was assessed in 2010 using a food frequency questionnaire, and sociodemographic and health information was collected. Four dietary patterns explained 54.4% of the variance of dietary intake, namely staple foods and processed meats, home cooking, snacking, and high sugar. Dietary magnesium negatively correlated with CTx-1 in 2012 (r = −0.21, p = 0.02), calcium correlated with distal radius BMD in 2010 (r = 0.22, p = 0.01) and 2012 (r = 0.24, p = 0.005), and the snacking dietary pattern score correlated with FN BMD in 2010 (r = 0.18, p = 0.03) and 2012 (r = 0.21, p = 0.02). The baseline CTx-1 and dietary magnesium intake predicted 22% of the variance in percentage change of CTx-1 over two years (p < 0.001).The magnesium intake predicted short-term bone resorption over two years.

Vitamin D as a Biomarker of Ill Health among the Over-50s: A Systematic Review of Cohort Studies

Background: The association between circulating levels of vitamin D and the incidence of chronic diseases is known. The identification of vitamin D as a biomarker of physiological/pathological ageing could contribute to expanding current knowledge of its involvement in healthy ageing. Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted on cohorts studying the role of 25OH-Vitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25(OH)₂-Vitamin D [1,25(OH)₂D] concentrations as biomarkers of healthy ageing. We consulted MedLine, Scopus, and Web of Science to search for studies on the association between vitamin D status in populations of originally healthy adults, and outcomes of longevity, illness, and physical and cognitive functionality. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Results: Twenty cohorts from 24 articles were selected for this review. Inverse associations were found between low 25(OH)D levels and all-cause mortality, respiratory and cardiovascular events, as well as markers relating to hip and non-vertebral fractures. Associations between 1,25(OH)₂D and healthy ageing outcomes gave similar results, although of lower clinical significance. Conclusions: This systematic review pinpoints peculiar aspects of vitamin D as a multidimensional predictor of ill health in the ageing process. Further well-designed controlled trials to investigate whether vitamin D supplement results in superior outcomes are warranted in the future.

Relationship between the changes over time of bone mass and muscle health in children and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Various cross-sectional studies provide an abundance of evidence that shows a relationship between bone quantity and muscle health. However, one question remains, less-often studied: is their development - or decline – associated? The aim of the research was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the studies exploring the association between changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and changes in muscle parameters (registration CRD42018093813).

Methods

We searched for prospective studies, both in children and adults, by consulting electronic databases (Ovid-MEDLINE, Ovid-AMED, Scopus). Each review steps were performed by two independent reviewers. For outcomes reported by less of 3 studies, we synthetized the results narratively. In other cases, a meta-analysis was performed, giving an overall r coefficient and its 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Fifteen papers were included. In connection with the change of BMD, 10 studies concerned the parallel change of lean mass, 4 were about grip strength, and 1 was about physical performance. Children were the population of interest for 5 studies, while the aging population was the focus of the other studies. The correlation between hip BMD and lean mass was significant, with an overall coefficient r = 0.37 (95% CI 0.23–0.49). High heterogeneity was observed between studies but the length of follow-up, sex and study quality did not seem to significantly influence results. The systematic review allowed some other highlights: a significant link between changes in BMD and changes in muscle strength was observed (p-value < 0.05 in the 4 studies), in addition to changes in performance (1 study, r = 0.21, p-value = 0.004).

Conclusion

Despite the heterogeneity between studies, we highlighted a significant association between the change of BMD and the change of various muscle parameters. Future studies should investigate preventive and therapeutic strategies that are based on a single entity: the ‘muscle-bone unit’.

Bone Microstructure in Response to Vitamin D3 Supplementation: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Vitamin D supplementation is often used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, but the role of vitamin D has lately been questioned. We aimed to investigate the effect of 3 months of daily vitamin D3 supplementation (70 µg [2800 IU] vs. placebo) initiated in winter months on bone health. This study is a double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial. Bone health was assessed by bone turnover markers, DXA, HRpQCT, and QCT scans. The participants were 81 healthy postmenopausal women with low 25(OH)D (< 50 nmol/l) and high PTH levels (> 6.9 pmol/l) at screening. Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly increased levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)₂D by 59 nmol/l and 19 pmol/l, respectively, whereas PTH was reduced by 0.7 pmol/l (all p < 0.0001). Compared with placebo, vitamin D3 did not affect bone turnover markers, aBMD by DXA or trabecular bone score. Vitamin D3 increased trabecular vBMD (QCT scans) in the trochanter region (0.4 vs. - 0.7 g/cm³) and the femoral neck (2.1 vs. - 1.8 g/cm³) p_all < 0.05. HRpQCT scans of the distal tibia showed reduced trabecular number (- 0.03 vs. 0.05 mm^-1) and increased trabecular thickness (0.001 vs. - 0.005 mm), as well as an improved estimated bone strength as assessed by failure load (0.1 vs. - 0.1 kN), and stiffness (2.3 vs. - 3.1 kN/mm p_all ≤ 0.01). Changes in 25(OH)D correlated significantly with changes in trabecular thickness, stiffness, and failure load. Three months of vitamin D3 supplementation improved bone strength and trabecular thickness in tibia, vBMD in the trochanter and femoral neck, but did not affect aBMD.

Positive Correlations Between Free Vitamin D and Bone Variables in a Group of Young Lebanese Women

Optimizing bone mass in adulthood is of great importance to prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis in later age. Vitamin D is an essential component of bone health. Low-serum vitamin D is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD), which is an important predictor of fracture risk. However, most cells, apart from renal tubular cells, are exposed to free rather than to total 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Whether free vitamin D would be a better marker than total vitamin D is still under debate. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationships between serum total vitamin D, vitamin D-binding protein (BP), free vitamin D, and bone parameters in a group of young Lebanese women. This study included 88 young female adults aged between 18 and 35 yr. Body composition and BMD were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the lumbar spine trabecular bone score was derived. Bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD were measured at the whole body (WB), the lumbar spine (L1-L4), the total hip (TH), and the femoral neck (FN). To evaluate hip bone geometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans were analyzed at the FN, the intertrochanteric region, and the femoral shaft by the Hip Structure Analysis program. The cross-sectional area, the index of axial compression strength, and the section modulus (Z), as well as index of bending strength, were measured from bone mass profiles. Composite indices of FN strength (compressive strength index [CSI], bending strength index, and impact strength index [ISI]) were calculated as previously described. Direct measurement of free 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations was performed by immunoassay, which detects free vitamin D by ELISA on a microtiter plate. Serum vitamin D BP was measured using a Quantikine ELISA kit, which employed the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Serum free vitamin D was positively correlated with WB BMC (r = 0.26, p < 0.05), WB BMD (r = 0.29, p < 0.05), L1-L4 BMD (r = 0.28, p < 0.05), TH BMD (r = 0.34, p < 0.01), FN BMD (r = 0.29, p < 0.05), CSI (r = 0.24, p < 0.05), and ISI (r = 0.28, p < 0.05). No positive correlations were detected between the total vitamin D level, the vitamin D BPs, and BMD. The positive associations between free vitamin D and several bone variables (WB BMC, WB BMD, L1-L4 BMD, TH BMD, FN BMD, CSI, bending strength index, and ISI) remained significant after adjustment for weight. In conclusion, the current study suggests that the free vitamin D serum level is a stronger positive determinant of bone parameters and hip bone strength indices in young female adults than total serum vitamin D.

Vitamin D Effect on Bone Mineral Density and Fractures

One hundred years ago, vitamin D was identified as the cause and cure of osteomalacia. This role remains firmly established. Vitamin D influences skeletal mineralization principally through the regulation of intestinal calcium absorption. It has been proposed that vitamin D has direct beneficial effects on bone (besides the prevention of osteomalacia), but these have been difficult to establish in clinical trials. Meta-analyses of vitamin D trials show no effects on bone density or fracture risk when the baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D is >40 nmol/L. A daily dose of 400 to 800 IU vitamin D₃ is usually adequate to correct such deficiency.

Comparison of the effects of denosumab between a native vitamin D combination and an active vitamin D combination in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis

The aim of this 12-month, retrospective study was to compare the effects of denosumab (DMAb; 60 mg subcutaneously every 6 months) plus native vitamin D (VD) (cholecalciferol) combination therapy with DMAb plus active VD analog (alfacalcidol) combination therapy in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Patients [N = 127; mean age 75.6 years (range 58-93 years); 28 treatment-naïve patients, 59 patients treated with oral bisphosphonate therapy, 40 patients treated with teriparatide daily] were allocated to either (1) the DMAb plus native VD group (n = 60; cholecalciferol, 10 μg, plus calcium, 610 mg/day; 13 treatment-naïve patients, 28 patients treated with oral bisphosphonate therapy, and 19 patients treated with teriparatide daily) or (2) the DMAb plus active VD group [n = 67; alfacalcidol, 0.8 ± 0.0 μg, plus calcium, 99.2 ± 8.5 mg/day; 15 treatment-naïve patients, 31 patients treated with oral bisphosphonate therapy, and 21 patients treated with teriparatide daily) on the basis of each physician's decision. Changes in bone mineral density (BMD), serum bone turnover marker levels, and fracture incidence were monitored every 6 months. There were no significant differences in baseline age, BMD, bone turnover marker levels, and prior treatments between the two groups. After 12 months, compared with the DMAb plus native VD group, the DMAb plus active VD group showed similar increases in the BMD of the lumbar spine (6.4% vs 6.5%) and total hip (3.3% vs 3.4%), but significantly greater increases in the BMD of the femoral neck (1.0% vs 4.9%, P < 0.001) and the distal part of the forearm (third of radius) (-0.8% vs 3.9%, P < 0.01). These tendencies were similar regardless of the differences in the prior treatments. The rates of decrease of bone turnover marker levels were similar for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (-49.0% vs -49.0%), procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (-45.9% vs -49.3%), and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (-56.0  vs -66.5%), whereas serum intact parathyroid hormone levels were significantly lower in the DMAb plus active VD group (47.6 pg/mL vs 30.4 pg/mL, P < 0.001). The rate of hypocalcemia was 1.7% in the DMAb plus native VD group and 1.5% in the DMAb plus active VD group, and the rate of clinical fracture incidence was 8.3% in the DMAb plus native VD group and 4.5% in the DMAb plus active VD group, with no significant difference between the groups. DMAb with active VD combination therapy may be a more effective treatment option than DMAb with native VD combination therapy in terms of increasing BMD of the femoral neck and distal part of the forearm and also maintaining serum intact parathyroid hormone at lower levels.

Impact of Calcium and Two Doses of Vitamin D on Bone Metabolism in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The optimal dose of vitamin D to optimize bone metabolism in the elderly is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that vitamin D, at a dose higher than recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), has a beneficial effect on bone remodeling and mass. In this double-blind trial we randomized 257 overweight elderly subjects to receive 1000 mg of elemental calcium citrate/day, and the daily equivalent of 3750 IU/day or 600 IU/day of vitamin D3 for 1 year. The subjects' mean age was 71 ± 4 years, body mass index 30 ± 4 kg/m² , 55% were women, and 222 completed the 12-month follow-up. Mean serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was 20 ng/mL, and rose to 26 ng/mL in the low-dose arm, and 36 ng/mL in the high-dose arm, at 1 year (p < 0.05). Plasma parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, and C-terminal telopeptide (Cross Laps) levels decreased significantly by 20% to 22% in both arms, but there were no differences between the two groups for any variable, at 6 or 12 months, with the exception of serum calcitriol, which was higher in the high-dose group at 12 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) increased significantly at the total hip and lumbar spine, but not the femoral neck, in both study arms, whereas subtotal body BMD increased in the high-dose group only, at 1 year. However, there were no significant differences in percent change BMD between the two study arms at any skeletal site. Subjects with serum 25OHD <20 ng/mL and PTH level >76 pg/mL showed a trend for higher BMD increments at all skeletal sites, in the high-dose group, that reached significance at the hip. Adverse events were comparable in the two study arms. This controlled trial shows little additional benefit in vitamin D supplementation at a dose exceeding the IOM recommendation of 600 IU/day on BMD and bone markers, in overweight elderly individuals. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Adverse effects of imatinib in children with chronic myelogenous leukemia

BACKGROUND

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor and is approved for indefinite treatment of pediatric chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Potential side-effects regarding growth failure and bone metabolism have been reported but data are still scarce in pediatric CML.

METHODS

Six chronic-phase CML children on IM treatment with a median age of 9.87 years (range, 5.33-12.67 years) were enrolled in the study. Growth, bone mineral density (BMD), bone parameters, 25(OH)-vitamin D3 (25-OHD3) and blood tests including parathyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF binding protein 3, thyroid function test and sex hormones were assessed.

RESULTS

Median duration of IM treatment was 78.5 months. Height velocity was suppressed during the first 30 months of treatment and improved gradually afterwards. Two patients (33.3%) had decreased lumbar spine BMD z-scores (<1.5 SD). Patients with decreased BMD had higher mean IM exposure time than those with normal BMD. The majority of patients (n = 5) had low 25-OHD3 (<30 ng/mL), but there was no correlation between BMD and 25-OHD3 status. Other blood tests were normal.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports and confirms the need for monitoring the side-effects of IM treatment on growth, bone density and vitamin D status in pediatric CML. Prolonged IM treatment was associated with low BMD without disturbing bone parameters. There was high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency. Therefore, the beneficial effect of vitamin D supplement should be explored with regard to the effects on height velocity and BMD in CML patients with vitamin D insufficiency.

No Associations of 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol and Parathyroid Hormone Concentrations with Calcaneal Bone Characteristics in Community-Dwelling Elderly Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the associations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D3] and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentrations with bone status parameters in elderly subjects.

DESIGN/SETTING

Cross-sectional data based on the follow-up 2008 of the longitudinal study on nutrition and health status of senior citizens in Giessen, Germany.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred eighty-eight independently living subjects aged 66-96 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3, iPTH, N-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (P1NP) and activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed. Broadband ultrasound attenuation, speed of sound and stiffness index were determined by calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to analyse associations of 25(OH)D3 and iPTH with bone status parameters.

RESULTS

Median (range) 25(OH)D3 and iPTH concentrations were 62.8 (29.9-106.7) nmol/L and 4.6 (1.3-21.0) pmol/L, respectively. Neither 25(OH)D3 nor iPTH was associated with calcaneal bone characteristics measured by QUS, whereas negative associations between 25(OH)D3 and bone formation markers (P1NP and ALP) were found. In a sub analysis, 25(OH)D3 was negatively associated with ALP only in subjects with iPTH concentrations > 4.59 pmol/L.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides no evidence for independent associations of 25(OH)D3 and iPTH with calcaneal bone characteristics in community-dwelling elderly subjects with 25(OH)D3 concentrations between 30 and 107 nmol/L. However, 25(OH)D3 interacts with bone formation markers, particularly in subjects with high iPTH concentrations.

The levels of bone turnover markers 25(OH)D and PTH and their relationship with bone mineral density in postmenopausal women in a suburban district in China

This study evaluated the levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs) and investigated relationships between them and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women in China suburban district. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 25.03 % at lumbar spine and 6.23 % at femoral neck, and BTMs were negatively correlated with BMDs.

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this study were to evaluate the levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs), including serum N-terminal procollagen of type I collagen (P1NP), beta C-terminal cross-linked of type I collagen (β-CTX), 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and to investigate relationships between these markers and bone mineral density (BMD) as well the prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women of suburban district.

METHODS

A population of 4822 postmenopausal women aged 55-69 years old (62.22 ± 6.75) from the suburban district was recruited voluntarily. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; 2251 women in this group had the serum BTMs 25(OH)D and PTH tested.

RESULTS

The prevalence of osteoporosis was 25.03 % at lumbar spine and 6.23 % at femoral neck. The median (interquartile range) values of serum P1NP, β-CTX, 25(OH)D, and PTH were 59.3 ng/mL (44.7-75.52), 0.370 ng/mL (0.280-0.490), 23.0 ng/mL (17.1-30.5), and 31.4 pg/mL (24.9-39.7), respectively. Serum P1NP and β-CTX levels presented significantly negative correlations with BMDs at the all the sites (Beta_std = -0.098 to -0.208, respectively, P < 0.001), whereas PTH levels were negatively correlated with BMDs of the femoral neck and total hip (Beta_std = -0.062 and -0.054, P < 0.01, respectively). Serum 25(OH)D had positive associations with BMDs at total hip (Beta_std = 0.051, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The BMD of postmenopausal women in China suburban area is higher than that in downtown area, and over 60 % of the participants had their serum 25(OH)D level over 20 ng/mL. BTMs were negatively correlated with BMDs, suggesting that BTMs are reliable factors for early declines in BMD.

Vitamin D status and parathyroid hormone levels in relation to bone mineral density in apparently healthy Syrian adults

Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in this study. More than half of the participants with vitamin D level less than 5 ng/mL had secondary hyperparathyroidism, which implicated a major bone health concern. After adjustment for potential predictors, parathyroid hormone (PTH) explained about 3 % of the variance in total hip bone mineral density (BMD).

PURPOSE

Bone mineral density (BMD) is known to be influenced by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The relationship between 25OHD and PTH with BMD has not been well documented in Syrian adults. We aimed to determine how differences in serum 25OHD and PTH levels impacted hip and lumbar spine BMD among apparently healthy Syrian adults.

METHODS

25OHD and PTH were measured in 156 participants aged 18-53 years from Damascus and its surroundings. Lumbar spine and hip BMD measurements were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry using Hologic Discovery Wi densitometer. Multivariate regression models were used to investigate the relationships between 25OHD, PTH, and BMD.

RESULTS

All participants, except one male, had 25OHD <30 ng/mL (<75 nmol/L), and 89.1 % of them had 25OHD levels less than 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L). Secondary hyperparathyroidism was significantly more prevalent in the lowest 25OHD quartile compared to that in the highest quartile (59 vs. 10.3 %, p < 0.0001). Mean bone mineral density at all sites in our participants was lower when compared to that of their Caucasian counterparts in Europe and North America. No significant correlation was found between 25OHD and BMD either at hip or at lumbar spine. In the multivariate analyses, after adjustment for potential predictors, PTH explained about 3 % of the variation in total hip BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Low BMD was relatively frequent at all measured sites. PTH, but not 25OHD, was a predictor for total hip BMD in a young population.

Secondary osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease in patients 50 years and older with osteoporosis or with a recent clinical fracture: a clinical perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to provide guidance to clinicians about which laboratory tests should be performed in patients with osteoporosis or with a recent fracture.

RECENT FINDINGS

Newly diagnosed secondary osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases (SECOB) have been found in 5-48% of patients with osteoporosis. In patients with a recent fracture, new SECOB is found in 10-47% of patients with osteoporosis, and in 26-51% if all patients with a fracture regardless of bone mineral density (BMD) are screened. More than one SECOB can be found in the same patient, even when they have already known SECOB. In primary hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypercortisolism, and multiple myeloma, both SECOB and its treatment have an impact on BMD and fractures. For other SECOBs, no treatment is available, or there are no data about the effect of treatment of the SECOB on BMD and fractures.

SUMMARY

We recommend performing the following tests in all patients with osteoporosis or a recent clinical fracture: calcium, phosphate, creatinine, albumin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate in all patients, 24 h urine calcium in men and serum testosterone in men less than 70 years. On indication, additional tests can be performed.

The effect of monthly 50,000 IU or 100,000 IU vitamin D supplements on vitamin D status in premenopausal Middle Eastern women living in Auckland

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Middle Eastern female immigrants are at an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and their response to prescribed vitamin D dosages may not be adequate and affected by other factors. The objectives were to determine vitamin D deficiency and its determinants in Middle Eastern women living in Auckland, New Zealand (Part-I), and to determine serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (serum-25(OH)D) response to two prescribed vitamin D dosages (Part-II) in this population.

PARTICIPANTS/METHODS

Women aged ⩾20 (n=43) participated in a cross-sectional pilot study during winter (Part-I). In Part-II, women aged 20-50 years (n=62) participated in a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial consuming monthly either 50,000, 100,000 IU vitamin D3 or placebo for 6 months (winter to summer).

RESULTS

All women in Part-I and 60% women in Part-II had serum-25(OH)D<50 nmol/l. Serum-25(OH)D was higher in prescribed vitamin D users than nonusers (P=0.001) and in Iranians than Arab women (P=0.001; Part-I). Mean (s.d.) serum-25(OH)D increased in all groups (time effect, P<0.001) and differed between groups (time × dosage interaction, P<0.001; 50,000 IU: from 44.0±16.0 to 70.0±15.0 nmol/l; 100,000 IU: 48.0±11.0 to 82.0±17.0 nmol/l; placebo: 45.0±18.0 to 54.0±18.0 nmol/l). Only 32% and 67% achieved serum-25(OH)D⩾75 nmol/l with 50,000 and 100,000 IU/month, respectively. Predictors of 6-month change in serum-25(OH)D were dose (B-coefficient±s.e.; 14.1±2.4, P<0.001), baseline serum-25(OH)D (-0.6±0.1, P<0.001) and body fat percentage (-0.7±0.3, P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is highly prevalent in this population. Monthly 100,000 IU vitamin D for 6 months is more effective than 50,000 IU in achieving serum-25(OH)D ⩾75 nmol/l; however, a third of women still did not achieve these levels.

Skeletal and nonskeletal effects of vitamin D: is vitamin D a tonic for bone and other tissues?

The vitamin D endocrine system is critical for the maintenance of circulating calcium concentrations, but recently, there has been advocacy for the widespread use of vitamin D supplements to improve skeletal and nonskeletal health. Recent studies of tissue-selective vitamin D receptor knockout mice indicate that the principal action of vitamin D responsible for the maintenance of calcium homoeostasis is the regulation of intestinal calcium absorption. High levels of vitamin D can increase bone resorption and impair mineralization, consistent with its role in maintaining circulating calcium concentrations. These findings suggest that circumspection is appropriate in its clinical use. There is now substantial clinical trial data with vitamin D supplements, which fails to establish their efficacy on bone density or the prevention of falls or fractures. However, some trials in frail and/or vitamin D-deficient populations have produced positive outcomes. Where there are positive effects of vitamin D supplementation on skeletal outcomes, these are mainly seen in cohorts with baseline circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in the range 25-40 nmol/L or lower. A great diversity of nonskeletal conditions have been associated with low 25(OH)D, but there is little evidence for efficacy of vitamin D supplementation for such end-points. At present, supplements should be advised for populations with risk factors (e.g., lifestyle, skin color, and frailty) for having serum 25(OH)D levels in the 25- to 40-nmol/L range or below. A dose of ≤800 IU/day is adequate. This approach will maintain 25(OH)D levels well above the threshold for osteomalacia and makes allowance for the poor accuracy and precision of some 25(OH)D assays.

Variations in parathyroid hormone concentration in patients with low 25 hydroxyvitamin D

Although 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are inversely related, less than half of the patients with a low vitamin D level have an elevated PTH, and, in most of these patients, the PTH does not immediately normalize with correction of the vitamin D.

INTRODUCTION

Despite the inverse relationship between 25OHD and PTH, patients with vitamin D deficiency seen in clinical practice do not always have an elevated PTH, and, in those with secondary hyperparathyroidism, the PTH does not always normalize with correction of vitamin D deficiency. We examined variations in PTH concentrations in patients with low 25OHD and studied changes in the PTH concentration with restoration of vitamin D sufficiency.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with a 25OHD < 30 ng/mL and a concomitant PTH measurement seen at the Metabolic Bone Disease Clinic at a tertiary care center between July 1, 2007 and May 31, 2011. Patients with conditions associated with alterations in PTH were excluded.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 104 patients. The mean age was 55.5 years, and 83 % were female. The 25OHD and PTH were negatively correlated, but only 30 % of patients with a 25OHD < 30 ng/mL and 40 % of those with a 25OHD < 20 ng/mL had an elevated PTH. As the 25OHD increased to 30 ng/mL or higher, the PTH decreased significantly in the group of patients who had an elevated PTH at baseline, but only 44 % reached a normal PTH. Of patients with a normal PTH at baseline, 59 % experienced a drop in their PTH while the PTH remained unchanged or increased in 41 %.

CONCLUSIONS

PTH has a limited role in defining vitamin D status in individual patients and in guiding vitamin D therapy in clinical practice.

Osteoporosis in men

Osteoporosis in men causes significant morbidity and mortality. Bone health declines gradually, often insidiously; and in light of the advancing aging population poses a serious public health issue that is not well recognized. Studies of the past decade have expanded our understanding of the events within, as well as the regulation of, bone remodeling and provided better insight into the physiology and pathophysiology specific to the adult male skeleton. The clinical measurement of bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry remains the gold standard for diagnosis of osteoporosis in males; and fracture risk assessment is now recognized as a preferred approach to guide treatment decisions. Utilizing surrogate end-points such as increasing bone mineral density and decreasing concentrations of bone resorption markers, clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy in pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis in the adult male. Unfortunately, few studies have evaluated the anti-fracture benefits in this population. Measurement of bone turnover markers may be an additional tool to monitor therapeutic responsiveness in addition to the measurement of bone mineral density.

Effects of vitamin D supplements on bone mineral density: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Findings from recent meta-analyses of vitamin D supplementation without co-administration of calcium have not shown fracture prevention, possibly because of insufficient power or inappropriate doses, or because the intervention was not targeted to deficient populations. Despite these data, almost half of older adults (older than 50 years) continue to use these supplements. Bone mineral density can be used to detect biologically significant effects in much smaller cohorts. We investigated whether vitamin D supplementation affects bone mineral density.

METHODS

We searched Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Database, from inception to July 8, 2012, for trials assessing the effects of vitamin D (D3 or D2, but not vitamin D metabolites) on bone mineral density. We included all randomised trials comparing interventions that differed only in vitamin D content, and which included adults (average age >20 years) without other metabolic bone diseases. We pooled data with a random effects meta-analysis with weighted mean differences and 95% CIs reported. To assess heterogeneity in results of individual studies, we used Cochran's Q statistic and the I(2) statistic. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in bone mineral density from baseline.

FINDINGS

Of 3930 citations identified by the search strategy, 23 studies (mean duration 23·5 months, comprising 4082 participants, 92% women, average age 59 years) met the inclusion criteria. 19 studies had mainly white populations. Mean baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was less than 50 nmol/L in eight studies (n=1791). In ten studies (n=2294), individuals were given vitamin D doses less than 800 IU per day. Bone mineral density was measured at one to five sites (lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, trochanter, total body, or forearm) in each study, so 70 tests of statistical significance were done across the studies. There were six findings of significant benefit, two of significant detriment, and the rest were non-significant. Only one study showed benefit at more than one site. Results of our meta-analysis showed a small benefit at the femoral neck (weighted mean difference 0·8%, 95% CI 0·2-1·4) with heterogeneity among trials (I(2)=67%, p<0·00027). No effect at any other site was reported, including the total hip. We recorded a bias toward positive results at the femoral neck and total hip.

INTERPRETATION

Continuing widespread use of vitamin D for osteoporosis prevention in community-dwelling adults without specific risk factors for vitamin D deficiency seems to be inappropriate.

FUNDING

Health Research Council of New Zealand.

Effect of high parathyroid hormone level on bone mineral density in a vitamin D-sufficient population: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2010

The detrimental effect of high parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bone has not been adequately evaluated in vitamin D-sufficient Koreans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high PTH on bone mineral density (BMD) in such a population. A total of 5,403 subjects (2,644 men and 2,759 postmenopausal women; ≥50 years old) were selected from the 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Subjects were divided into four groups according to vitamin D status (<20 and ≥20 ng/mL) and PTH levels (≤65 and >65 pg/mL). Total hip and spine BMD were evaluated in each group. High PTH level was found in 50% of vitamin D-deficient subjects and 35% of vitamin D-sufficient subjects. In the vitamin D-deficient group, subjects with normal PTH level had higher total hip and spine BMD than those with high PTH after adjusting for multiple confounding factors, regardless of gender. In the vitamin D-sufficient group, only women with high PTH showed lower total hip and spine BMD than those with normal PTH. Multivariable linear regression analysis found that PTH level was independently associated with total hip BMD in vitamin D-sufficient women as well as vitamin D-insufficient women, but no association was found in men. In conclusion, high serum PTH level has an additive detrimental effect on BMD in postmenopausal women even though they had sufficient vitamin D levels.

Increased bone mineral density in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

AIM: To determine the relationship between non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS: A total of 38 patients (25 males) with a diagnosis of histologically proven NASH and 42 healthy controls (24 males) were enrolled in the study. Demographic features, clinical findings, complete blood count and routine biochemical analysis, as well as adrenal, thyroid and gonadal functions, were recorded. Additionally, intact parathormone, 25-OH-vitamin-D3, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1, insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels were measured in both groups. Furthermore, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD of both groups were measured by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method.

RESULTS: The mean age was 41 ± 12 years in the NASH group and 43 ± 11 years in the control group. Among demographic features, waist circumference was significantly larger in the NASH group compared to the control group (P < 0.019). Among laboratory parameters, serum triglyceride (P < 0.008), alanine transaminase (P < 0.0001), aspartate transaminase (P < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.016), gamma glutamyl transferase (P < 0.0001), ferritin (P < 0.001) and 25-OH-vitamin-D3 levels (P < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the NASH group compared to the control group. Lumbar BMD was significantly higher in the NASH group compared to the control group (1.057 ± 0.119 g/cm²vs 0.941 ± 0.133 g/cm²; P < 0.001, respectively). In the NASH group, there was no significant relationship between BMD and fibrosis stage in liver biopsy.

CONCLUSION: NASH increases BMD and may be related to an elevated serum 25-OH-vitamin D3 level.

Hypovitaminosis D in the Middle East and North Africa: Prevalence, risk factors and impact on outcomes

BACKGROUND

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region registers some of the highest rates of hypovitaminosis D worldwide.  

AIM

We systematically reviewed the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, rickets and osteomalacia, their predictors and impact on major outcomes, in the region.

METHODS

Medline, Pubmed and Embase search engines, entering keywords and concepts, combined with individual countries of interest, were used. Search was limited years 2000-2012; and review articles were used for the period preceding year 2000.

RESULTS

Rickets and osteomalacia still occur in this sunny region. Hypovitaminosis D prevails, with rates varying 30-90%, considering a desirable serum 25 hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] of 20 ng/ml. Advancing age, female gender, multi-parity, clothing style, season, socio-economic status and urban living are recognized predictors of hypovitaminosis D in adults. Prolonged breastfeeding without vitamin D supplementation and low dietary calcium intake are the recognized risk factors for rickets and hypovitaminosis D in children.. Associations with pain score and disease activity in rheumatologic disorders, viral load and interleukins in hepatitis C, BMI, lipids and insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, heart failure and mortality are described. Sun exposure in adults decreased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in one study. Few randomized vitamin D trials revealed that the majority of mothers or children failed to achieve a desirable 25(OH)D level, even with doses by far exceeding current recommendations. A trial in adolescent girls reveals substantial bone and lean mass increments.

CONCLUSION

Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent in MENA. The lack of populations based studies, gaps in studies in infants, pre-pubertal children and pregnant women, hinder the development of region specific guidelines and constitute a major obstacle to impact this chronic and most often subclinical disease.

High serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels do not retard postmenopausal bone loss in Japanese women: the Yokogoshi study

We conducted a cohort study exploring an association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (serum 25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and 5-year changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in 482 postmenopausal women. High serum 25(OH)D levels do not retard postmenopausal bone loss within the lumbar spine or femoral neck, and high PTH levels potentially increase hip bone loss.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to explore an association between serum 25(OH)D levels and 5-year changes in BMD in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

This 5-year cohort study included 482 women between 55 and 74 years of age who lived in a community in Japan. Medical examinations were conducted in 2005 and 2010. Data were obtained on baseline serum 25(OH)D and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels. Outcomes of this study were 5-year changes in BMDs of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Covariates included years since menopause, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle factors, and weight change. Changes in BMDs among quartiles of serum 25(OH)D were compared with analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

The mean age of subjects was 63.1 years, and mean serum 25(OH)D levels were 56.0 nmol/L. Age and decrease in weight were significantly associated with decreases in BMDs of both the lumbar spine (P for trend < 0.001 and =0.002, respectively) and femoral neck (P for trend = 0.026 and <0.001, respectively); low BMI was associated with a decrease in lumbar spine BMD (P for trend < 0.001). No significant associations were found between serum 25(OH)D levels and changes in BMDs. High serum iPTH levels were associated with a greater decrease in femoral neck BMD (P for trend = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

High serum 25(OH)D levels do not retard postmenopausal bone loss within the lumbar spine or femoral neck, and high PTH levels potentially increase hip bone loss.

A cross-sectional association between bone mineral density and parathyroid hormone and other biomarkers in community-dwelling young adults: the CARDIA study

CONTEXT

Most association studies of bone-related biomarkers (BBMs) with bone mineral density (BMD) have been conducted in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE

We tested whether the following BBMs were cross-sectionally associated with BMD among young adults: serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), PTH, osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and urinary pyridinoline/urinary creatinine.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We studied 319 individuals (134 women, 149 black, 24-36 years) recruited during 1992 through 1993 in Oakland, California. BMD was assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Linear regression models estimated the association between BMD and each BBM.

RESULTS

1,25(OH)2D was inversely associated with all BMDs. 25OHD was positively, and PTH inversely, associated with lumbar spine, total hip, and whole-body BMD. BAP was inversely associated with left arm, right arm, and whole-body BMD but not with spine or hip BMD. Neither osteocalcin nor urinary pyridinoline/urinary creatinine was associated with BMD. When we placed all BBMs (including 1,25(OH)2D) in one model, the pattern and magnitude of association was similar except for PTH, which was attenuated. The association of BMD and BBMs did not differ significantly by race or sex.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cross-sectional study of healthy young men and women who had PTH levels considered normal in clinical practice, higher PTH was associated with lower BMD, particularly in weight-bearing sites (ie, spine and hip). The inverse association of 1,25(OH)2D, together with the attenuation of PTH, suggests that the observed association of PTH is mediated by 1,25(OH)2D. BAP was inversely associated with arm BMD. BBMs can be important markers of skeletal activity in young adults, but their clinical role on bone health among this population is yet to be fully determined.

Vitamin D supplementation in older people (VDOP): Study protocol for a randomised controlled intervention trial with monthly oral dosing with 12,000 IU, 24,000 IU or 48,000 IU of vitamin D₃

The randomised, double blind intervention trial ‘Optimising Vitamin D Status in Older People’ (VDOP) will test the effect of three oral dosages of vitamin D given for one year on bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of vitamin D metabolism, bone turnover and safety in older people. VDOP is funded by Arthritis Research UK, supported through Newcastle University and MRC Human Nutrition Research and sponsored by the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.^a

Impact of calcium and vitamin D insufficiencies on serum parathyroid hormone and bone mineral density: analysis of the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV-3, 2009 and KNHANES V-1, 2010)

The relative contributions of calcium and vitamin D to calcium metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) have been examined previously, but not in a population with very low calcium intake. To determine the relative importance of dietary calcium intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration to calcium metabolism and bone mass in a population with low calcium intake, a total of 4662 adults (2567 men and 2095 women) ≥50 years of age from the 2009-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were divided into groups according to dietary calcium intakes (quintiles means: 154, 278, 400, 557, and 951 mg/d) and serum 25(OH)D concentrations (<50, 50-75, and >75 nmol/L). Serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) and femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD were evaluated according to dietary calcium intake and serum 25(OH)D. Mean calcium intake was 485 mg/d; mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 48.1 nmol/L; PTH was 68.4 pg/mL; femoral neck BMD was 0.692 g/cm(2) ; and lumbar spine BMD was 0.881 g/cm(2) . Lower dietary calcium intakes were significantly associated with higher serum PTH concentrations and lower femoral neck BMD, not only at lower (<50 nmol/L) but also at higher (>75 nmol/L) serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Serum PTH was highest and femoral neck BMD was lowest in the group, with a serum 25(OH)D less than 50 nmol/L. In this low-intake population, calcium intake is a significant determinant of serum PTH and BMD at higher as well as lower 25(OH)D levels. This finding indicates that low calcium intake cannot be compensated for with higher 25(OH)D levels alone. As expected, serum 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with serum PTH and BMD. A calcium intake of at least 668 mg/d and a serum 25(OH)D level of at least 50 nmol/L may be needed to maintain bone mass in this calcium deficient population.

Calcium homeostasis influences radiological fracture healing in postmenopausal women

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies suggest that calcium and 25-[OH]-cholecalciferol represent substantial co-factors in fracture healing. However, there still seems to be no sustainable consensus regarding the influence on fracture healing patterns. In this study, the influence of calcium and vitamin D levels on fracture callus formation was prospectively analysed using pQCT scan.

METHODS

94 postmenopausal females with distal radius fractures and consecutive surgery were included. Calcium, 25-[OH]-cholecalciferol, parathyroid hormone and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels were obtained prior surgical treatment and after 6 weeks. A pQCT scan was performed on both sites. Bone mineral density and fracture callus area were determined after detecting the outer border contour at a threshold of 280 mg/ccm. Patients received daily supplements of 1000 mg calcium and 880 IU 25-[OH]-cholecalciferol.

RESULTS

Mean 25-[OH]-cholecalciferol level was 19.61 ± 21.87 ng/ml, mean parathyroid hormone level was 52.6 ± 58.9 ng/l and mean Ca level was 2.23 ± 0.35 mmol/l. After 6 weeks of supplementation a significant increase of calcium (p < 0.001) and 25-[OH]-cholecalciferol (p < 0.001), and a significant decrease of parathyroid hormone (p < 0.001) levels were observed. Sixth week follow-up fracture callus area correlated significantly with postoperative normal range calcium levels on the fractured site (p = 0.006). Bone mineral density correlated with age (p < 0.001), but not with calcium and 25-[OH]-cholecalciferol levels after 6 weeks. All fractures presented timely adequate callus formation.

CONCLUSION

Calcium and parathyroid hormone serum levels influence fracture callus area interpreted as fracture callus formation patterns. Calcium levels within physiological range accounted for highest fracture callus area. Therefore, a balanced calcium homeostasis is required for appropriate callus formation.

Time course of 25(OH)D3 vitamin D3 as well as PTH (parathyroid hormone) during fracture healing of patients with normal and low bone mineral density (BMD)

BACKGROUND

Until now the exact biochemical processes during healing of metaphyseal fractures of healthy and osteoporotic bone remain unclear. Especially the physiological time courses of 25(OH)D(3) (Vitamin D) as well as PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) the most important modulators of calcium and bone homeostasis are not yet examined sufficiently. The purpose of this study was to focus on the time course of these parameters during fracture healing.

METHODS

In the presented study, we analyse the time course of 25(OH)D3 and PTH during fracture healing of low BMD level fractures versus normal BMD level fractures in a matched pair analysis. Between March 2007 and February 2009 30 patients older than 50 years of age who had suffered a metaphyseal fracture of the proximal humerus, the distal radius or the proximal femur were included in our study. Osteoporosis was verified by DEXA measuring. The time courses of 25(OH)D(3) and PTH were examined over an eight week period. Friedmann test, the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Mann-Withney U test were used as post-hoc tests. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Serum levels of 25(OH)D(3) showed no differences in both groups. In the first phase of fracture healing PTH levels in the low BMD level group remained below those of the normal BMD group in absolute figures. Over all no significant differences between low BMD level bone and normal BMD level bone could be detected in our study.

CONCLUSIONS

The time course of 25(OH)D(3) and PTH during fracture healing of patients with normal and low bone mineral density were examined for the first time in humans in this setting and allowing molecular biological insights into fracture healing in metaphyseal bones on a molecural level. There were no significant differences between patients with normal and low BMD levels. Hence further studies will be necessary to obtain more detailed insight into fracture healing in order to provide reliable decision criteria for therapy and the monitoring of fracture healing.

Time course of 25(OH)D3 vitamin D3 as well as PTH (parathyroid hormone) during fracture healing of patients with normal and low bone mineral density (BMD)

BACKGROUND

Until now the exact biochemical processes during healing of metaphyseal fractures of healthy and osteoporotic bone remain unclear. Especially the physiological time courses of 25(OH)D(3) (Vitamin D) as well as PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) the most important modulators of calcium and bone homeostasis are not yet examined sufficiently. The purpose of this study was to focus on the time course of these parameters during fracture healing.

METHODS

In the presented study, we analyse the time course of 25(OH)D3 and PTH during fracture healing of low BMD level fractures versus normal BMD level fractures in a matched pair analysis. Between March 2007 and February 2009 30 patients older than 50 years of age who had suffered a metaphyseal fracture of the proximal humerus, the distal radius or the proximal femur were included in our study. Osteoporosis was verified by DEXA measuring. The time courses of 25(OH)D(3) and PTH were examined over an eight week period. Friedmann test, the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Mann-Withney U test were used as post-hoc tests. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Serum levels of 25(OH)D(3) showed no differences in both groups. In the first phase of fracture healing PTH levels in the low BMD level group remained below those of the normal BMD group in absolute figures. Over all no significant differences between low BMD level bone and normal BMD level bone could be detected in our study.

CONCLUSIONS

The time course of 25(OH)D(3) and PTH during fracture healing of patients with normal and low bone mineral density were examined for the first time in humans in this setting and allowing molecular biological insights into fracture healing in metaphyseal bones on a molecural level. There were no significant differences between patients with normal and low BMD levels. Hence further studies will be necessary to obtain more detailed insight into fracture healing in order to provide reliable decision criteria for therapy and the monitoring of fracture healing.

Iron overload accelerates bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women and middle-aged men: a 3-year retrospective longitudinal study

Despite extensive experimental and animal evidence about the detrimental effects of iron and its overload on bone metabolism, there have been no clinical studies relating iron stores to bone loss, especially in nonpathologic conditions. In the present study, we performed a large longitudinal study to evaluate serum ferritin concentrations in relation to annualized changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy Koreans. A total of 1729 subjects (940 postmenopausal women and 789 middle-aged men) aged 40 years or older who had undergone comprehensive routine health examinations with an average 3 years of follow-up were enrolled. BMD in proximal femur sites (ie, the total femur, femur neck, and trochanter) was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry using the same equipment at baseline and follow-up. The mean age of women and men in this study was 55.8 ± 6.0 years and 55.5 ± 7.8 years, respectively, and serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.001). The overall mean annualized rates of bone loss in the total femur, femur neck, and trochanter were -1.14%/year, -1.17%/year, and -1.51%/year, respectively, in women, and -0.27%/year, -0.34%/year, and -0.41%/year, respectively, in men. After adjustment for potential confounders, the rates of bone loss in all proximal femur sites in both genders were significantly accelerated in a dose-response fashion across increasing ferritin quartile categories (p for trend = 0.043 to <0.001). Consistently, compared with subjects in the lowest ferritin quartile category, those in the third and/or highest ferritin quartile category showed significantly faster bone loss in the total femur and femur neck in both genders (p = 0.023 to <0.001). In conclusion, these data provide the first clinical evidence that increased total body iron stores could be an independent risk factor for accelerated bone loss, even in healthy populations.