Psychological state, quality of life, and body composition in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in Lithuania

Impact of early work start on mental health outcomes in older adults: A cross-sectional study from Ecuador

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the impact of the age at which individuals first begin working on the odds of developing mental health disorders among older adults in Ecuador.

METHODS

Data from the 2009 Survey of Health, Well-being, and Aging (SABE) encompassing 3093 elderly participants from mainland Ecuador were analyzed. We employed binary logistic regression to explore the association between the age at which individuals started working and their subsequent mental health status.

RESULTS

Participants who started working between ages 5-12 and 26-35 had lower odds of mental health disorders compared to those who began at ages 18-25, while those who started working between ages 13-17 and 36-80 exhibited higher odds compared to the same baseline group. These associations are net of various demographic and health-related factors.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate mixed associations between the age at which individuals started working and their mental health outcomes in older age. While some age groups demonstrate lower odds of mental health disorders, others do not, suggesting a complex relationship that warrants further investigation.

IMPLICATIONS

This research supports the development of healthcare policies aimed at providing mental health education and services tailored to populations affected by early labor, to mitigate the enduring impacts of child labor on mental health in older age.

Effectiveness of anthocyanin-rich foods on bone remodeling biomarkers of middle-aged and older adults at risk of osteoporosis: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

CONTEXT

Current osteoporosis pharmacological treatment has undesirable side effects. There is increasing focus on naturally derived food substances that contain phytonutrients with antioxidant effects in promoting health and regulating immune response.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of anthocyanin-rich foods on bone remodeling biomarkers in middle-aged and older adults (≥40 y old) at risk of osteoporosis.

DATA SOURCES

Randomized controlled trials were searched on 8 bibliographic databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Food Science and Technology Abstracts, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest.

DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS

Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) is exhibited from osteoblastic cells that gathered osteoclasts to bone sites for bone resorption, accelerating bone loss. Anthocyanin-rich food consumption showed statistically nonsignificant effects, with no substantial heterogeneity on bone remodeling biomarkers. However, there was a significant increase in lumbar spine L1-L4 bone mineral density. Mild-to-small effects were seen to largely favor the consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods. Berries (d = -0.44) have a larger effect size of RANKL than plums (d = 0.18), with statistically significant subgroup differences. Random-effects meta-regression found body mass index, total attrition rate, total energy, and dietary carbohydrate and fat intake were significant covariates for the effect size of RANKL. All outcomes had low certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSION

Anthocyanin-rich foods may improve bone health in middle-aged and older adults at risk of osteoporosis. This review contributes to the growing interest in nutrient-rich foods as a low-cost and modifiable alternative to promote human health and reduce disease burden. Future high-quality studies with larger sample sizes and longer treatment durations are required to fully understand the effect of anthocyanin-rich foods on bone health.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022367136.

Beyond Pain Relief: An In-Depth Review of Vertebral Height Restoration After Balloon Kyphoplasty in Vertebral Compression Fractures

This comprehensive review delves into the intricate landscape of vertebral height restoration after balloon kyphoplasty in cases of vertebral compression fractures. With a comprehensive examination of procedural intricacies, radiological evaluations, clinical outcomes, and influential factors, a nuanced comprehension unfolds. Beyond its immediate alleviation of pain, vertebral height restoration emerges as a linchpin in enhancing spinal alignment, fostering functional recuperation, and augmenting the overall quality of life. This review underscores the pivotal role of balloon kyphoplasty, transcending its mere medical utility to become a conduit for renewed independence and well-being among individuals grappling with vertebral compression fractures. The ongoing advancements in medical science and the continued pursuit of research stand poised to amplify the significance of vertebral height restoration, manifesting a promising horizon for individuals seeking respite from pain, a revitalised capacity for movement, and a life unburdened by its constraints.

Quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Postmenopausal osteoporosis has become a global trend, which seriously affects women's quality of life. However, the differences remain unclear in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among postmenopausal women with normal bone mineral density, osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fractures. The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life in women with three different bone states.

METHODS

Databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were based on the search terms, and the search time was set from the inception of each database to January 2022. A study was included if the researchers used a validated quality of life questionnaire to investigate the quality of life of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteoporotic fractures. The random-effect model was used for meta-analysis, and the mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed, involving 2897 postmenopausal women, and 12 of them were included in the meta-analysis. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis had worse overall HRQoL and different HRQoL dimensions compared with postmenopausal women with normal bone density. Compared with postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fractures had worse overall HRQoL and individual dimensions of HRQoL, especially physical component summary (SMD = - 0.61, 95% CI, - 0.98 to - 0.24). Bone mineral density was positively associated with HRQoL, while fragility fracture severity was negatively associated with HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Postmenopausal osteoporosis and fragility fractures reduce HRQoL to varying degrees in women. More research should be done to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Osteoporosis and Spine Surgery: A Critical Analysis Review

Despite being part of the aging process, early and adequate management of osteoporosis mitigates adverse outcomes associated with low bone mineral density. Although the health-care burden of osteoporosis is on the rise, screening and management of osteoporosis are not yet an integral part of preoperative patient evaluation in spine surgery. Patients with osteoporosis should undergo multidisciplinary evaluation and management, including lifestyle modifications and initiation of multiple therapeutic modalities. Integrating osteoporosis in preoperative optimization and surgical planning for patients undergoing spine surgery has the potential to mitigate osteoporosis-related postoperative complications.

Bone Density and Body Fat Distribution in Postmenopausal Women

Background:

In postmenopause there are changes in metabolism of bone tissue and consequent decrease of bone density. With ageing redistribution of fat occurs and an increase in body weight. Because of hormone changes in postmenopause fat is redistributed from gluteofemoral area to the abdominal region.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between bone density and a body mass index (BMI), and distribution of the fat tissue in women in postmenopause (WHR).

Methods:

This research was prospective, and it included total of 83 women, 53 women were in the natural postmenopause and 30 women with the regular menstruation.

Results:

BMI in women in postmenopause was statistically significantly higher than BMI in women with the regular menstruations (p= 0,005). There was no statistically significant difference between waist hip ratio in women in the postmenopause in relation to the women with the regular menstruations. In women in the postmenopause significant positive correlation between BMI and density of the neck of femur was found (Z and T-score) (p=0,019; p=0,005). There was also significant negative correlation between the WHR and density of the lumbal spine (backbone) in women in the postmenopause (Z-score) (p=0,043). The identical analysis in women with regular menstruations, negative correlation between the density of the lumbal spine was found again (Z-score) and WHR , but the same was highly expressed (p=0,041). The observed correlation between BMI and bone density in this group of women was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Based on the presented results we conclude that the higher the BMI (p=0,019; p=0,005) the higher density of the femoral neck postmenopausal women have, and lower bone density of the lumbar spine the higher ratio waist / hip (p = 0.043). In the women with regular menstruation bone density of the lumbar spine is the lower the higher the ratio of waist and hip (p=0,041), while there was no correlation between BMI and bone density in this group of women.

Cognitive performance in relation to metabolic disturbances in patients with COPD

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Cognitive impairment (CI) and metabolic abnormalities, including the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and sarcopenia, are more prevalent in COPD patients compared to controls without diagnosed lung disease. Because earlier studies have shown these metabolic abnormalities may affect cognitive performance, this study investigated whether cognitive performance is more impaired in subgroups of COPD patients with MetS or sarcopenia.

METHODS

Cognitive performance patterns of 170 COPD patients referred for pulmonary rehabilitation (53.5% male, 63.4 ± 9.4 years, FEV₁ 54.5 ± 22.7% predicted) were compared between COPD subgroups stratified by presence of MetS and sarcopenia. Cognitive performance was assessed using a detailed neuropsychological test battery, which measured psychomotor speed (Stroop Color-Word Test, Concept Shifting Test, Letter-Digit Substitution Test), planning (Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome), working memory (Visual-Verbal Learning Test, Digit Span), verbal memory (Visual-Verbal Learning Test) and cognitive flexibility (Stroop Color-Word Test, Concept Shifting Test). MetS was determined according to the NCEP ATP-III criteria. Sarcopenia was determined based on decreased appendicular lean mass by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and impaired physical performance by 6-min walking distance.

RESULTS

MetS was observed in 54.7% and sarcopenia in 30.0% of COPD patients. The prevalence of general CI was not different between patients with and without MetS (30.4% and 39.0%, respectively) or those with and without sarcopenia (34.0% and 34.5%, respectively, both p > 0.05). Domain-specific cognitive performance was not different between metabolic subgroups, but those with sarcopenia displayed a lower prevalence of CI on verbal memory than those without (21.7% and 29.7%, respectively, p = 0.011). Only the digit span (working memory) subtest was significantly different between metabolic subgroups, in favor of those without MetS (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Cognitive performance was not affected more in COPD patients with sarcopenia or MetS.

Emerging evidence on the link between depressive symptoms and bone loss in postmenopausal women

Osteoporosis and depression are major health problems of crisis proportions in postmenopausal women. Researchers have established a relationship between bone loss and depression, although few studies have focused on postmenopausal women. The purposes of this integrative review were to synthesize and summarize the available literature on: 1) the associations between bone loss and depression in postmenopausal women; and 2) potential variables that impact the associations between bone loss and depression in postmenopausal women. After searching the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane library between 2007 and 2017, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the included studies supported the relationship between depression and bone loss in postmenopausal women, although little information is offered as to why this relationship exists. This review summarizes the research that has been completed on depression and bone loss in postmenopausal women and identifies gaps in the literature. These findings will aid in the planning of future research and the development of health care recommendations.

Comparison of body composition, nutritional status, functional status, and quality of life between osteoporotic and osteopenic postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects body composition, physical activity, and psychological state. We aimed to examine the differences between osteoporotic and osteopenic postmenopausal women with respect to body composition, nutrition, functional status, and quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 102 osteopenic (Group 1) and 100 osteoporotic (Group 2) patients were enrolled in the study. Bone mineral density (BMD), fat tissue mass (FTM), lean tissue mass (LTM), and bone mineral content (BMC) were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorbtiometry. Nutritional status of the patients was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), functional status with the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale, and quality of life with the assessment of health-related quality of life in osteoporosis (ECOS-16).

RESULTS

Group 2 had significantly lower FTM, LTM, and MNA scores than Group 1 (P<0.05). NEADL and ECOS-16 scores did not differ between the groups (P>0.05). A significant correlation was found between MNA and FTM, LTM, BMC, and BMD (P<0.05). Whereas the assessment of functional status showed a significant positive correlation with BMD and a significant negative correlation with age (P<0.05), no significant correlation was found between functional status and body composition (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We found lower FTM and LTM values and a poorer nutritional status in osteoporotic patients than in osteopenic ones. Nutritional status was correlated with body composition and BMD, and functional status was correlated with age and BMD.

A systematic review of the evidence that brain structure is related to muscle structure and their relationship to brain and muscle function in humans over the lifecourse

BACKGROUND

An association between cognition and physical function has been shown to exist but the roles of muscle and brain structure in this relationship are not fully understood. A greater understanding of these relationships may lead to identification of the underlying mechanisms in this important area of research. This systematic review examines the evidence for whether: a) brain structure is related to muscle structure; b) brain structure is related to muscle function; and c) brain function is related to muscle structure in healthy children and adults.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched on March 6th 2014. A grey literature search was performed using Google and Google Scholar. Hand searching through citations and references of relevant articles was also undertaken.

RESULTS

53 articles were included in the review; mean age of the subjects ranged from 8.8 to 85.5 years old. There is evidence of a positive association between both whole brain volume and white matter (WM) volume and muscle size. Total grey matter (GM) volume was not associated with muscle size but some areas of regional GM volume were associated with muscle size (right temporal pole and bilateral ventromedial prefrontal cortex). No evidence was found of a relationship between grip strength and whole brain volume however there was some evidence of a positive association with WM volume. Conversely, there is evidence that gait speed is positively associated with whole brain volume; this relationship may be driven by total WM volume or regional GM volumes, specifically the hippocampus. Markers of brain ageing, that is brain atrophy and greater accumulation of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), were associated with grip strength and gait speed. The location of WMH is important for gait speed; periventricular hyperintensities and brainstem WMH are associated with gait speed but subcortical WMH play less of a role. Cognitive function does not appear to be associated with muscle size.

CONCLUSION

There is evidence that brain structure is associated with muscle structure and function. Future studies need to follow these interactions longitudinally to understand potential causal relationships.