An investigation of the predictors of bone mineral density and response to therapy with alendronate in osteoporotic men

Correlation between Bone Turnover Markers and Bone Mineral Density in Patients Undergoing Long-Term Anti-Osteoporosis Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the correlations between the bone turnover markers (BTMs) and the bone mineral density (BMD) in patients treated for primary osteoporosis and to identify promising BTMs for the prediction of future BMD changes. The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies that investigated the relationship between the BTMs and the BMD changes in patients treated for osteoporosis. All significant correlation coefficients of the baseline BTMs or changes in BTMs from baseline with the BMD changes from baseline under different interventions from eligible studies were used for systematic review and the subgroup analyses. The correlations were analyzed in terms of bone sites, intervention, time duration of BTMs measurements, and time duration of BMD measurements. Twenty-two records reporting correlation coefficients and the corresponding p-values were included, 13 of which were enrolled in the further subgroup analyses. The combined results from the systematic review and meta-analyses indicated that the changes in osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP), and urine N-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type I collagen (U-NTX), or the PINP at baseline tended to be useful in evaluating the long-term BMD changes after drug intervention.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Klinefelter Syndrome

A 60-year-old male patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) was admitted for glycemic control. The patient exhibited abdominal adiposity, osteoporosis, and high insulin requirement (>100 U), and we suspected hypogonadism. A physical examination revealed small testes and thin pubic hair, laboratory examination found high luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and low testosterone levels, and a chromosome analysis (47, XXY) indicated hypogonadism due to Klinefelter syndrome (KS). KS is associated with autoimmune diseases and patients positive for diabetes related auto-antibodies. In male patients with T1DM and abdominal adiposity, the concurrence of KS should be taken into consideration.

Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mineral Density in Men with Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is a risk factor for low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis. Knowledge of the relationship between TDS and bone health, as well as the practical aspects of how to diagnose and treat low BMD, is therefore of practical importance to sexual medicine practitioners.

AIM

The aim of this study was to review the physiologic basis and clinical evidence of the relationship between TDS and bone health; and to provide a practical, evidence-based algorithm for the diagnosis and management of low BMD in men with TDS.

METHODS

Method used was a review of relevant publications in PubMed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pathophysiology of low BMD in TDS, morbidity, and mortality of osteoporosis in men, association between TDS and osteoporosis, indications for dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning in TDS, evidence for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men with osteoporosis, treatment for osteoporosis in the setting of TDS.

RESULTS

Sex hormones play a pleomorphic role in maintenance of BMD. TDS is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia, both of which contribute to morbidity and mortality in men. DXA scanning is indicated in men older than 50 years with TDS, and in younger men with longstanding TDS. Men with TDS and osteoporosis should be treated with anti-osteoporotic agents and TRT should be highly considered. Men with osteopenia should be stratified by fracture risk. Those at high risk should be treated with anti-osteoporotic agents with strong consideration of TRT; while those at low risk should be strongly considered for TRT, which has a beneficial effect on BMD.

CONCLUSION

Low BMD is a prevalent and treatable cause of morbidity and mortality in men with TDS. Utilization of a practical, evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment of low BMD in men with TDS enables sexual medicine practitioners to make a meaningful impact on patient quality of life and longevity. Gaffney CD, Pagano MJ, Kuker AP, Stember DS, and Stahl PJ. Osteoporosis and low bone mineral density in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome.

Current and future treatments of osteoporosis in men

One in three osteoporotic fractures occur in men and the consequences of a fracture in men tend to be more severe than in women. Still, only a small minority of men with high risk of fracture are detected and treated. Although there are gender differences in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis, such as in the pattern of bone loss, similarities predominate, which is also the case for clinical risk factors. It seems appropriate to consider treatment for men and women with a similar 10 year fracture risk. Drugs now approved for treatment of osteoporosis in men include the anti-resorptive bisphosphonates alendronate, residronate and zoledronic acid, the anti-resorptive drug denosumab, the bone-forming agent teriparatide, and (not in the US) strontium ranelate with mild opposite effects on resorption and formation. Although the evidence level for efficacy and safety of these drugs in men is still relatively limited, available data indicate that treatment effects in men are very similar to what has been observed in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Denosumab is also approved for treatment in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for non-metastatic prostate cancer; bisphosphonates and teriparatide are also available to clinicians for treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men. Testosterone treatment may be indicated in men with documented symptomatic hypogonadism, but osteoporosis is neither a sufficient nor a specific indication for testosterone treatment. New compounds with well advanced clinical development include odanacatib, a selective inhibitor of the cysteine protease cathepsin-K, and romosozumab, a monoclonal antibody against sclerostin.

Reduction of urinary levels of N-telopeptide correlates with treatment compliance in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis receiving alendronate

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with the effectiveness of treatment with alendronate (ALN) quantified by a reduction in urinary excretion of N-telopeptide (NTx).

METHODS

The study is an observational, prospective, multicenter trial, with a 6-month follow-up. Postmenopausal osteoporotic women (densitometric criteria), who initiated treatment with ALN (70 mg/weekly) without previous treatment with antiresorptive agents (12 month) and calcitonin (6 month), were included. The assessment of NTx levels (nmol bone collagen equivalents/mmol creatinine) in the urine was performed at baseline and after completion of follow-up. A logistic regression model included "achieving a reduction in urinary NTx of at least 30% (minimal clinically significant change [MCSC])" as a dichotomous dependent variable and the following as independent variables: baseline urinary NTx levels, treatment compliance, years since diagnosis of menopause, ALN treatment duration, and treatment with calcium and vitamin D. Treatment compliance was assessed as the percentage of days of medication prescribed as a function of the time between the beginning and end of treatment. Good compliance was defined as a percentage between 80% and 120%.

RESULTS

The variables that reached statistical significance were baseline urinary NTx values (odds ratio, 1.052; 95% CI, 1.025-1.079) and compliance (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.5-10.1). Therefore, the women with good treatment compliance were almost 4 times more likely to achieve an MCSC in NTx levels, and the raise in one unit of urinary NTx baseline values increased by 5% of the probability of achieving MCSC.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with ALN (70 mg/week) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis effectively reduces the urinary excretion of the bone turnover biomarker NTx. The probability of achieving a clinically significant reduction is greater in those women with higher baseline levels of NTx and in women who comply with treatment.

Towards a diagnostic and therapeutic consensus in male osteoporosis

The consensus views on osteoporosis in men are reported.

INTRODUCTION

A workshop was convened within a meeting on osteoporosis in men to identify areas of consensus amongst the panel (the authors) and the participants of the meeting.

METHODS

A public debate with an expert panel on preselected topics was conducted.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Consensus views were reached on diagnostic criteria and several aspects on the pathophysiology and treatment of osteoporosis in men.

The silent thief: diagnosis and management of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes approximately 1.5 million fractures every year in the United States. Not only can these fractures be painful and disfiguring but they may reduce a person's ability to lead an active life as well. Osteoporosis affects every bone in the body, but the most common places where fractures occur are the back, hips, and wrists. Because osteoporosis thins bones, weakening them and making them more susceptible to fractures, practitioners must understand the risk factors and the diagnosis and management of this very common problem. This article, geared toward advanced practice nurses, presents a summary of the latest diagnostic tests and medication treatments available and approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the management of osteoporosis.

Reduced levels of serum IGF-1 is related to the presence of osteoporotic fractures in male idiopathic osteoporosis

INTRODUCTION

The pathophysiology of male idiopathic osteoporosis (MIO) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of IGF-1 in MIO, and to explore the relationships between bone mineral density and serum levels of IGF-1 and sex hormones.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria were osteoporosis (T-score<-2.5 SD) and/or an osteoporotic fracture. The osteoporotic patients were included after an exhaustive work-up to exclude the principal causes of secondary osteoporosis. Serum levels of IGF-1, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG, markers of bone turnover, and bone mineral density were compared between 79 MIO and 26 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in serum IGF-1 was found in MIO patients (p=0.0189). This remained significant after adjustment for body mass index (BMI). A negative correlation was found between SHBG and serum IGF-1 (r=-0.231, p=0.048). SHBG levels were higher in osteoporotic patients (p=0.001). The Free Testosterone Index (FTI, total testosterone/SHBG) (p=0.002) was also lower in MIO patients. After adjustment for FTI and BMI, a significant association was observed between IGF-1 level and the presence of an osteoporotic fracture, indicating an independent effect of IGF-1 level on fracture risk. The odds ratio (OR) for fracture for each SD decrease in IGF1 level was 1.8 [CI: 1.09-2.96] (p=0.021).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates a decrease in serum IGF-1 levels in MIO. This could be either the cause or the consequence of a disturbance in sex hormone metabolism with increased SHBG serum levels.

Investigational anabolic therapies for osteoporosis

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

Anabolic therapy, or stimulating the function of bone-forming osteoblasts, is the preferred pharmacological intervention for osteoporosis.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

We reviewed bone anabolic agents currently under active investigation. The bone anabolic potential of IGF-I and parathyroid hormone-related protein is discussed in the light of animal data and human studies. We also discuss the use of antagonists of the calcium-sensing receptor (calcilytics) as orally administered small molecules capable of transiently elevating serum parathyroid hormone (PTH). Further, we reviewed novel anabolic agents targeting members of the wingless tail (Wnt) signaling family that regulate bone formation including DKK-1, sclerostin, Thp1, and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta. We have also followed up on the promise shown by beta-blockers in modulating the activity of sympathetic nervous system, thus affecting bone anabolism. We give critical consideration to neutralizing the activity of activin A, a negative regulator of bone mass by soluble activin receptor IIA, as a strategy to promote bone formation.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

Update on various strategies to promote osteoblast function currently under evaluation.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

In spite of favorable results in experimental models, none of these strategies has yet achieved the ultimate goal of providing an alternative to injectable PTH, the sole anabolic therapy in clinical use.

Syndrome of Hajdu-Cheney: three case reports of orofacial interest

Hajdu-Cheney syndrome is a rare, probably autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder with a variable expressivity. It is characterized by an osteoporotic skeleton, acro-osteolysis, a proportionate short stature, and distinctive orofacial anomalies. The aim of this article is to focus on the orofacial manifestations in two sporadic cases and one familial case with Hajdu-Cheney syndrome. Several common dental and craniofacial features are described. In contrast to earlier proposed diagnostic features, these patients show persisting deciduous teeth, problematic tooth eruption, and tendency toward a Class III malocclusion.

The amino- and carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptides of collagen type I, NTX-I and CTX-I: a comparative review

Bone diseases such as osteoporosis or bone metastases are a continuously growing problem in the ageing populations across the world. In recent years, great efforts have been made to develop specific and sensitive biochemical markers of bone turnover that could help in the assessment and monitoring of bone turnover. The amino- and carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX-I and CTX-I, respectively) are two widely used bone resorption markers that attracted great attention due to their relatively high sensitivity and specificity for the degradation of type I collagen, and their rapid adaptation to automated analyzers. However, the clinical performance of both markers differs significantly depending on the clinical situation. These differences have caused considerable confusion and uncertainty. If used correctly, both markers have great potential to improve the management of many bone diseases. We here review the biochemistry, analytical background and clinical performance of NTX-I and CTX-I, as documented in the accessible literature until March 2008.

BMI and low bone mass in an elderly male nursing home population

Introduction:

Little is known about osteoporosis in institutionalized older adults. Risk factors such as low body mass index (BMI) have been investigated in female populations, but remain understudied in men. The objective of this study was to examine characteristics of older men residing in a nursing home who received bone mineral density evaluations.

Methods:

57 male Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) nursing home residents were screened for osteoporosis using a peripheral dual X-ray (pDXA) technique. T-scores were categorized into three groups: normal (0>–1); osteopenic (−1 to −2.49); osteoporotic (<–2.5).

Results:

Average age was 76.2 years (standard deviation = 11.5; range: 48–100). T-scores indicated that 37.3% of the population was normal, 35.6% osteopenic, and 27.1% osteoporotic. 35.6% of patients had normal BMIs, 3.4% were underweight, 47.5% were overweight, and 13.6% were considered obese. There was a high prevalence of overweight and obese individuals (61.1%) in the osteopenic and osteoporotic groups.

Conclusion:

As expected, there was a high prevalence of low bone mass in our population (62%). However, overweight and obese men were more likely to have osteoporosis and osteopenia, contrary to literature and clinical knowledge. This finding may be partially explained by the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle and relative lack of weight-bearing activity in this group of men.

Efficacy of risedronate in Japanese male patients with primary osteoporosis

OBJECTIVE

Although osteoporosis in men previously was relatively neglected, bisphosphonates have been strongly suggested as potent therapeutic agents. However, there are few studies on the effects of risedronate in male osteoporosis, especially in Japanese with primary osteoporosis. The aim of our study was to prospectively evaluate the effects of risedronate on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover in Japanese male patients.

METHODS

According to the therapeutic regimen, the subjects were divided into two groups (group A, 22 with risedronate; group B, 10 without risedronate). During a one-year study duration, we measured bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and serum N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) every 3 months, and BMD at 7 sites by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry every 6 months.

PATIENTS

The subjects were 32 Japanese male patients with untreated primary osteoporosis.

RESULTS

In group A, but not in group B, BMD was significantly increased at the lumbar spine both at 6 months and 12 months, and at the femoral neck at 12 months, compared with baseline. Likewise, in group A, but not in group B, both BAP and NTx were significantly decreased at all time points measured (3 months, 6 months, and 12 months), compared with baseline.

CONCLUSION

These results confirmed the beneficial effects of risedronate upon increasing BMD and reducing bone turnover markers in Japanese male patients with primary osteoporosis, comparable to those previously reported in postmenopausal patients with osteoporosis.

Drug insight: the use of bisphosphonates for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in men

Osteoporosis has long been recognized as a disease affecting postmenopausal women but it has become increasingly clear that men are affected by low bone density and suffer the consequences of osteoporotic fractures. Men attending clinical urological practices might be at raised risk of bone loss due to hypogonadism, either identified during work-up of erectile dysfunction or induced by androgen deprivation therapy for treatment of prostate cancer. The availability of bisphosphonate drugs with proven efficacy in fracture reduction has revolutionized osteoporosis therapy in the past decade. The use of these agents has been traditionally based on data obtained predominantly from postmenopausal women and cases of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, but data are becoming increasingly available to justify their use in men. Despite the availability and favorable safety profile of bisphosphonates, many patients are not receiving therapy. This article serves to review the data regarding bisphosphonate use in men, discussing particularly the pharmacology and mechanisms of action of these agents, and findings from clinical studies supporting their use for fracture prevention.

The predictive role of bone turnover markers for BMD in middle-aged men

Measurement of bone turnover markers has been proposed as a potentially valuable clinical laboratory aid in osteoporosis risk assessment. These markers may allow quantitative evaluation of rates of bone loss, and thereby identify persons at risk for osteoporosis at an earlier stage. As far as we know, this is the longest longitudinal study on bone turnover markers conducted in adult men. The objectives of this study were to determine whether markers of bone formation (type I procollagen amino-terminal propeptide, PINP, and carboxy-terminal propeptide, PICP), and of bone resorption (type I collagen carboxy-terminal telopeptide, ICTP), are predictive of changes in lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD over a 5-year period, and to determine the ability of the bone resorption marker urine amino-terminal telopeptide (NTx) to explain the variance in BMD change over the past 5 years in a group of men 35-69 years old. In this group, NTx was the only marker to correlate significantly with BMD changes at the femoral neck (r = -0.21), but not at the spine. The use of the biochemical markers studied to predict change in bone density in adult men in middle-aged years is of very limited value.

The diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in men on androgen deprivation therapy for advanced carcinoma of the prostate

PURPOSE

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for advanced prostate cancer increases the risk of osteoporosis. Thus, the practicing urologist should be aware of the appropriate assessment and management. In this article we review the tests designed to diagnose osteoporosis as well as treatment options. We also review methods to monitor the response to therapy and make recommendations for management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a MEDLINE (1966 to 2004) search for the terms male, osteoporosis, bone mineral density, prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy, bisphosphonates, estrogen and the combinations thereof. We then constructed a management algorithm based on the best evidence available.

RESULTS

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of the hip is the gold standard test for osteoporosis. Biochemical markers of bone turnover are not suitable for diagnosis but they have been shown to be useful for monitoring the response to treatment. Smoking cessation, weight bearing exercise, and vitamin D and calcium have been shown to help improve bone mineral density (BMD). Bisphosphonates have been demonstrated to increase BMD and decrease fracture risk in men with osteoporosis. Estrogens have also recently been shown to decrease bone turnover and increase BMD in men on ADT.

CONCLUSIONS

Hip dual energy x-ray absorptiometry should be performed in all men who are anticipated to be on long-term ADT. In addition, all men on ADT should receive vitamin D and calcium supplementation, and perform regular weight bearing exercise. The value of smoking cessation cannot be overstated. In men who have osteopenia or osteoporosis bisphosphonate therapy should be initiated. Estrogen therapy has shown promise but specific recommendations cannot be made at this time.

Effect of alendronate on bone mineral density in adult patients with Laron syndrome (primary growth hormone insensitivity)

Severe short stature resulting from a deficiency in insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a prominent feature of Laron syndrome (LS). Whether patients with LS are osteopenic or not, and whether they need treatment with bisphosphonates, remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the action of alendronate on the IGF-I-deficient bones of adult patients with LS and osteoporosis, as determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry . Seven patients (5 women and 2 men) of mean age 40.8+/-7.6 years and mean bone mass density (BMD) 0.843+/-0.06 g/cm2 (T score -2.9+/-0.5) at the lumbar spine and 0.734+/-0.11 g/cm2 (T score -2.2+/-0.9) at the femoral neck were treated with alendronate 70 mg once/weekly over a 12-month period. Treatment led to an increase of 5.3% in BMD (p=0.038) at the femoral neck. There was a similar trend at the lumbar spine, but the difference was not statistically significant (2.3%, p=0.34). Mean total alkaline phosphatase decreased by 14% from normal range at baseline (p=0.007). Urinary deoxypyridinoline levels, which were elevated at baseline (10+/-2.3 nM/mMcre), showed a nonsignificant change during treatment. Our study suggests that treatment with alendronate may have positive effects in patients with LS and low BMD on dual X-ray absorptiometry.

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D and osteopenia are prevalent in persons > or =55 yr with fracture at any site: a prospective, observational study of persons fracturing in the community

Ethnic diversity and lower socioeconomic populations are poorly captured in most studies of osteoporosis and fracture risk. This article describes a prospective, observational study designed to analyze risk factors for fracture in an ambulatory, ethnically diverse, urban population aged > or =55 yr. The goal of the study was to determine the number of fractures associated with hypovitaminosis D (< or =15 ng/mL serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D) and osteopenia (T-score <-1.5) by bone mineral density (BMD). From January 1 to July 31, 2001, we identified 262 persons who fractured in our community; 83 chose to enroll in the study. Enrolled patients had a BMD examination at two sites; their blood was drawn for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25VitD), calcium, phosphorus, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase. At the completion of the study a letter was sent to the patients detailing the findings, and a copy sent to their physician. Of the 83 persons enrolled, 73 (88%) had evidence of osteopenia or osteoporosis (T-score <-1.5) and/or low 25VitD. All fractures in the community in person > or =55 yr, with or without a history of antecedent trauma, should be assessed with BMD and screening for 25VitD.