Comparison of femoral neck geometric parameters between Chinese and Japanese females / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Femoral neck fracture is the most serious osteoporotic fractures that is responsible for high medical costs and high mortality. Femoral neck geometric parameters (FNGPs) are important parameters that reflect the geometrical characteristics of femoral neck, and are closely related to the strength of femoral neck and the risk of fragility fracture.There are differences in the incidence of femoral neck fractures among races. However, whether there is difference in FNGPs among races is unknown.Therefore, this study aims to compare the differences in FNGPs between Chinese and Japanese females.@*METHODS@#This study was a cross-sectional study, in which 3 859 healthy females aged 10-86 (45.7±17.1) years old were recruited from Changsha City of Hunan Province and surrounding areas. The weight and height were measured and recorded, and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone densitometer was used to measure femoral neck projective bone area (BA) and bone mineral density (BMD). FNGPs were calculated using the BMD and BA, which included the outer diameter (OD), cross-sectional area (CSA), cortical thickness (CT), endocortical diameter (ED), buckling ratio (BR), section modulus (SM), cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), and compression strength index (CSI). The data of FNGPs in Japanese females was collected from literature. These subjects were grouped by 10-year age. The mean and standard deviation of height, weight, BMI, femoral neck BMD, and FNGPs of each group were calculated. The model with the best goodness-of-fit was selected from various mathematical regression models to analyze the distribution trend and the best fitting curve of FNGPs with age. The differences in FNGPs between Chinese and Japanese females were analyzed by using age-corresponding mean fitting curve for paired t-test, and the relative change rates of FNGPs were compared.@*RESULTS@#The mean values of FNGPs were significantly different among different years old healthy females (all P<0.01). The mean values of OD, CSA, CT, SM, and CSMI in femoral neck were high at 30 to 39 years old, and then they were gradually decreased with age. The CSI reached its peak at 20-29 years old, and it was decreased gradually after 30 years old. ED and BR were at a low level before 40 years old, they were gradually increased after 40 years old, and reached the maximum average value at 80-86 years old. The variations in FNGPs with age were fitted with the best goodness-of-fit by applying the cubic regression model and the determination coefficients of regression equations (R2: 0.062-0.404) were significant (all P<0.01). The distribution trend of FNGPs with age varied with the indices, among which CSA, CT, SM, CSMI and CSI were increased with age before 35 years old, and then they were decreased with age; BR was at a low level in the early stage, and then it was increased with age after about 40 years. There were significant differences in the fitting curves of FNGPs related to age between Chinese and Japanese females (all P<0.01). The fitting curves of OD, ED, BR and SM in Chinese females were significantly higher than those in Japanese females (all P<0.01), while those of CSA and CT in Chinese females were significantly lower than those in Japanese females (all P<0.01). Before the age of 50, the curves of CSMI and CSI of Chinese females were significantly higher than those of Japanese females (all P<0.01), while after the age of 60 the situation was reversed (all P<0.01). Except for SM and CSI, there were significant differences in the rate of OD, CSA, CT, ED, BR and CSMI with age (all P<0.01). By the age of 80 years old, the rates of change in OD, ED, and BR with the age in Chinese females were increased by 0.91%,3.94%, and 47.5%, respectively, while those in Japanese females were increased by 8.57%, 15.8% and 85.3%, respectively；the rates of change of CSA, CT, and CSMI with the age in Chinese females were declined 28.0%, 29.6%, and 25.2%, respectively, while those in Japanese females were declined 29.9%, 36.2%, and 10.9%, respectively. There were significant difference in the rates of change in FNGPs with the age between Chinese and Japanese females (all P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The study reveals the variation of FNGPs with age in Chinese, and confirms that there are racial differences in FNGPs between Chinese and Japanese females, which may be one of the important reasons for the difference in the incidence of femoral neck fracture between Chinese and Japanese females.

The Positive Association between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Newly-Diagnosed Hypertension Is More Explicit in Female Individuals Younger than 65

Background@#Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is the most common thyroid dysfunction, and its relationship with blood pressure (BP) has been controversial. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between SCH and newly-diagnosed hypertension. @*Methods@#Based on data from the Thyroid disease, Iodine nutrition and Diabetes Epidemiology (TIDE) study, 49,433 euthyroid individuals and 7,719 SCH patients aged ≥18 years were enrolled. Patients with a history of hypertension or thyroid disease were excluded. SCH was determined by manufacturer reference range. Overall hypertension and stage 1 and 2 hypertension were diagnosed according to the guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association in 2017. @*Results@#The prevalence of overall hypertension (48.7%), including stage 1 (28.9%) and 2 (19.8%) hypertension, increased significantly in SCH patients compared with euthyroid subjects. With elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, the hypertension prevalence also increased significantly from the euthyroid to different SCH subgroups, which was more profound in females or subjects aged <65 years. The age- and sex-specific regression analysis further demonstrated the same trends in the general population and in the 1:1 propensity matched population. Similarly, several BP components (i.e., systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP) were positively associated with TSH elevation, and regression analysis also confirmed that all BP components were closely related with SCH in female subjects aged <65 years. @*Conclusion@#The prevalence of hypertension increases for patients with SCH. SCH tends to be associated with hypertension and BP components in females younger than 65 years.

The Positive Association between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Newly-Diagnosed Hypertension Is More Explicit in Female Individuals Younger than 65

Background@#Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is the most common thyroid dysfunction, and its relationship with blood pressure (BP) has been controversial. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between SCH and newly-diagnosed hypertension. @*Methods@#Based on data from the Thyroid disease, Iodine nutrition and Diabetes Epidemiology (TIDE) study, 49,433 euthyroid individuals and 7,719 SCH patients aged ≥18 years were enrolled. Patients with a history of hypertension or thyroid disease were excluded. SCH was determined by manufacturer reference range. Overall hypertension and stage 1 and 2 hypertension were diagnosed according to the guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association in 2017. @*Results@#The prevalence of overall hypertension (48.7%), including stage 1 (28.9%) and 2 (19.8%) hypertension, increased significantly in SCH patients compared with euthyroid subjects. With elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, the hypertension prevalence also increased significantly from the euthyroid to different SCH subgroups, which was more profound in females or subjects aged <65 years. The age- and sex-specific regression analysis further demonstrated the same trends in the general population and in the 1:1 propensity matched population. Similarly, several BP components (i.e., systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP) were positively associated with TSH elevation, and regression analysis also confirmed that all BP components were closely related with SCH in female subjects aged <65 years. @*Conclusion@#The prevalence of hypertension increases for patients with SCH. SCH tends to be associated with hypertension and BP components in females younger than 65 years.

Diagnosis and treatment for one case of elderly diabetes complicated with Still's disease / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a clinical syndrome with multiple organ failure.The patients normally show intermittent high fever for a long time,a transient rash,arthritis or joint pain as the main performance,accompanied by an increase in granulocytes and enlargement in liver,spleen and lymph node.A 71-years-old female patient with type 2 diabetes admitted hospital because of high fever,skin rash,joint pain and increased granulocyte.After review of the iron protein,she was diagnosed as AOSD.We found that clinicians need to improve the understanding for this disease in order to make the early diagnosis,especially in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus.In such patients,ferritin may not be high at early time.However,when the symptoms and signs are consistent with clinical manifestations,and anti-infection treatment effect is poor,we should pay attention to the disease,and repeated review of ferritin is necessary to assist the early diagnosis.

Effect of methylprednisolone on bone mass, microarchitecture and microdamage in cortical bone of ulna in rats / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of methylprednisolone on bone mass, microarchitecture and microdamage in cortical bone of ulna in rats.@*METHODS@#Twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats (3.5 months old) were randomly assigned to two groups: a treatment group and a control group (n=10 per group). The treatment group was subcutaneously injected with methylprednisolone 3.5 mg/(kg.d) while the control group was subcutaneously injected with same volume of vehicle (saline). Rats were sacrificed at 9 weeks after the treatments. Before the sacrifice, the body weight and total bone mineral density (BMD) were measured. The right forelimb was separated through humeral shoulder and then single axial fatigue loading was performed on the right ulna. After fatigue load, the middle ulna section was bulkstained in basic fuchsin. Bone histomorphometry and microdamage analysis were performed on the middle ulna section.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the body weight, total bone BMD and ulnas BMD in the treatment group were decreased by 15%, 6.4% and 4.3% respectively (all P0.05). There was no significant difference in the cortical and total area between the 2 groups (both P>0.05). The number of microcrack, microcrack density and microcrack surface density in the treatment group were increased by 43%, 48% and 50%, respectively, compared with those in the control group (all P0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Methylprednisolone can significantly induce the bone loss and the deterioration of microarchitecture and microdamage in ulna of rats.

Association of farnesyl diphosphate synthase polymorphisms and response to alendronate treatment in Chinese postmenopausal women with osteoporosis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Genetic factors are important in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, but less is known about the genetic determinants of osteoporosis treatment. We aimed to explore the association between the gene polymorphisms of key enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS) in mevalonate signaling pathway of osteoclast and response to alendronate therapy in osteoporotic postmenopausal women in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The study group comprised 639 postmenopausal women aged (62.2 ± 7.0) years with osteoporosis or osteopenia who had been randomly assigned to low dose group (70 mg/2 w) or standard dose group (70 mg/w) of alendronate in this 1-year study. We identified allelic variant of the FDPS gene using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme Faul. Before and after treatment, serum levels of calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cross linked C-telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) were detected. Bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine and proximal femur was measured. The association was analyzed between the polymorphisms of FDPS gene and the changes of BMD, bone turnover biomarkers after the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The FDPS rs2297480 polymorphisms were associated with baseline BMD at femoral neck, and patients with CC genotype had significantly higher baseline femoral neck BMD ((733.6 ± 84.1) mg/cm(2)) than those with AC genotypes ((703.0 ± 86.9) mg/cm(2)) and AA genotypes ((649.8 ± 62.4) mg/cm(2)) (P < 0.01). No significant difference in BMD at lumbar spine was observed among different genotypes of FDPS. The percentage change of serum ALP level was significantly lower in patients with CC genotype (-22.9%) than that in those with AC genotype (-24.1%) and AA genotype (-29.8%) of FDPS after 12 months of alendronate treatment (P < 0.05). Neither percentage change of BMD nor β-CTX level after alendronate treatment had association with FDPS genotype.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>FDPS gene was probably a candidate gene to predict femoral neck BMD at baseline. FDPS gene alleles could predict change percentage of ALP after treatment of alendronate, but possibly had no significant relationship with the responsiveness of BMD to alendronate therapy.</p>

Correlation between polymorphism of estrogen receptor gene and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in postmenopausal women / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Genotypes of estrogen receptor gene (ER) α and β in 110 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 100 control subjects were examined by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism.The haplotype analysis was conducted by SHEsis on-line computing platform.The results showed that there were no differences in the genotype frequencies and allele frequencies of ERα at Xba Ⅰ and Pvu Ⅱ enzyme cutting sites between two groups (P ＞ 0.05).There existed significant differences in the genotype frequencies and allele frequencies of ERβ at Rsa Ⅰ and Alu Ⅰ enzyme cutting sites between these two groups (P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜0.01).The risk of NAFLD in postmenopausal women with R or a allele was 1.833 (95％ CI1.209-2.779,P＜0.05)or 1.782 (95％ CI 1.037-3.061,P＜0.05) fold of that with allele r or A.The frequency of r-A haplotype in ERβ was significantly lower in NAFLD group than that in control group (OR =0.529,95％ CI 0.348-0.805).Logistic regression analysis showed the relationship of fasting blood glucose,triglyceride,body mass index,diastolic pressure,Alu Ⅰ genotype with NAFLD (all P＜0.01).The risk of NAFLD in postmenopausal women with Aa/aa genotype was 1.345 (95％ CI 1.028-2.505,P＜0.05) folds of that with AA genotype.

Osteocyte — A new target for the treatment of osteoporosis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

The osteocyte has been found to be an orchestrator of bone remodeling.The damage of bone leads to osteocyte apoptosis.Sclerostin secreted by osteocyte causes feedback inhibition of bone formation,so inhibition of sclerostin expression has become a new target of treatment for osteoporosis.It seems resonable to direct clinical practise and treatment of metabolic bone diseases through understanding the function of osteocyte in the process of bone remodeling.

Serum retinol binding protein 4 and bone metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the relation between serum concentration of retinol binding protein (RBP) 4 and markers of bone metabolism, bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).@*METHODS@#A total of 82 patients newly diagnosed with T2DM and 46 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Subset analyses were performed, dividing subjects on the basis of gender into M-T2DM, F-T2DM, M-NGT, and F-NGT. The serum concentrions of RBP4, osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CTX) were measured with ELISA. The BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with a Hologic QDR4500A device.@*RESULTS@#In both the T2DM groups, lnRBP4 showed a positive relationship with lnCTX (M-T2DM, r=0.564, P<0.01; F-T2DM, r=0.386, P=0.018), but no association with lnOC. After adjusting for age, smoking, creatinine clearance rate (CCr), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lnRBP4 still showed a strong association with lnCTX in the M-T2DM group (r'=0.536, P<0.01), but not in F-T2DM (r'=0.317, P=0.072). In the NGT group, there was no relation between lnRBP4 and lnCTX or lnOC. LnRBP4 showed no association with BMD in all groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The level of serum RBP4 may be correlated with the bone metabolism in patients with T2DM.

Effects of mechanical stimulation on proliferation and differentiation in MG-63 osteoblast-like cells / 生物医学工程学杂志

This paper is aimed to explore the effects of mechanical stimulation on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Cultured MG-63 osteoblast-like cells were strained by the four-point bending cell mechanics loader. In the study, we observed the effects of different magnitudes and duration of mechanical strain on the markers of proliferation and differentiation in osteoblasts. The protein levels and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were determined by western blot and alpha-nitrophenyl phosphate assay respectively. The mineralization nodules were stained using Alizarin Red-S method. We found: (1) the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), ALP activity in strained group were significantly increased compared to those in the control group, but the role did not increase with the increase of the magnitude of the stimulation; and (2) under appropriate stimulation (2000 microstrain), the expression of PCNA, COL I protein and ALP activity increased gradually with the increase of loading time, and appropriate stimulation promoted the formation of mineralization nodules. It indicated that appropriate mechanical stimulation could promote proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.

Development of FRAX in predicting fracture risk / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

The FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) calculator is an application of different clinical risk factors to predict the absolute risk of fracture.It is the model based on a series of data of evidence-based medical researches on fracture risk factors.FRAX is limited by a number of factors.However,it is a major achievement in terms of our understanding and measuring fracture risk.

Effect of four different anti-osteoporosis agents on the expression of matrix gla protein in primary osteoblasts of SD rat / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To observe the expression of matrix gla protein(MGP) mRNA in primary osteoblasts of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat in vitro after treatment with anti-osteoporosis agents [vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate],and to investigate the potential role of MGP in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.Methods Primary osteoblasts(OBs) were derived from sequential trypsin/collagenase-digested calvaria isolated from newborn SD rat (postnastal day 1-3).OBs of the second generation were identified by Van Gieson collagen staining,alkaline phosphatase(ALP) staining and calcified nodules staining.OBs of the fourth generation were selected to interfere with vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate,then cultured for 24 h in mediums which contained various concentrations of vitamin K2 (10-7,10-6,and 10-5 mol/L),PTH (10-9,10-8,and 10-7 mol/L),1,25 (OH) 2D3(10-10,10-9,and 10-8mol/L),alendronate(10-6,10-5,and 10-4mol/L).After being cultured for 24 h,total RNA was extracted and examined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR.Results The primary cultured cells had typical morphological characters of osteoblast.van Gieson collagen staining,ALP staining,and calcified nodules staining were all positive.Vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate could modulate the expression of MGP mRNA in osteoblasts in a dose-dependent fashion.MGP mRNA expressions were 2.56-fold,2.12-fold,and 1.57-fold with 10-5,10-6,and 10-7 mol/L of vitamin K2 treatment,respectively.The expressions were 6.78-fold,5.31-fold,and 2.23-fold with 10-7,10-8,and 10-9mol/L of PTH(1-34) treatment,8.93-fold,6.95-fold,and 3.47-fold with 10-8 10-9,and 10-10mol/L of 1,25 (OH)2D3 treatment,and 3.47-fold,2.49-fold,and 1.98-fold with 10-4,10-5,and 10-6mol/L of alendronate treatment.Conclusion Vitamin K2,PTH,1,25 (OH)2D3,and alendronate all canregulate MGP mRNA expression in calvarial osteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner.MGP seems to be a potent target of anti-osteoporosis agents,and involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

Benefits and risks of bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Bisphosphonates have been efficacious in preventing bone loss and reducing fractures in men and postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.Possible risks of osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures have been reported with bisphosphonates treatment,despite these incidences are very low.Oral bisphosphonates are associated with upper gastrointestinal side effects and iv bisphosphonates with acute phase reactions,the association of bisphosphonate use with esophageal cancer and atrial fibrillation is not well supported by current data.

Comments on:Benefits and risks of bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Bisphosphonate,as a first line medicine for treating osteoporosis,has been efficacious in reducing the incidences of fractures and some tumors.Although severe side effects such as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and atypical fracture of femur would take place,its very low incidence does not affect the current status of bisphosphonates in the treatment of osteoporosis.

The role of connective tissue growth factor in bone metabolism / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

It has been demonstrated that connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) may enhance proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts,inhibit the functions of osteoblasts,increase osteoclastogenesis in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis,stimulate proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes,and induce angiogenesis in vivo and vitro.Above all,CTGF plays an important role in sustaining growth of skeleton and cartilage,and thus maintaining bone quantity.

The effect of parathyroid hormone on expression of matrix GLA protein in ovariectomized SD rats and primary osteoblasts / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of parathyroid hormone on expression of matrix GLA protein (MGP) in ovariectomized SD rats and primary osteoblast,and to study the role of MGP on the possible mechanism of postmenopausal osteoporosis.MethodsThirty-six Sprague-Dawley female rats were allocated into 3 groups,12 in each:sham operation group,ovariectomized group( OVX group),ovariectomized and parathyroid hormone treatment group.Animals in the parathyroid hormone group were injected parathyroid hormone (20 μg/kg,three times a week for 12 weeks) three weeks after ovariectomy.All rats were sacrificed after 18 weeks.Urine and serum were collected every three weeks.Lumbar vertebral bones were observed by immunohistochemistry.Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar vertebra of rats was determined.The content of MGP in serum and urine was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Expression of undercarboxylated Matrix GLA Protein (ucMGP) was detected by immunochistochemistry.Relative quantification of MGP mRNA expression in lumbar vertebra bone was detected by Fluorescent real-time quantitative polymerause chain reaction.Results ( 1 ) 18 weeks after ovariectomy,BMD of lumbar vertebra in OVX group was lower than those in sham group and parathyroid hormone group significantly ( P＜0.05 ).(2) The content of MGP in serum and urine was dynamic variation after treatment hy parathyroid hormone,and it was significant compared with OVX group ( P＜0.05 ).( 3 ) Immunohistochemical localization of ucMGP was seen in lumbar vertebra in OVX group.(4) Relative quantification of MGP mRNA expression in lumbar vertebra in OVX group was increased significantly compared with other groups ( P＜0.01 ).( 5 ) parathyroid hormone ( 1-34 ) in 10-7mol/L,10-8mol/L,10-9 mol/L up-regulated MGP mRNA expression in primary osteoblasts about 6.78,5.31,and 2.23 times than control respectively.It was in a dose-dependent manner.ConclusionThe effect of parathyroid hormone on the expression of matrix gla protein may play an important role in mechanism of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Key issues in the diagnosis of osteoporosis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Several key issues in the diagnosis of osteoporosis were discussed. The definition of osteoporosis and some concepts in bone fracture risk evaluation were explained, so as the methods to avoid the common misunderstandings in clinical practice. Finally, the parameters used in determination of bone metabolism and bone mass were listed, and their application and limitation were analyzed. It may help the clinicians to make correct choice of these parameters.

A cross-sectional study on the association between serum uric acid and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in health checkup population / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To evaluate the relationship between hyperuricemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) by observing the prevalence of NAFLD among healthy individuals with different levels of serum uric acid.Methods The data of 5 230 persons from medical centers for health examination were analyzed,such as height,weight,blood pressure,blood lipids,blood sugar, hepatitis-related markers, and abdominal color Doppler ultrasound examination were conducted in the fasting state.The diagnosis of NAFLD was made according to the diagnostic criteria adopted by China Institute of Liver Disease and Alcoholic Liver Disease Group.Results The incidences of overweight or obesity, hypertension,hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome were raised with serum uric acid greater than 333 μmol/L in male and＞233 μmol/L in female subjects(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Excluding the metabolic syndrome in male subjects, the incidence of NAFLD was increased with serum uric acid,＞333 μmol/L in males or ＞233 μmol/L in females(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). In further studies with subjects without any metabolic syndrome, the detection rate of NAFLD was higher in males than in females at the same serum uric acid level(P＜0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that sex, body mass index, blood glucose, and triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, uric acid grading were risk factors of NAFLD(OR 1.344, 2.500, 1.292, 1.279, 1.244, 1.256 respectively).Conclusion A high serum uric acid level is associated with an increased risk of NAFLD.

Relationship of transforming growth factor beta 1 with bone turnover markers and bone mineral density / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) is an important cytokine in the regulation of bone remodeling. Whether it can be used as a sensitive marker to bone turnover is incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of TGF-β1 with bone formation and resorption markers, and bone mineral density (BMD) at the anteroposterior lumbar spine. METHODS: Totally 663 healthy women from Changsha were analyzed, aged 20-80 years. Levels of TGF-β1, serum bone alkaline phosphatase (sBAP) and serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides (sCTx) were measured by ELISA, at the same time, the BMD of anteroposterior lumbar spine was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The associations between TGF-β1 and other indexes were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The TGF-β1 levels reached a peak in the 30-39 and 40-49 years groups, which had a negative correlation with age, but no correlation with body mass index (BMI). After corrected for BMI, TGF-β1 was negatively correlated to sBAP and sCTx, but was positively correlated with BMD of spine after correction of BMI or age. TGF-β1 can act as a sensitive cytokine to reflect the changes of bone turnover.

Effect of recombinant human connective tissue growth factor on the expression of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase and matrix metalloproteinase 2 in human osteoblasts / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Human osteoblast was treated with recombinant human connective tissue growth factor (rCTGF). This experiment showed that rCTGF increased membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase and matrix metalloproteinase-2 protein expression in a dose- and time-depentent manner in human osteoblasts. rCTGF induced activation of p38 MAPK in human osteoblasts. p38 MAPK inhibitor SB23058 abrogated the effect of rCTGF on the expressions of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in human osteoblasts.