Chronic kidney disease patients who smoke have higher serum phosphorus / Pacientes tabagistas com doença renal crônica apresentam fósforo sérico mais elevado

ABSTRACT Introduction: Mineral and bone metabolism disorders in chronic kidney disease (CKD-MBD) constitute a syndrome defined by changes in calcium, phosphorus (P), vitamin D and parathormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and its specific cofactor, Klotho. CKD-MBD, as well as smoking, are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is not known whether or not smoking impacts the cardiovascular risk in CKD- MBD. Objective: To analyze the relationship between smoking and CKD-MBD markers. Methods: We evaluated 92 patients divided into: 1) Control Group: non-smokers without CKD; 2) CKD group in stages III and IV under conservative treatment (20 non-smokers and 17 smokers); 3) CKD group on dialysis (21 non-smokers and 19 smokers). Clinical, demographic, and biochemical markers were compared between the groups. Results: FGF-23 and Klotho levels were not different between smokers and non-smokers. Patients in the CKD group on conservative treatment had higher serum P than non-smokers (p = 0.026) even after adjusted for renal function (p = 0.079), gender (p = 0.145) and age (p = 0.986). Conclusion: Smoking confers a higher cardiovascular risk to CKD patients under conservative treatment as it is associated with higher levels of P. Further studies are needed to confirm and better elucidate this finding.

RESUMO Introdução: Os distúrbios do metabolismo mineral e ósseo da doença renal crônica (DMO-DRC) constituem uma síndrome definida por alterações do cálcio, do fósforo (P), da vitamina D e do paratormônio, do fator de crescimento de fibroblastos 23 (FGF-23) e de seu cofator específico, Klotho. Os DMO-DRC, assim como o tabagismo, estão associados a maior risco de doença cardiovascular. Porém, não se sabe se há influência do tabagismo no risco cardiovascular dos DMO-DRC. Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre o tabagismo e marcadores dos DMO-DRC. Métodos: Avaliamos 92 pacientes divididos em: 1) Grupo controle sem DRC não tabagistas; 2) Grupo DRC em tratamento conservador estágios III e IV (20 não tabagistas e 17 tabagistas); 3) Grupo DRC em diálise (21 não tabagistas e 19 tabagistas). Marcadores clínicos, demográficos e bioquímicos foram comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: Níveis de FGF-23 e Klotho não foram diferentes entre tabagistas e não tabagistas. Pacientes tabagistas do grupo com DRC em tratamento conservador exibiram maior P sérico do que não tabagistas (p = 0,026) mesmo após ajuste para função renal (p = 0,079), sexo (p = 0,145) e idade (p = 0,986). Conclusão: O tabagismo confere um maior risco cardiovascular adicional aos pacientes com DRC em tratamento conservador à medida que se associa com maiores níveis de P. Novos estudos são necessários para confirmar e melhor elucidar esse achado.

A Comparison of Serum Lead Status among Elderly Osteopaenic Patients, Elderly Osteoporotic Patients and Healthy Controls / Comparación del estado de plomo sérico entre los pacientes osteopénicos mayores de edad, los pacientes osteoporóticos mayores de edad, y los controles sanos

ABSTRACT Objective: It is proposed that in some conditions such as pregnancy and osteoporosis where the bone turnover rate is high, there is mobilization of various minerals including lead (Pb) from bone to blood. This study aimed to determine if there were any differences in serum Pb levels among elderly osteopaenic patients, elderly osteoporotic persons and healthy controls. Methods: Fifty-four elderly persons (26 men and 28 women) from the Amirkola Health and Ageing Project, Iran, were included in this study. The diagnosis of osteopaenia and osteoporosis was based on spine and femur bone mineral density (BMD) measurements. After blood sampling, serum Pb levels were analysed by the method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: According to the BMD measurements, 19 persons had normal BMD, while 16 had osteopaenia and 19 suffered from osteoporosis. The differences in body mass index in these three groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The patients with osteoporosis had the highest levels of alkaline phosphatase and the highest rate of bone turnover. The mean ± standard deviation of the serum Pb levels in these groups were 236.8 ± 98.0, 270.0 ± 81.5 and 258.3 ± 57.5 μg/L, respectively, and the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.467). Conclusion: No statistically significant differences in serum Pb levels were observed in healthy controls compared with osteopaenic persons and osteoporotic persons. This suggests that mobilization of Pb from bone to blood in this population of elderly osteopaenic patients and elderly osteoporotic patients was similar to that in the healthy controls.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Se postula que en algunas condiciones como el embarazo y la osteoporosis donde el índice de recambio óseo es alto, hay movilización de varios minerales - incluyendo plomo (Pb) - de los huesos a la sangre. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar si hubo diferencias en los niveles de plomo sérico entre los pacientes osteopénicos mayores de edad, los pacientes osteoporóticos mayores de edad, y los controles sanos. Métodos: Se incluyeron en este estudio 54 personas de edad avanzada (26 hombres y 28 mujeres) del Proyecto Amirkola de Salud y Envejecimiento, Irán. La diagnosis de la osteopenia y la osteoporosis se basó en mediciones de la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) de la espina dorsal y del fémur (DMO). Después del muestreo de sangre, los niveles séricos de Pb fueron analizados por el método de espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. Resultados: Según las mediciones de la DMO, 19 personas tenían DMO normal, mientras que 16 tenían osteopenia y 19 padecían osteoporosis. Las diferencias en el índice de masa corporal en estos tres grupos fueron estadísticamente significativas (p < 0.001). Los pacientes con osteoporosis tenían los niveles más altos de fosfatasa alcalina y el índice más alto de recambio óseo. La media ± desviación estándar de los niveles séricos de Pb en estos grupos fue de 236.8 ± 98.0, 270.0 ± 81.5 y 258.3 ± 57.5 μg/L, respectivamente, y las diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas (p = 0.467). Conclusión: No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los niveles séricos de Pb en los controles sanos en comparación con las personas osteopénicas y las osteoporóticas. Esto sugiere que la movilización de Pb del hueso a la sangre en esta población de pacientes osteopénicos mayores de edad y pacientes osteoporóticos mayores de edad, era similar a la encontrada en los controles sanos.

Distrofia ósea esclerosante mixta / Mixed-sclerosing-bone-dystrophy

El término "distrofia ósea esclerosante mixta" describe la combinación de las características radiológicas correspondientes a melorreostosis, osteopoiquilosis y osteopatía estriada, como entidades individuales, que ocurren en un mismo paciente. El objetivo de esta comunicación es presentar el caso clínico de una paciente con diagnóstico de distrofia ósea esclerosante mixta y, a partir de este caso, realizar una revisión sobre el tema. (AU)

The term "mixed-sclerosing-bone-dystrophy" describes the combination of the radiological characteristics corresponding to melorheostosis, osteopoikilosis and osteopathia striata, as individual conditions, ocurring in the same patient. The aim of this communication is to present the clinical case of a patient diagnosed with mixed-sclerosing-bone-dystrophy and, based on this case, to undertake a review of this condition. (AU)

Efecto del ranelato de estroncio sobre la densidad mineral ósea en hombres con osteoporosis / Effect of strontium ranelate on bone mineral density in men with osteoporosis

La osteoporosis afecta al 6-7% de la población masculina. Es alta la proporción de pacientes con fracturas sin diagnóstico previo de esta enfermedad. La mortalidad luego de una fractura es mayor en hombres que en población femenina; a pesar de esto, la mayoría de los pacientes no reciben tratamiento. Los fármacos aprobados, en nuestro medio, para tratar la osteoporosis masculina son: bifosfonatos, teriparatida y ranelato de estroncio. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del ranelato de estroncio sobre la densidad mineral ósea en hombres después de 1 año de tratamiento. Se incluyeron los registros de 20 hombres de 67,8±3,0 años, tratados con ranelato de estroncio (2 g/día) durante 1 año. Todos los pacientes presentaban un T-score inferior a -2,5 en cadera o columna vertebral o un T-score inferior a -2,0 y factores de riesgo de fractura. No hubo modificación de parámetros de laboratorio luego del tratamiento (calcemia, calciuria, fósforo sérico, parathormona, 25(OH)vitamina D, fosfatasa alcalina y desoxipiridinolina) en relación a los basales. Luego del tratamiento con ranelato de estroncio se observó incremento de la densidad mineral ósea en columna lumbar: 0,953±0,029 versus 0,997±0,030 g/cm2 (p=0,0068), cuello femoral: 0,734±0,013 versus 0,764±0,016 g/cm2 (p=0,0084) y cadera total: 0,821±0,02 versus 0,834±0,02 g/cm2 (p=0,0419). Conclusión: el tratamiento con ranelato de estroncio produjo un incremento significativo de la densidad mineral ósea en columna lumbar y fémur proximal en hombres con osteoporosis. (AU)

Osteoporosis affects 6-7% of the male population. The proportion of patients with fragility fractures but without diagnosis of the disease is high. Mortality after hip fracture is higher in men than in women; in spite of this, most patients are left without treatment for osteoporosis. Drugs approved, for the treatment of osteoporosis in our country are bisphosphonates, teriparatide, and strontium ranelate (SrR). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of SrR on axial BMD in men after one year of treatment. We obtained pertinent data from medical registries of 20 men aged 67,8±3,0 years, treated with oral SrR (2 g/day) for 12 months. All patients had a T-score below -2,5 at the hip or the lumbar spine, or a T-score below -2,0 and one or more risk factors for fracture. The levels of serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or PTH, or urinary calcium and desoxipyridinoline remained unchanged following SrR administration. After treatment with SrR there were significant increases in BMD at the lumbar spine: 0,953±0,029 versus 0,997±0,030 g/cm2 (p=0,0068), femoral neck: 0,734±0,013 versus 0,764±0,016 g/cm2 (p=0.0084), and total hip: 0,821±0,02 versus 0,834±0,02 g/cm2 (p=0,0419). Conclusion: in osteoporotic men, treatment with SrR significantly increases BMD in the lumbar spine and the proximal femur. (AU)

Prevalencia de causas secundarias de baja masa ósea en una población de mujeres premenopáusicas / Prevalence of secondary causes in a population of premenopausal women with low bone mass

La osteoporosis es un trastorno común en las mujeres posmenopáusicas; sin embargo, también puede afectar a hombres y mujeres jóvenes premenopáusicas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la prevalencia de causas secundarias de baja masa ósea en un grupo de mujeres premenopáusicas que consultaron en una Institución especializada en Osteología. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, de corte transversal, descriptivo y observacional. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de 88 pacientes que consultaron por baja masa ósea durante un período de 19 meses, con la finalidad de encontrar posibles causas secundarias. A su vez, se definió como pacientes con diagnóstico de baja masa ósea idiopática aquellas en las cuales no se encontró ninguna causa secundaria de pérdida ósea. Resultados: de las 88 mujeres evaluadas, el 48,9% presentaba al menos una causa secundaria para baja masa ósea (amenorrea secundaria, hipercalciuria, tratamiento con glucorticoides, hipovitaminosis D y enfermedad celíaca) y el 51,1% fueron consideradas idiopáticas. Conclusiones: es esencial evaluar exhaustivamente a las mujeres premenopáusicas con baja masa ósea a fin de descartar posibles causas secundarias y tomar las medidas preventivas necesarias para mejorar esa condición. (AU)

Objective: osteoporosis is a common disorder in postmenopausal women, however it can also affect men and premenopausal young women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of secondary causes of low bone mass in premenopausal women that consulted physicians in an institution specialized in osteology for a period of 19 months. Material and methods: this is a retrospective, transversal, descriptive and observational study. The clinical history of 88 patients who consulted a physician due to low bone mass for a period of 19 months in an institution specialized in osteology. Were analyzed the patient's clinical history in order to find secondary causes. We define as suffering Low Bone Mass those patients who did not have secondary causes. Results: of the 88 women tested, 48,9% had one or more secondary causes or risks factors for low bone mass (secondary amenorrea, hypercalciuria, treatment with glucocorticoids, hypovitamiosis D and celiac disease) and 51,1% patients were considered idiopathic. Conclusions: we conclude that it is essential to exhaustively search for secondary causes of low bone mass in premenopausal women, due to the high prevalence of secondary osteoporosis in this population. (AU)

Alert for bone alterations and low serum concentrations of vitamin D in patients with intestinal inflammatory disease / Alerta para alterações ósseas e baixas concentrações séricas de vitamina D em pacientes com doença inflamatória intestinal

Summary Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestine that can reduce the absorption of nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium. Objective: To investigate bone alterations and serum levels of vitamin D in patients with IBD. Method: This was a cross-sectional study based on a review of medical records of patients from a private office in Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Serum levels of vitamin D and bone densitometry were measured at diagnosis of IBD. A total of 105 patients were included; 38 (58.4%) with CD; 27 (41.6%) with UC and 40 with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as comparison group. Results: When compared to patients with UC, CD patients showed a higher prevalence of bone alterations, being 15.8% with osteoporosis and 36.8% with osteopenia. In UC, bone alterations occurred in 29.6% of cases, 3.7% with osteoporosis and 25.9% with osteopenia. As for vitamin D levels, among CD patients, 10.5% had vitamin deficiency, 65.8% insufficiency and 23.7% were sufficient. In UC, 7.4% of cases had deficiency, 74.1% insufficiency and 18.5% had sufficient serum levels of vitamin D. In the group with IBS, deficiency was observed in 17.5% of cases, insufficiency in 55% and sufficiency in 27.5% of them. There was no significant difference between groups. Conclusion: IBD patients have a high prevalence of bone changes, especially those with CD. Serum levels of vitamin D are below the recommended in all the evaluated groups.

Resumo Introdução: A doença inflamatória intestinal (DII), como a doença de Crohn (DC) e a retocolite ulcerativa (RU), caracterizam-se pela inflamação crônica no intestino, que pode reduzir a absorção de vitamina D e cálcio. Objetivo: Investigar as alterações ósseas presentes em pacientes com DII e as dosagens séricas de vitamina D. Método: Estudo transversal analítico baseado na revisão de prontuários de pacientes com DII de um consultório privado de Curitiba, PR. Em todos os pacientes, foram dosadas as concentrações séricas de vitamina D e foi feita a densitometria óssea. Cento e cinco pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, dos quais 38 (58,4%) foram diagnosticados com DC, 27 (41.6%) com RU e 40 com síndrome do intestino irritável (SII) como grupo de comparação. Resultados: Quando comparados com pacientes com RU, os pacientes com DC apresentaram maior prevalência de alterações ósseas, sendo 15,8% com osteoporose e 36,8% com osteopenia. Na RU, as alterações ósseas ocorreram em 29,6% dos casos, 3,7% com osteoporose e 25,9% com osteopenia. Em relação às dosagens de vitamina D, dentre os pacientes com DC, 10,5% apresentavam deficiência, 65,8%, insuficiência e 23,7%, suficiência. Na RU, 7,4% dos casos tinham deficiência, 74,1%, insuficiência e 18,5%, suficiência. No grupo com SII, observaram-se deficiência em 17,5%, insuficiência em 55% e suficiência em 27,5%. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos. Conclusão: Pacientes com DII apresentaram alta prevalência de alterações ósseas, principalmente aqueles com DC. As concentrações séricas de vitamina D estão abaixo do recomendado em todos os grupos avaliados.

Serum testosterone does not affect bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between serum testosterone levels and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women.Materials and methods The study group was made up of postmenopausal women admitted to our tertiary center. Serum calcium, phosphorus, albumin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), thyrotropin (TSH), 25-OH vitamin D, and total testosterone concentrations were measured. Subjects were categorized into three groups regarding bone mineral density (BMD) values: normal (n = 22), osteopenia (n = 21), and osteoporosis (n = 21). Subjects were also categorized into three groups according to serum testosterone levels: low testosterone (n = 10), normal testosterone (n = 42), and high testosterone (n = 12).Results No significant difference was found for serum testosterone, TSH, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, PTH, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among patients with normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis (p > 0.05). Lumbar spine, total femur, femoral neck, trochanteric, intertrochanteric, and Ward’s triangle BMD values were similar for the different testosterone levels (p > 0.05).Conclusion There was no correlation between serum testosterone levels and patient age, body-mass index, or any measured BMD values. Given the findings in our study, which failed to demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between testosterone and BMD, adjustment of other risk factors for osteoporosis might have a more distinctive effect in this setting.

Effect of obesity and dietary factors on bone mineral density levels among female students in umm Al-Qura university

Nutrition is one of the most important factors influencing human health. Also, nutrition plays a role in the etiology of osteoporosis disease. This disease is a serious metabolic bone disorder that often results in hip fracture and is usually asymptomatic in its initial stages. Assess the prevalence of osteoporosis among female university students. A cross sectional study was carried out during the period from 1/1/2010 to 30/6/2010 among a random sample of [257] university female students were chosen from Umm Al Qura of Makkah. The age of sample from 19-24 years old. Data were collected through an interview with case by using a special questionnaire; bone mineral density [BMD] and body composition have also been measured. Osteoporosis was present in 7% of cases while, osteopenia was current in 32.3% of cases. Moreover there was a highly positive significant relationship at level [1%] between osteoporosis induced and each of body fat%, fat weight, and BMI. The prevalence of osteoporosis among university students was positively and significantly associated [p<0.001] with increased body fat. The study results suggested that inevitable decrease in body fatness and weight with less consumption of carbonated beverages, taking into consideration variety and balanced diets and increasing nutrition education programs will improve bone health and nutritional status

Longitudinal evaluation of hepatic osteodystrophy in children and adolescents with chronic cholestatic liver disease

Bone mass loss is a major complication of chronic cholestatic liver disease (CCD). However, the long-term impact of CCD on bone mass acquisition is unknown. We longitudinally assessed bone mineral density (BMD) and factors involved in bone remodeling in 9 children and adolescents with CCD Child-Pugh A (5 boys/4 girls) and in 13 controls (6 boys/7 girls). The groups were evaluated twice, at baseline (T0) and after 3 years (T1), when osteocalcin, deoxypyridinoline, 25-hydroxyvitamin-D, parathyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and BMD (L1-L4, proximal femur and total body) were determined. Serum levels of receptor activator for nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin were measured only at T1. Lumbar spine BMD was reanalyzed twice: after adjustment for bone age and to compensate for the height factor. Volumetric density was also estimated mathematically in L2-L4. The BMD of L1-L4 was lower in the CCD group (Z-score at T0: control = -1.2 ± 0.8 vs CCD = -2.2 ± 1.4, P < 0.05; T1: control = -0.7 ± 0.8 vs CCD = -2.1 ± 1.1, P < 0.05). Osteocalcin and deoxypyridinoline were similar for the two groups. The CCD group presented lower IGF-I (Z-score at T1: control = 1.4 ± 2.8 vs CCD = -1.5 ± 1.0, P < 0.05) and RANKL (control = 0.465 ± 0.275 vs CCD = 0.195 ± 0.250 pM, P < 0.05) than control. Children with compensated CCD Child-Pugh A showed early impairment of bone acquisition, with the impact being more severe in an initial phase and then tapering in a slowly progressive way. Reduction in endocrine IGF-I has a crucial role in this process.

Prevalência de deficiência e insuficiência de vitamina D e sua correlação com PTH, marcadores de remodelação óssea e densidade mineral óssea, em pacientes ambulatoriais / Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its correlation with PTH, biochemical bone turnover markers and bone mineral density, among patients from ambulatories

A deficiência de vitamina D (VD) leva ao raquitismo e à osteomalacia e sua insuficiência, caracterizada pelo hiperparatireoidismo secundário, pode resultar osteoporose. Apesar de amplamente prevalente, a insuficiência de VD ainda é pouco reconhecida e subtratada. Os autores estudaram 180 pacientes atendidos em ambulatório de endocrinologia em Belo Horizonte, que tiveram os níveis de 25(OH)VD mensurados, correlacionando-os com paratormônio (PTH), marcadores de remodelação óssea e densidade mineral óssea. Para caracterização de níveis insuficientes de VD, foram correlacionados os níveis de 25(OH)VD com os de PTH, definindo-se, nesta série, ponto de corte de 25(OH)VD de 32 ng/ml. Foi encontrada correlação inversa e significativa entre 25(OH)VD e PTH e entre 25(OH)VD e C-telopeptídeo. A prevalência de insuficiência de VD na população estudada foi de 42,4 por cento. Conclui-se que a insuficiência de VD tem alta prevalência entre pacientes que freqüentam nossos consultórios, alertando para a importância da sua investigação na prática clínica e na instituição de políticas para sua prevenção.

Consequences of VD deficiency include rickets and osteomalacia. However, marginal concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)VD) are associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism and osteoporosis. In this context, levels of 25(OH)VD capable to elevate parathyroid hormone (PTH) could be considered as insufficient. The VD insufficiency, although widely prevalent, is still under-recognized and under-treated. The authors have studied 180 patients followed in a endocrinology clinic in Belo Horizonte, who had 25(OH)VD measured, correlating it with PTH, biochemical bone turnover markers and bone mineral density. To determine the sufficiency of VD, 25(OH)VD was correlated with PTH and the cutoff found was of 32ng/ml. CTX-1 and PTH were significantly negative correlated to 25(OH)VD and the prevalence of VD insufficiency was 42 percent. One concludes that the VD insufficiency is widely prevalent among patients who frequently come to our offices, alerting us for the importance to assess VD status more often and to practice politics for prevention of VD insufficiency.

Clinical application of biochemical markers of bone turnover / Marcadores bioquímicos da remodelação óssea

With the ageing population in most countries, disorders of bone and mineral metabolism are becoming increasingly relevant to every day clinical practice. Consequently, the interest in, and the need for effective measures to be used in the screening, diagnosis and follow-up of such pathologies have markedly grown. Together with clinical and imaging techniques, biochemical tests play an important role in the assessment and differential diagnosis of metabolic bone disease. In recent years, the isolation and characterisation of cellular and extracellular components of the skeletal matrix have resulted in the development of molecular markers that are considered to reflect either bone formation or bone resorption. These biochemical indices are non-invasive, comparatively inexpensive and, when applied and interpreted correctly, helpful tools in the diagnostic and therapeutic assessment of metabolic bone disease. This review provides an overview of the current evidence regarding the clinical use of biochemical markers of bone remodelling in bone disease, with an emphasis on osteoporosis.

Tendo em vista o crescimento da população idosa na maioria dos países, os distúrbios do metabolismo ósseo e mineral estão tornando-se cada vez mais relevantes na prática clínica diária. Conseqüentemente, o interesse e a necessidade de medidas efetivas para serem usadas no rastreamento, diagnóstico e seguimento de tais patologias vêm crescendo acentuadamente. Além da avaliação clínica e de técnicas de imagens, os marcadores bioquímicos desempenham um importante papel na avaliação e diagnóstico das doenças ósseas metabólicas. Recentemente, a melhor caracterização dos componentes intracelulares e extracelulares da matriz óssea resultou no desenvolvimento dos marcadores moleculares, os quais refletem tanto a formação como a reabsorção óssea. Estes marcadores bioquímicos não são invasivos e comparativamente são de mais baixo custo, e quando aplicados e interpretados corretamente são instrumentos úteis no diagnóstico e tratamento das doenças ósseas metabólicas. Esta revisão abordará evidências atuais, levando em consideração o uso clínico dos marcadores bioquímicos da remodelação óssea nas doenças metabólicas ósseas, com ênfase na osteoporose.

Improvement of adynamic bone disease after renal transplantation

Low bone remodeling and relatively low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels characterize adynamic bone disease (ABD). The impact of renal transplantation (RT) on the course of ABD is unknown. We studied prospectively 13 patients with biopsy-proven ABD after RT. Bone histomorphometry and bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were performed in the 1st and 12th months after RT. Serum PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and osteocalcin were measured regularly throughout the study. Serum PTH levels were slightly elevated at transplantation, normalized at the end of the third month and remained stable thereafter. Bone biopsies performed in the first month after RT revealed low bone turnover in all patients, with positive bone aluminum staining in 5. In the 12th month, second biopsies were performed on 12 patients. Bone histomorphometric dynamic parameters improved in 9 and were completely normalized in 6, whereas no bone mineralization was detected in 3 of these 12 patients. At 12 months post-RT, no bone aluminum was detected in any patient. We also found a decrease in lumbar BMD and an increase in femoral BMD. Patients suffering from ABD, even those with a reduction in PTH levels, may present partial or complete recovery of bone turnover after successful renal transplantation. However, it is not possible to positively identify the mechanisms responsible for the improvement. Identifying these mechanisms should lead to a better understanding of the physiopathology of ABD and to the development of more effective treatments.

Cytokine Production by Whole Blood Cells: Relationship to Interleukin Gene Polymorphism and Bone Mass

The aims of this study were to investigate the relationships between the production of interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-6 system by whole blood cells, and bone mineral density (BMD), and polymorphisms in IL-1 system and IL-6 gene in postmenopausal Korean women. The production of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-6, and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6r) by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated whole blood cells was measured by ELISA in 110 subjects. Serum osteocalcin, C-telopeptide of type I collagen, and BMD at lumbar spine and proximal femur were measured. IL-1alphaC(-889)T polymorphism, IL-1beta C(-511)T polymorphism, 86-base pair variable number tandem repeat polymorphism in the IL-1ra gene, and IL-6 C(-634)G polymorphism were analyzed. The production of IL-1beta correlated positively with BMD at femoral neck, whereas the production of other ILs did not correlate with BMD at the skeletal sites examined. No significant differences in the production of ILs were observed among normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal women, and among the different IL system polymorphisms groups studied. No correlation between bone turnover markers and the production of ILs was noted. In conclusion IL-1beta may regulate bone metabolism at femoral neck, and the IL system polymorphism do not affect the production of ILs by whole blood cells.

Bone mineral parameters in healthy young Indian adults with optimal vitamin D availability.

BACKGROUND: Several recent studies indicate a marked prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in asymptomatic, apparently healthy urban subjects from different socioeconomic groups in north India. METHODS: To further examine this trend, we studied 40 men and 50 women, 20-30 years of age, from the Indian paramilitary forces. These individuals consume a nutritious, high-protein diet, have optimal exposure to sunlight and undertake strenuous outdoor physical exercise. RESULTS: The mean serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were normal in both men and women. The mean (SD) serum intact parathyroid hormone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were 19.3 (8.2) pg/ml and 18.4 (5.3) ng/ml in men, and 11.9 (6.6) pg/ml and 25.3 (7.4) ng/ml in women. Bone mineral density estimated in 20 men and 22 women revealed that in comparison with white Caucasians, 35%-50% of men and 14%-32% of women were osteopenic at different sites, while an additional 10% of men had osteoporosis of the lumbar spine. CONCLUSION: We found that with optimal nutrition, good sunlight exposure and regular physical exercise, healthy young individuals have normal bone and mineral biochemical values. The reasons for the abnormalities detected in bone mineral density in them needs further study. The impact of childhood nutrition on accumulation of peak bone mass may contribute to our findings. There is a need for establishing normative bone mineral density data for Indians.

The influence of gastrectomy on the change of bone metabolism and bone density

OBJECTIVES: Abnormalities of bone metabolism could be followed in gastrectomized patients as a late complication. Nowadays, many biochemical and radiologic measurements are applied to detect these abnormalities. The aim of our study is to determine the valuable parameter as an appropriate screening test during long-term follow-up periods and define the usefulness of new biochemical markers for bone metabolism by comparing with traditional markers. METHODS: Fifteen patients who had undergone partial gastrectomy were chosen randomly and fifteen healthy controls were compared. Then, several biochemical and radiologic tests were measured. We excluded subjects who proved to have other causes of bone metabolism abnormalities. Ten patients and 10 controls were finally selected. RESULTS: Comparing the data with those of a corresponding control group, the lumbar bone density measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) was statistically significantly lower in the patient group (p +ADw- 0.01). The urinary deoxypyridinoline, a biochemical marker for bone resorption, was statistically higher in the patient group (p +ADw- 0.025). Osteocalcin, Procollagen I C-terminal peptide (PICP) and Type I collagen C-terminal telopeptide (ICTP) were slightly but not significantly higher in the patient group. The serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: We could suggest that urinary deoxypyridinoline and QCT are appropriate parameters as screening tests for the detection of bone metabolism abnormalities in gastrectomized patients during long-term follow-up. Urinary deoxypyridinoline may be a simple and rapid test which could replace cumbersome 24-hour urinary hydroxyproline.