Influence of hormonal parameters, bone mineral density and bone turnover on fracture risk in healthy male adolescents: a case control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess possible associations between potential risk factors for fractures and their occurrence in otherwise healthy Greek male adolescents. SUBJECTS: A total of 63 male adolescents participated in the study, 21 males with a history of at least one fracture and 42 healthy male controls. METHODS: Each participant was assessed for physical and pubertal status, hormonal profile, bone mineral density, bone turnover indices, and dietary habits. RESULTS: The lower bone mineral density-z scores and increasing testosterone and serum collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide levels were related to fracture risk, whereas increased insulin-like growth factor-1, soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (factor-κB) ligand, and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factors-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin levels were protective for fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate a potential 'added value' of hormonal parameters and bone markers to bone mineral density for evaluating fracture risk in healthy male adolescents.

Influence of developmental and hormonal factors on bone health in adolescent females: a cross-sectional study and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To study bone density in healthy Greek girls going through puberty and determine the influence of developmental and hormonal factors. DESIGN: Sixty healthy female adolescents (average age of 13.88±2.53 years) were included. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the hip by DXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry). Pubertal stage was determined by Tanner's criteria. Creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and 25-OH-vitamin D levels were measured in blood samples. The European physical fitness test battery (EUROFIT) was used to assess the parameters of physical fitness that are related to strength. RESULTS: Adolescent girls had a mean (±SD) BMD value of 0.947±0.144 g/cm2 at the total hip (total hip BMD). Tanner's stage for pubic hair and body mass index (BMI) constituted significant, positive and independent predicting factors for bone density of total hip. Deficiency of 25OH-vitamin D was a negative predicting factor of bone density. Blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, the hours that adolescents devoted to sports, and handgrip strength, were independent predicting factors of bone density at the hip. CONCLUSIONS: Bone density and consequently bone health is determined by factors that can be modified in order to achieve optimal bone growth and reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis in later life.