BMC) And Density Research Articles

When Incorporated into Fruit Sorbet Matrix, Are the Fructans in Natural Raw Materials More Beneficial for Bone Health than Commercial Formulation Added Alone?

Simple SummaryBecause of the serious consequences of osteoporosis, the prevention of this disease, which is also known as “the Silent Epidemic”, is considered essential to the maintenance of human health. It is crucial to maximize bone mass and strength during childhood and adolescence to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later periods of life. The optimization of nutrition is one of the most important factors. Special attention should be paid to ensuring sufficient calcium intake, which is a problem in several population groups, and its bioavailability. We assessed the effect of fructans, taking into consideration their source (Jerusalem artichoke, yacon, commercial preparation) and the form of their addition to the diet (alone or as an ingredient of strawberry sorbet). A growing-female-rat model was used to assess the potential functional properties of these non-digestible carbohydrates in/without the “fruit matrix”, during calcium hypoalimentation. We showed that fructans have a protective effect during the inadequate supply of Ca, but their action is related to their source as well as the dietary matrix. It is important to look for new preventive strategies, and our paper gives an insight into various fructan sources, depicting their action and how these natural dietary components can be exploited.We assessed the extent to which fructans from various sources and added in various forms (raw materials in diet alone or incorporated into a strawberry matrix) differ in their effectiveness towards selected parameters related to bone health under calcium hypoalimentation in growing female Wistar rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of selected parameters involved in calcium metabolism, in response to a 12-week restriction of Ca intake: serum ions (Ca, Mg, P); the activity of alkaline phosphatase—using a BS 120 analyzer; the markers of bone turnover (osteocalcin, CTX; using a Rat-MidTMOsteocalcinEIA Kit and RatLapsTMEIA, respectively); and the bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD), using a Norland Excell Plus Densitometer. Among the examined markers, the CTX concentration increased dramatically under calcium hypoalimentation. The presence of Jerusalem artichoke (independently of the form of addition) and yacon root powder (with strawberry sorbet matrix) in the rats’ diet led to a significantly lower CTX concentration than was observed in the low-calcium control group. The type of fructan influenced the bone mass content. When fructan was added to the low-calcium diet as an ingredient of sorbet, it exerted more pronounced effects on the biochemical parameters of bone metabolism than when added alone, in the growing-female-rat model.

High-dose vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy and 25(OH)D sufficiency in childhood reduce the risk of fractures and improve bone mineralization in childhood: Follow-up of a randomized clinical trial

SummaryBackgroundExposure to vitamin D in early life has been associated with improved bone mineralization, but no studies have investigated the combined effect of pregnancy supplementation and childhood 25(OH)D concentrations on bone health.MethodsWe analyzed the effect of serum 25(OH)D concentrations at age 6 months and 6 years and the combined effect with prenatal high-dose vitamin D (2800 vs. 400 IU/day) on bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans at age 3 and 6 years and longitudinal risk of fractures in a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial in the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 (COPSAC2010) mother-child cohort with enrollment from March 4, 2009, to November 17, 2010, and clinical follow-up until January 31, 2019 (NCT00856947). All participants randomized to intervention and with complete data were included in the analyses.FindingsAt age 6 months, serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured in 93% (n = 541) of 584 children. Children with sufficient (≥ 75 nmol/l) vs. insufficient (< 75 nmol/l) concentrations did not have lower risk of fractures: incidence rate ratio (95% CI); 0.64 (0.37;1.11), p = 0.11. However, vitamin D sufficient children from mothers receiving high-dose supplementation during pregnancy had a 60% reduced incidence of fractures compared with vitamin D insufficient children from mothers receiving standard-dose: 0.40 (0.19;0.84), p = 0.02.At age 6 years, serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured in 83% (n = 318) of 383 children with available DXA data. Whole-body bone mineralization was higher in vitamin D sufficient children at age 6 years; BMD, adjusted mean difference (aMD) (95% CI): 0.011 g/cm2 (0.001;0.021), p = 0.03, and BMC, aMD: 12.3 g (-0.8;25.4), p = 0.07, with the largest effect in vitamin D sufficient children from mothers receiving high-dose vitamin D supplementation; BMD, aMD: 0.016 g/cm2 (0.002;0.030), p = 0.03, and BMC, aMD: 23.5 g (5.5;41.5), p = 0.01.InterpretationChildhood vitamin D sufficiency improved bone mineralization and in combination with prenatal high-dose vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of fractures.FundingThe study was supported by The Lundbeck Foundation R16-A1694, The Danish Ministry of Health 903,516, The Danish Council for Strategic Research 0603–00280B and The European Research Council 946,228.

Bone density and body composition in small for gestational age children with adequate catch up growth: A preliminary retrospective case control study

Fetal growth patterns and birth weight (BW) have been associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) throughout infancy and childhood up to early adulthood. We hypothesized that in small for gestational age (SGA) children, compensatory infant catch-up growth to normal height centiles counteracts the adverse consequences of low BW on bone accrual. To evaluate BMD and BMC of SGA children born at term who experienced a normal catch-up growth as compared to children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). We recruited 53 SGA (26 females) and 60 AGA children (27 females), aged 6 to 18years, matched for sex and body mass index (BMI). Fat mass (FM); Free fat mass (FFM); Lumbar spine and Total body less head (TBLH) BMD; BMC and BMD standard deviation scores corrected for body size (BMAD, BMAD z-score and TBLH BMD/Height) and TBLH BMC for FFM (TBLHBMC/FFM) were derived from Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. SGA and AGA children did not differ in any auxological, body composition and bone parameters appropriately adjusted for height and FFM. BMI, FM and, remarkably, FFM were significantly correlated with bone mass parameters in both groups while no correlation was found between FM and FFM with the BW SDS in the univariate analysis. Our preliminary data demonstrate that SGA children born at term who recover from their growth deficiency through catch-up growth achieve bone mass and body composition not different from children born AGA.

Effect of 2-6 weeks of systemic steroids on bone mineral density in children.

Background The use of systemic steroids for 6+ weeks in children is associated with decreased bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD). However, the effects of a shorter duration of use on BMD are unknown.Purpose To determine the effect of the use of systemic steroids for 2–6 weeks on BMD and BMC in pediatric patients.Methods Twenty-five pediatric patients (21 with tuberculosis, 2 with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 1 with inflammatory bowel disease, 1 with autoimmune hemolytic anemia) who received systemic steroids for 2–6 weeks and 25 age- and sexmatched controls were enrolled. BMC, BMD, and z scores of the whole body (WB), lumbar spine (LS), nondominant distal radius (DR), and total body less the head (TBLH) were determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline, the end of steroid therapy or 6 weeks (whichever was earlier; first follow-up), and at the end of 3 months from baseline (second follow-up) in patients and at baseline in controls. The values were adjusted for confounding variables. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using Student t test and the chi-square test or Fisher exact test, respectively. Pairwise comparisons employed Bonferroni correction.Results Statistically significant decreases in BMC, BMD, and all z scores were observed. BMC declined by 5.37%, 2.08%, 1.82%, and 2.27%, and 11.42%, 3.75%, 3.34%, and 4.17% for WB, LS, DR, and TBLH, respectively, at the first and second follow-ups, respectively. Similarly, BMD declined by 2.01%, 2.31%, 2.18%, and 1.70% and 4.59%, 3.76%, 3.14%, and 3.50% for the WB, LS, DR, and TBLH, respectively, at the first and second follow-ups, respectively. A significant negative correlation was found among bone densitometric parameters, duration, and cumulative dose.Conclusion The use of systemic steroids for 2–6 weeks in pediatric patients decreased the BMD and BMC of trabecular and cortical bones, an effect that persisted after discontinuation.

The Effect of Endurance and Endurance-Strength Training on Bone Mineral Density and Content in Abdominally Obese Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Trial.

The optimal type of exercise that simultaneously decreases body weight and preserves bone health in people with obesity is unknown. This parallel randomized trial aimed to compare the effect of endurance and endurance-strength training on bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) in abdominally obese postmenopausal women. A total of 101 women were recruited and randomly assigned to endurance or endurance-strength training groups. Participants trained for 60 min per day, three times per week for 12 weeks. The endurance exercises were performed at an intensity of 50–75% of the maximum heart rate, whereas the strength exercises were at 50–60% of the one-repetition maximum. Pre- and post-intervention BMD and BMC of the total body, lumbar spine, and femoral neck and physical capacity were measured. There were no differences among the densitometric parameters in the endurance group, but a significant increase in whole-body BMD in the endurance-strength group was found. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the groups in the changes in the lumbar spine BMC. Furthermore, both training programs significantly improved physical capacity with no differences between groups. Endurance training was more effective in maintaining BMC at the lumbar spine. However, both groups did not differ in effect on BMD. Further studies with a long-term follow-up should be considered to confirm these findings. The study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register within the number DRKS00019832, and the date of registration was 26 February 2020 (retrospective registration).

Swimming Training Does Not Affect the Recovery of Femoral Midshaft Structural and Mechanical Properties in Growing Diabetic Rats Treated with Insulin.

Background: The effects of swimming training associated with insulin treatment on the cortical bone health in young rats with severe type 1 diabetes remain unclear, although there is evidence of such effects on the cancellous bone. This study examined the effects of swimming training combined with insulin therapy on the femoral midshaft structural and mechanical properties in growing rats with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 10): control sedentary, control exercise, diabetic sedentary, diabetic exercise, diabetic sedentary plus insulin and diabetic exercise plus insulin. Diabetic rats received an injection (60 mg/kg body weight) of streptozotocin (STZ). Exercised animals underwent a swimming program for eight weeks. Results: Diabetes induced by STZ decreased the bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD), and cortical thickness and maximum load and tenacity in the femoral midshaft. Insulin treatment partially counteracted the damages induced by diabetes on BMC, BMD and cortical thickness and tenacity. Swimming training did not affect the femoral structural and mechanical properties in diabetic rats. The combination of treatments did not potentiate the insulin effects. In conclusion, swimming training does not affect the benefits of insulin treatment on the femoral midshaft structural and mechanical properties in growing rats with severe type 1 diabetes.

Effects of backhand stroke styles on bone mineral content and density in postmenopausal recreational tennis players: a cross-sectional pilot investigation

BackgroundOne-handed backhand (OB) and two-handed backhand (TB) styles are commonly used in tennis, but only TB generates loadings on the non-dominant arm and a greater extension torque on the rear leg, leading to a greater axial torque involving rotation of the hip and trunk. The current study investigated whether those effects can further affect bone area (BA), bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) in postmenopausal recreational tennis players.MethodsBA, BMC and BMD of the lumbar spine, hip and distal radius were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in TB, OB, and swimmers’ group as a control (SG) (all participants self-reported for at least 5 years of exercise history, n = 14 per group). Muscular strength was assessed with a hand dynamometer. Among these three groups, the BA, BMC and BMD of distal radius and muscle strength were assessed using one-way ANOVA, and those of the lumbar region and the hip joint were tested by one-way ANCOVA.ResultsTB showed higher BMC and BMD for both lumbar spine and femoral neck than SG (all, p < 0.05). Both OB and TB showed greater BMD inter-trochanter than SG (both, p < 0.05). OB demonstrated greater inter-arm differences in the distal radius, which involved 1/3 distal for BMC and mid-distal radius for BMD compared to the TB and SG (all, p < 0.05). In addition, greater inter-arm asymmetry of grip strength was found in OB compared to TB and SG (both, p < 0.05).ConclusionFor postmenopausal women, performing two-handed backhand strokes, leads to higher BMC and BMD in the non-dominant arm, the lumbar region, and hips, indicating potential benefit to maintain bone health and strength. Whether this result leads to reducing the risk of osteoporosis needs to be investigated in further research.

The Impact of Nordic Walking on Bone Properties in Postmenopausal Women with Pre-Diabetes and Non-Alcohol Fatty Liver Disease

This study investigated the impact of Nordic walking on bone properties in postmenopausal women with pre-diabetes and non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A total of 63 eligible women randomly participated in the Nordic walking training (AEx, n = 33), or maintained their daily lifestyle (Con, n = 30) during intervention. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) of whole body (WB), total femur (TF), femoral neck (FN), and lumbar spine (L2-4) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum osteocalcin, pentosidine, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) levels were analyzed by ELISA assay. After an 8.6-month intervention, the AEx group maintained their BMCTF, BMDTF, BMCL2−4, and BMDL2−4, and increased their BMCFN (p = 0.016), while the Con group decreased their BMCTF (p = 0.008), BMDTF (p = 0.001), and BMDL2−4 (p = 0.002). However, no significant group × time interaction was observed, except for BMDL2−4 (p = 0.013). Decreased pentosidine was correlated with increased BMCWB(r = −0.352, p = 0.019). The intervention has no significant effect on osteocalcin and RANKL. Changing of bone mass was associated with changing of pentosidine, but not with osteocalcin and RANKL. Our results suggest that Nordic walking is effective in preventing bone loss among postmenopausal women with pre-diabetes and NAFLD.

Does the severity of obesity influence bone density, geometry and strength in adolescents?

Relationships between the severity of obesity and bone health remain underexplored. To compare whole-body and localized bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS) and hip geometry and strength between adolescents with obesity versus extreme obesity. This cross-sectional study included 154 adolescents (12-15 years, 62% females) who were classified as having obesity (OG, [95th-99th] percentile) or extreme obesity (EOG, >99th percentile). Fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), BMC, BMD for total-body-less-head (TBLH), lumbar spine (LS), hip, TBS and geometric and strength indices at the narrow-neck (NN), femoral shaft (FS) and intertrochanteric regions (IT) were assessed by Dual-X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). There was no significant sex-interaction. For both sexes, TBLH BMC and BMD were not different between groups. TBS was lower in EOG compared with OG in both sexes in univariate analysis and after adjustment with maturation and body weight (p < 0.05). Hip BMD was significantly higher in the EOG compared to OG only after adjustment with maturation and fat mass percentage (p < 0.05 for men, p < 0.01 for women). For both sexes, TBLH, LS and hip BMC and BMD positively correlated with weight, BMI, LM and FM. TBS negatively correlated with BMI-percentile in both sexes, with a negative correlation with FM for males alone. Hip BMC and BMD, BMD, ACT and CSA at the three hip sites positively correlated with BMI-percentile in males. Extreme obesity impacts bone health depending on anatomical sites, altering lumbar trabecular bone in both males and females adolescents.

Understanding How Sex Influences the Impact of IL-10 on Bone Microarchitecture and Bone Metabolism Over Time

ObjectivesDietary interventions with pre- and probiotics favorably affect the gut-bone axis, mediated in part by the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-10. This study sought to understand how IL-10’s impact on bone metabolism and microarchitecture differs with sex and time. MethodsSix-week-old B6.129P2-Il10tm1Cgn/J (KO) and C57BL/6 (WT) mice were assigned in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with strain (WT & KO), sex, and time (3 & 6 m) as factors. Mice were fed AIN-93G diet for 3 m followed by AIN-93 M for the study duration. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD). Micro-computed tomography was used to assess femur and lumbar vertebrae trabecular and cortical bone. Serum procollagen 1 intact N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1), bone formation and resorption markers respectively, were assessed by ELISA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA; p < 0.05 was considered significant. ResultsReductions in BMC and BMD (P < 0.05) in KO vs WT and at 3 vs 6 m were observed; a sex effect was found with reductions in BMC in KO females compared to KO males. Femoral trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) was lower (P < 0.05) in KO vs WT, females vs males, and at 6 vs 3 m. Trabecular thickness (TbTh) decreased (P < 0.05) in KO vs WT and increased from 3 to 6 m, while decreases in trabecular number (TbN) were greater (P < 0.05) in KO mice, females, and at 6 m compared to counterparts. Cortical area and thickness were decreased (P < 0.05) in KO vs WT and in females vs males, which was greater at 6 m, while cortical bone porosity was higher in KO vs WT and increased at 6 mo. Vertebral trabecular BV/TV was lower (P < 0.05) in KO vs WT at 3 and 6 m, with KO females showing reduced BV/TV (P < 0.05) from 3 to 6 m. Reduced TbTh and TbN were observed in KO vs WT, and females had increased (P < 0.05) TbTh and trabecular separation and reduced TbN. P1NP showed a time effect (P < 0.05) with reductions in WT females and males at 6 m compared to 3 m KO females (P < 0.05). CTX-1 shows a sex effect (P < 0.05) and a trending strain effect (P = 0.059), with elevated serum CTX-1 in 3 m KO males compared to WT and KO females at 6 m (P < 0.05). ConclusionsWhile IL-10 plays an important role in maintaining both trabecular and cortical bone, it may have a more protective effect on the cortical bone of female mice over time. Funding SourcesOklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station.

The Effect of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Insulin Resistance on Bone Health in Hispanic Children

Obesity appears to have a negative impact on pediatric bone health, and insulin resistance may mediate this relationship. It is unclear if cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has a protective effect on bone in obese children. We tested the hypothesis that CRF attenuates the negative effect of obesity and insulin resistance on skeletal health in a large cohort of Hispanic youth.We studied 413 (193 males and 220 females) children and adolescents from the Viva la Familia Study. They were all pubertal; mean age (SD) 13.4 ± 2.3 years; 27% were normal weight (NW), 19% overweight (OW) and 54% obese (OB). They underwent measurement of body composition, total body bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) by DXA scan; VO2peak using the ramp protocol on a treadmill for CRF; fasting glucose and insulin. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. BMC increased from NW to OW to OB (mean 1.35 ± 0.4, 1.41 ± 0.4, and 1.49 ± 0.4 kg, respectively, p=.005). Peak VO2 decreased from NW to OW to OB (41.3 ± 9.7, 35.5 ± 7.7, 28.9. ± 5.5 mL/kg per min, respectively, p <.001). After adjusting for sex, age and lean body mass, BMC was inversely related to fat mass (r = -0.34, p <.001) and HOMA-IR (r = -0.29, p <.001). Similar relationships were found for BMD. In a regression model with BMC as the dependent variable, lean body mass (standardized coefficient (β)=0.95, p <.001) was positively and fat mass (β=-0.18, p <0.001) negatively associated with BMC (model R2=0.88, p<.001). HOMA-IR (β=-0.07, p =0.001) and VO2peak (β=0.09, p =0.003) had significant and opposite associations with BMC (model p<.001) but fat mass was no longer a significant contributor. With BMD as the dependent variable, lean body mass (β=0.82, p <.001), HOMA-IR (β=-0.06, p =0.04) and peak VO2 (β=0.17, p <.001), but not fat mass, contributed to the variance in BMD (R2=0.79, p<.001).In conclusion, lean body mass is the major determinant of BMC and BMD in Hispanic youth. Adiposity associated insulin resistance has a negative effect on BMC and BMD. CRF contributes positively to the variance in BMC and BMD. This suggests that CRF and higher lean mass attenuate the adverse effects of insulin resistance on bone health in children.

A Comparison of Free and Total 25-hydroxyvitamin D Levels as Functional Indicators of Bone Health in Healthy Children

Context: The “free hormone” hypothesis suggests that the free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHDFree) level may usefully indicate bone health. Objective: To determine which vitamin D measure is optimally correlated with clinical and bone parameters in healthy children. Design and Participants: A cross-sectional study including 146 healthy children (71 boys, 9.5±1.9 years) at a tertiary medical center. Main Outcome Measures: We used a multiplex liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based assay to simultaneously measure vitamin D metabolites. The 25OHDFree level was directly measured (m-25OHDFree) or calculated using genotype-constant or genotype-specific affinity coefficients of vitamin D-binding proteins (con-25OHDFree or spe-25OHDFree). Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) were assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: The concentrations of total 25OHD (25OHDTotal), the three forms of 25OHDFree, and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 correlated with parathyroid hormone levels (all p<0.01). Serum 25OHDTotal and m-25OHDFree levels reflected age, puberty, season, body mass index (BMI), daylight hours, and vitamin D intake (all p<0.05). The con-25OHDFree level better reflected puberty and daylight hours than did the spe-25OHDFree level (both p<0.01). The association between the 25OHDTotal level and bone parameters varied according to the BMI (interaction p<0.05). In 109 normal-weight children, the con-25OHDFree level correlated with BMC and BMD (both p<0.05), but the 25OHDTotal and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels were associated with BMC (both p<0.05). No association was found in overweight or obese children. Conclusions: In healthy children, total and free 25OHD levels comparably reflected lifestyle factors. In normal-weight children, the con-25OHDFree level reflected BMC and BMD, whereas the 25OHDTotal level was associated with BMC.

Bone Health in Aging Men: Does Zinc and Cuprum Level Matter?

The aim of this study was to assess the associations of serum and bone zinc (Zn) and cuprum (Cu) with bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC), markers of bone turnover, and sex hormones. The study group comprised 144 men treated with total hip replacement due to hip osteoarthritis. We measured total, free, and bioavailable testosterone, estradiol, and sex-hormone-binding globulin (sex hormones), as well as parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, carboxy terminal collagen crosslinks, and N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (markers of bone turnover). Total body BMD, BMC, total and visceral fat, and appendicular skeletal mass (ASM) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. ASM index, and total and visceral fat were positively correlated with BMD. Bone Zn correlated neither with sex hormones nor with bone turnover markers; however, it was positively associated both with BMD and with BMC, while bone Cu (as opposed to serum Cu) was not. In multiple regression, the ASM index, Zn/Cu ratio (in both the serum and the bone), and serum Cu concentration were significantly associated with BMD and BMC after adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI). Our results suggest that the Zn/Cu ratio in both the serum and the bone may exert a significant positive effect on total BMD and BMC.

Effects of recreational team handball on bone health, postural balance and body composition in inactive postmenopausal women - A randomised controlled trial.

This study reports the effects of a recreational team handball exercise programme (randomised controlled trial, RCT) on bone health, postural balance and body composition in inactive postmenopausal women without previous experience of the sport. Sixty-seven postmenopausal women (68.3±6.2years, stature 156.9±5.8cm, body mass 65.6±9.6kg, body fat 40.9±5.9%, VO2peak 25.2±3.6mL·min-1·kg-1) were randomised into team handball (THG, n=41) and control (CG, n=26) groups. During the 16-week intervention period, THG performed two to three 60-min training sessions per week, while CG continued with their habitual physical activity. Bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC), biochemical bone formation (osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type-1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP)) and resorption (carboxy-terminal type-1 collagen crosslinks (CTX)) markers, postural balance, body fat and lean mass were evaluated at baseline and post intervention. A time x group interaction (p≤0.02) was shown for lumbar spine BMD (+1.5%) and BMC (+2.3%), P1NP (+37.6±42.4%), OC (+41.9±27.0%) and postural balance (-7±37% falls), in favour of THG with no changes in CG. This RCT showed that short-term recreational team handball practice had an impact on bone turnover and was effective for improving bone health and postural balance in postmenopausal women without previous experience of the sport, hence potentially helping to reduce the risk of falls and fractures.

Bone Mineral Density and Content Among Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Comparative Study

Some studies indicate an association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and osteoporosis. This case-control study examined the association between body composition and bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) among patients with CAD. A group of men (n=73) with established CAD and age and sex matched controls (n=65) were included in the study. Data collected included socio-demographic information, disease related data (from cases), anthropometric measurements, serum vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous and body composition analysis using DEXA. Two groups were compared using independent sample t-test, Mann Whitney U-test or Chi square test. Pearson correlation and regression models were used to test the associations between body compartments. Among cases, the mean disease duration was 29 (range 5-192) months and 15% had triple vessel disease. Patients had higher mean total body fat mass (TBFM) (18869.7 vs 16733.0)g, p=0.018), truncal fat mass (TRFM) (9259.1 vs 7992.5g, p=0.009) and fat percentage (28.6 vs 25.9%, p=0.001) compared to controls. Median serum vitamin D level was significantly lower among patients (20.0 ng/mL) compared to controls (27.1ng/mL) (p=0.003). In both groups, TBFM and total body lean mass (TBLM) both showed significant positive correlations with total body BMD/BMC and regional BMDs. Of the two, TBLM emerged the best predictor of TBBMC/TBBMD. These associations were greater among patients than controls. TBLM appears to be the strongest predictor of TBBMD and TBBMC in patients and controls. The strength of associations was greater among patients compared to controls even after adjusting for possible confounders .

Bone Mineral Reference Values for Athletes 11 to 20 Years of Age.

Objectives. Training for sport is associated with the development of bone minerals, and the need for reference data based on athletes is often indicated. The purpose of this study was to develop a reference for bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) specific for youth athletes of both sexes participating in several sports. Methods DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) was used for total body measurements of bone minerals in 1385 athletes 11 to 20 years, 1019 males and 366 females. The athletes were training in several sports at Hungarian academies. Reference values for total bone mineral density and bone mineral content, and also BMD excluding the head (total body less head, TBLH) were developed using the LMS chartmaker pro version 2.3. Results. The centile distributions for BMD and BMC of the athletes differed significantly from those of the age- and sex-specific references for the general population. The youth athletes had higher BMD and BMC than those of the reference for the general population. Conclusion. The potential utility of the DEXA reference for male and female youth athletes may assist in monitoring changes in the BMC and BMD associated with normal growth and maturation, and perhaps more importantly, may be useful in monitoring changes specific to different phases of sport-specific training protocols.

The Relationship between Bone Mineral Accrual and Changes of Body Composition in Competitive Girl Runners

Low bone density is a complication of a long-term strict weight control during adolescence in women. PURPOSE: To assess whether decrease in percent body fat (%BF) is associated with an impaired bone mineral accrual in girl runners. METHODS: Consecutive 22 freshmen girl runners (15y/o, 158cm, 45kg) during 7 years in competitive high school teams were evaluated over 2 years of training. DXA was performed at the preparatory phase (baseline) and repeated after 23 ± 2 months (follow-up). The runners were divided into 2 groups; negative (DEC, n=11) or positive (GAIN, n=11) changes of %BF (Δ%BF) during the period. The effect of the period and the group on the changes in bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) of total body less head and z-score were analyzed by 2-way repeated measures ANOVA. As for lean soft tissue mass (LSM) and fat mass (FM), paired t-test was used to compare between baseline and follow-up. Bivariate correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between bone mineral accrual (ΔBMC and ΔBMD) and Δ%BF as well as the changes of FM (ΔFM) and LSM (ΔLSM). Written informed consent was obtained from the runners and their parents. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: %BF changed from 17.4 to 14.3 (DEC) and 15.0 to 18.4 % (GAIN). The period had significant effects on BMC, BMD, and z-score without interactions. Contrast showed significant increases in those variables, while the group of Δ%BF had no significant effect, indicating the values of DEC and GAIN were similarly increased; 1.57 to 1.64 and 1.66 to 1.77 kg, 0.98 to 1.00 and 1.00 to 1.03 g/cm2, and -0.25 to -0.20 and 0.04 to 0.22, respectively. The DEC runners gained LSM (34.2 to 36.1 kg) and reduced FM (7.7 to 6.4 kg) significantly, while the GAIN runners significantly increased FM (6.9 to 9.0 kg) without LSM change (36.6 to 37.0 kg). Neither Δ%BF nor ΔFM, but ΔLSM was significantly correlated with ΔBMC (r=0.45) and ΔBMD (r=0.55). CONCLUSIONS: Bone mineral was equally accrued among the runners of which %BF increased or decreased, where the accretion was associated with LSM gain. Competitive distance runners would develop leanness by not only losing FM but also gaining LSM (i.e., skeletal muscle) along with long-term exercise training. This would ameliorate an impairment of bone mineral acquisition by strict weight control.

Effects of Strength Training on Body Composition in Young Male Professional Soccer Players.

The present prospective cohort study investigated changes in body composition (BC) in young male football players (n = 18, 16.1 ± 0.8 years; 181.0 ± 0.1 cm; 71.3 ± 4.9 kg) after combined football and strength training (ST) during a whole in-season period (26 weeks). BC was measured at whole-body absolute and regional levels by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in eighteen players at the beginning and at the end of the competitive period. The ST was organized into three different session types: ST in the gym, specific ST on the field, and individual ST (weak points). The results of the present study indicated that fat-free mass (FFM) was substantially higher following the competitive period (5.1% ± 1.2%), while percentage of fat showed no changes during the competitive period. At the regional level, arms’ and legs’ FFM increased at the end of the season, and bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) increased in arms, legs, pelvis, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine. In conclusion, within the limitation of the potential positive impact of growth and/or maturation, present results seem to indicate that an ST program that supplements football-related training sessions could be an effective option to increase FFM, BMC, and BMD at both whole-body and regional level across the competitive season in young male professional football players.

Interactive effects of calcium and top-dressed 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 on egg production, egg shell quality, and bones attributes in aged Lohmann LSL-lite layers

Calcium and vitamin D are critical in attenuating metabolic Ca insufficiency often observed in older hens. We investigated interactive effects of dietary Ca and top-dressed 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25OHD3) on egg production, eggshell quality (thickness, EST, and breaking strength, ESBS), serum Ca, kidney, liver, and bones attributes in 74-wk old Lohmann LSL-lite layers. A total of 4 levels of Ca (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5%) and 3 levels of 25OHD3 (0, 69, and 138μg/kg) were tested. All diets had basal level of 3,300 IU of vitamin D3/kg, were allocated to 84 individually housed hens (n = 7), and fed to 81 wk of age. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) in left ulna, femur, and tibia at week 74 (13 spare birds, baseline) and week 81. Birds fed diets containing 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5% Ca consumed 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, and 4.8 Ca g/b/d. Interaction (P < 0.05) between Ca and 25OHD3 was such that 25OHD3 linearly increased egg weight and percentage of eggs graded as jumbo (≥70g) at 3.0, 3.5, and 4.5% Ca levels. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between Ca and 25OHD3 on the rest of the parameters. Calcium increased EST and ESBS quadratically (P < 0.05), EST increased with Ca intake up to 4.1g of Ca/b/d whereas Ca intakes (3.4 and 4.8g of Ca/b/d) had poor ESBS relative to intermediate Ca intakes. Kidney ash concentration increased linearly (P = 009) with Ca intake. However, BMC and BMD in ulna, tibia, and femur declined (P < 0.05) at week 81 relative to baseline. In conclusion, top dressed 25OHD3 linearly increased egg weight at various Ca intakes with no negative effect on eggshell quality or bone attributes. Feeding 4.1 to 4.2g of Ca/b/d improved eggshell quality, however, higher intake deteriorated eggshell quality and increased renal ash accumulation with no benefit on skeletal integrity.

Effect of pre-exercise and post-exercise creatine supplementation on bone mineral content and density in healthy aging adults.

Creatine supplementation, immediately before and immediately following resistance training, has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength. However, the effects of pre- exercise and post-exercise creatine supplementation on aging bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) is unknown. Using a double-blind, repeated measures design, aging adults were randomized to one of three groups: creatine before (CR-B: n = 15; 53 ± 3 years, 170.1 ± 9.9 77.1 ± 15.6 kg; 0.1 g·kg-1 creatine immediately before resistance training and 0.1 g·kg-1 cornstarch maltodextrin immediately after resistance training), creatine after (CR-A: n = 12; 55 ± 4 years, 173.4 ± 8.3 cm, 87.9 ± 20.1 kg; 0.1 g·kg-1 cornstarch maltodextrin immediately before resistance training and 0.1 g·kg-1 of creatine immediately after resistance training), or placebo (PLA: n = 12; 57 ± 7 years, 170.5 ± 10.8 cm, 77.9 ± 11.8 kg; 0.1 g·kg-1 cornstarch maltodextrin before and after resistance training). Whole-body resistance training was performed 3 days/week for 8 months. Prior to and following training and supplementation, BMC and BMD of the whole-body, limbs, femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total hip were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. There was a time main effect (p = 0.037) for femoral neck BMD (CR-B; absolute change: -0.011 g/cm2, 95% CI [-0.028, 0.006], CR-A: absolute change: -0.014 g/cm2, 95% CI [-0.031, 0.003], PLA: absolute change: -0.006 g/cm2, 95% CI [-0.002, 0.010]), with no other differences. Creatine supplementation, independent of the timing of ingestion, has no effect on aging bone mineral content or density.