Bone Mineral Density In Subjects Research Articles

T2*-corrected Q-Dixon and reduced-FOV diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) parameters: correlation with QCT-derived bone mineral density (BMD) and ability to identify abnormal BMD and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Bone marrow fat increases when the bone volume decreases. The composition of the bone marrow microenvironment can also become altered. Assessments of bone marrow fat and bone marrow structural heterogeneity have the potential to predict abnormal bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of T2*-corrected Q-Dixon and reduced-field-of-view (FOV) diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) parameters in determining abnormal BMD and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In this prospective study, the individuals who were eligible for inclusion included postmenopausal women (over 50-year-old) with suspected osteoporosis based on experiencing low back pain. This mono-center study was conducted in tertiary care in China. All of the patients were recruited by using the consecutive sampling method. Subjects who underwent T2*-corrected Q-Dixon and reduced-FOV DKI sequences were enrolled. Fat fraction (FF), T2*, mean kurtosis (MK), and mean diffusivity (MD) values were measured on L1, L2, and L3 vertebral bodies. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) examinations served as the reference standard. All of the subjects were divided into three groups: normal (BMD >120 mg/cm3), osteopenia (BMD 80-120 mg/cm3), and osteoporosis (BMD <80 mg/cm3). One-way analysis of variance, correlation coefficient analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed. Among all of the enrolled subjects, 52 were in the normal group, 51 were in the osteopenia group, and 52 were in the osteoporosis group. There were significant differences in FF, T2*, MK, and MD values between the three groups (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.003, respectively). FF, T2*, and MK values exhibited significant negative correlations with BMD values (r=-0.739, P<0.001; r=-0,676, P<0.001; and r=-0.626, P<0.001, respectively). Excellent discriminatory capacity was observed in the Q-Dixon [area under the curve (AUC): 0.976, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.955-0.997] differentiation between normal and abnormal BMD subjects. It was significantly better than the DKI (AUC: 0.812, 95% CI: 0.741-0.882) parameter combination (P<0.001), whereas the DKI model (AUC: 0.825, 95% CI: 0.739-0.910) performed comparably to the Q-Dixon model (AUC: 0.798, 95% CI: 0.710-0.886) for screening osteoporosis (P=0.57). FF and T2* values measured by using T2*-corrected Q-Dixon, as well as MK and MD values measured by using reduced-FOV DKI, may serve as potential imaging biomarkers in assessing abnormal BMD and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Relationship between vertebral endplate degeneration (Modic changes, Schmorl nodes, endplate irregularities) and Bone Mineral Density

ObjectiveThe end plate plays an important role in maintaining the structural integrity, balancing biomechanical and supplying nutrition, how dose it changes with the reduced bone mineral density (BMD) remains unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between lumbar end plate degeneration and normal BMD, osteopenia and osteoporosis. MethodsA retrospective analysis of 362 patients equal or over 55 years old who underwent both lumbar MRI and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry(DXA) examinations due to lumbar discomfort or a healthy physical examination. Two Radiologists reported the Modic changes, Schmorl node, and end plate irregularities of 11 end plates from L1 to S1. Data were separated by sex, and then the summed results were grouped in age matching. ResultsIn women, with the decrease of hip BMD, the positive rate and severity of Modic changes and the severity of end plate irregularities showed an increasing trend; Among men, the number of Modic changes and end plate irregularities increased in osteoporosis subjects and osteopenia subjects compared with normal BMD subjects. While the positive rate of Schmorl nodes incremental trend was not obvious in female and male subjects. ConclusionsOsteoporosis in the elderly will aggravate the degeneration of the lumbar end plate Modic changes and end plate irregularities.

A meta-analysis of dietary inflammatory index and bone health status.

The inflammatory potential of diets is associated with several diseases and can affect bone health. We aimed to systematically review and pool the current evidence on the association of DII with bone health in observational studies. We searched PubMed and NLM Gateway (for Medline), Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE up to December 16, 2020 for studies that examined the relationship between DII score and bone mineral density (BMD) or fracture. All observational studies were included in this meta-analysis. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using Cochran Q-statistic and I2 statistics. Random effect meta-analysis method was used to pool the effect size. Stratified meta-analysis according to the type of study (cohort/ non-cohort) was performed to assess the relationship of DII with BMD and fracture. In total, 13 articles were included in the present systematic review, including five cohorts, five cross-sectional, and three case-control studies. The total sample size of these studies was 211,938 individuals aged 5 to 85 years. According to random-effect meta-analysis, DII was associated with increased odds of fracture in non-cohort studies (pooled OR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.17, 1.67), but this association was not statistically significant in cohort studies (pooled OR=1.03, 95%CI: 0.97, 1.09). Moreover, only in non-cohort studies, the mean of BMD in subjects in the highest DII category was significantly lower than those in the lowest DII category (SMD: -9.59, 95%CI: -10.84,-8.33). Our findings showed that high score of DII can have devastating effects on bone health. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm these findings among more diverse populations.

The Association Between Cadmium Exposure and Osteoporosis: A Longitudinal Study and Predictive Model in a Chinese Female Population.

Objective: The association between cadmium exposure and osteoporosis has been rarely reported in longitudinal studies. In this study, we investigated the association between osteoporosis and cadmium exposure and developed predictive models in women in a longitudinal cohort.Materials and Methods: In total, 488 women living in southeastern China were included at baseline (1998). Cadmium in blood (BCd) and urine (UCd) and also renal dysfunction biomarkers and bone mineral density (BMD) were determined both at baseline and follow-up. A total of 307 subjects were finally included after excluding subjects that did not have exposure or effect biomarkers. Osteoporosis was defined based on T score ≤ −2.5. Multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic analysis were used to show the association between baseline data and follow-up osteoporosis. Based on the identified associated factors, nomograms were developed to graphically calculate the individual risk of osteoporosis.Results: The baseline BMD in subjects with osteoporosis was significantly lower than that in subjects without osteoporosis (0.59 vs. 0.71 g/cm2, p < 0.05). The prevalence of low bone mass at baseline was higher in subjects with osteoporosis than in those without osteoporosis (23.5 vs. 7.2%, p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–1.27], UCd (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.002–1.06) and the presence of low BMD (OR = 3.84, 95% CI: 1.49–9.89) were independent risk factors for osteoporosis. For those subjects with normal baseline BMD, age, UCd, and baseline BMD were also independent risk factors for osteoporosis. The OR value was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.10–1.22) for age, 2.27 (95% CI: 1.03–4.99) for UCd > 10 μg/g creatinine, and 0.39 (95% CI: 0.21–0.72) for BMDbaseline. We developed two nomograms to predict the risk of osteoporosis. The area under the curve was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84–0.92) for total population and was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84–0.92) for subjects with normal baseline BMD, respectively.Conclusion: Baseline age, UCd, and BMD were associated with follow-up osteoporosis in women. Nomograms showed good performance in predicting the risk of osteoporosis.

Relationship Between Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition According to Obesity Status in Children

ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between body composition, metabolic parameters, and bone mineral density (BMD) according to sex and the degree of obesity in children and adolescents. MethodsA total of 236 subjects with obesity, aged 10 to 15 years (36.9% girls), were enrolled. Obesity was classified into simple (SmOb) and extreme (ExOb) forms. The BMD of the total body, less head, was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and the BMD z-score was used to evaluate the relationship of body composition with metabolic parameters. ResultsBMD z-scores were higher in subjects with ExOb than in those with SmOb. Lean mass index (LMI), body mass index z-score, and vitamin D intake showed positive relationships, whereas percentage of body fat and serum leptin level showed negative relationships with BMD z-scores in boys. In girls, LMI and body mass index z-score showed positive relationships with BMD z-scores. In multivariable linear regressions, serum leptin level showed negative relationships with BMD z-score, only in boys. In addition, positive relationships of LMI and negative relationships of percentage of body fat with BMD z-scores were observed in subjects with SmOb. However, positive relationships of LMI with BMD z-scores were attenuated in subjects with ExOb. ConclusionHigh BMD appears to be positively associated with lean mass in children and adolescents with obesity, which might be a natural protective mechanism to withstand the excess weight. However, excessive body fat appears to be negatively associated with BMD, which might attenuate the positive relationship between lean mass and BMD in subjects with ExOb.

Secular changes in bone mineral density of adult Japanese women from 1995 to 2013.

Introduction: Secular changes in hip fracture incidence have been reported in the last few decades in Japan, but whether long-term bone mineral density (BMD) is also changing is unclear. This study aimed to determine whether BMD of Japanese women has changed over time. Methods: Subjects were 10,649 adult women who underwent BMD measurement in a health check-up population in Niigata, Japan, between 1995 and 2013. BMD of the distal, non-dominant forearm was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Demographic information and BMI were also obtained. Secular trends were determined by linear regression analysis. Results: BMD of subjects in their 40’s decreased significantly in the age-adjusted model (P for trend=0.0162), but not in the age- and BMI-adjusted model (P for trend=0.2171). BMD of subjects in their 50’s decreased marginally in the age-adjusted model (P for trend=0.0535), but not in the age- and BMI-adjusted model (P for trend=0.6601). BMDs of subjects in their 30’s and 60’s did not significantly change, while BMIs of subjects in their 40’s-60’s decreased significantly. Conclusions: A secular decrease in BMD, partly attributed to decreases in BMI, was observed in middle-aged Japanese women from 1995 to 2013. Measures to help maintain suitable BMI will be necessary to prevent a decrease in BMD among women.

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels are associated with low bone mineral density in premenopausal women

Objective To investigate the associations between anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and bone mineral density (BMD) induced by ovarian insufficiency in premenopausal women. Methods Subjects were consecutively enrolled from January 2015 to December 2018. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) examination was set as the gold standard, with T-scores less than −2.5/1 as thresholds for the definition of osteoporosis (OP)/osteopenia. Results A total of 87 subjects were included in the low BMD group, and 39 subjects were included in the control group. Serum AMH levels were decreased significantly in the low BMD group (p < 0.05) with a negative correlation between AMH and age. Strong positive correlations between AMH and BMD/T-score existed in all subjects and subjects with low BMD, and remained even after age adjustment. An exploratory multivariate regression model indicated that age and AMH remained predictive and might be independent risk factors with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 0.9 (p = 0.009) and 36 (p < 0.001), respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis estimated that the sensitivity and specificity were 78.2 and 76.9%, respectively, for identifying low BMD subjects from controls when the cut-off value for AMH was set to 0.800 ng/mL. Conclusions Serum AMH levels are associated with low BMD in premenopausal women with suspected ovarian insufficiency.

Comprehensive Analysis of lncRNA and miRNA Expression Profiles and ceRNA Network Construction in Osteoporosis.

Multiple profiling studies have identified a number of non-coding RNAs associated with the pathogenesis of human diseases. However, the exact regulatory mechanisms and functions of these non-coding RNAs in the development of osteoporosis have not yet been explored. Transcriptome gene expression and miRNA microarray data from peripheral blood monocytes of five high hip bone mineral density (BMD) subjects and five low hip BMD subjects were analyzed. Differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs were identified and subjected to functional enrichment analysis. Additionally, protein-protein interaction (PPI), lncRNA-mRNA, and mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed. Differential analysis revealed that 297 mRNAs, 151 lncRNAs, and 38 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between peripheral blood monocytes from high and low hip BMD subjects. Key genes including ACLY, HSPA5, and AKT1 were subsequently identified in the PPI network. Additionally, differentially expressed lncRNAs were primarily enriched in the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), biosynthesis of antibiotics, and carbon metabolism pathways. Finally, the mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA network revealed several key ceRNA regulatory relationships among the transcripts and non-coding RNAs. Key mRNAs and non-coding RNAs identified in the networks represent potential biomarkers or targets in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. Our findings represent a resource for further functional research on the ceRNA regulation mechanism of non-coding RNA in osteoporosis.

Quantification evaluation of 99mTc-MDP concentration in the lumbar spine with SPECT/CT: compare with bone mineral density.

Despite recent technological advances allowing for quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), quantitative SPECT has not been widely used in the clinical practice of osteoporosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of quantitative bone SPECT/CT for measuring lumbar standard uptake value (SUV) in patients with different bone-mineral density (BMD), and investigate the correlation between SUV measured with 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) SPECT/CT and BMD assessment by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A retrospective analysis of 62 cases 99mTc-MDP whole-body bone imaging and local lumbar SPECT/CT tomography were performed. According to the results of dual-energy X-ray bone density examination, they were divided into normal group, osteopenic group, and osteoporosis group. The raw SPECT data were reconstructed using flash3D which includes attenuation correction, scatter compensation, and collimator resolution recovery, SPECT images from this algorithm were calibrated for SUV analysis. Comparing difference of lumbar SUV in different BMD subjects, and investigating the correlation between lumbar SUV and BMD. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Pearson regression analysis using SPSS 17.0 software. The maximum SUV (SUVmax) and mean SUV (SUVmean) of L1-L4 vertebral in 62 subjects were 7.39 ± 1.84 and 4.90 ± 1.27, respectively. The average BMD was 0.85 ± 0.15 (g/cm2), and the average CT value was 145.88 ± 53.99 (HU). The SUVmax, SUVmean, BMD, and CT values of the lumbar spine were statistically significantly different among the three groups (F = 24.089, 30.501, 94.847, 30.241, all p < 0.001), and the osteopenic group was significantly lower than the normal group (all p < 0.001), the osteoporosis group was significantly lower than the normal group and the osteopenic group (all p < 0.001). Lumbar SUVmax, SUVmean, and BMD were significantly negatively correlated with age (r = -0.328 to -0.442, all p < 0.05), and positively correlated with body weight and CT value (r = 0.299-0.737, all p < 0.05), but no significant correlation with height (r = 0.006-0.175, all p > 0.05). Lumbar SUVmax and SUVmean increased significantly with the increase of BMD (r = 0.638, 0.632, p < 0.001). The SUV of lumbar spine in 99mTc-MDP bone SPECT/CT was significantly different among subjects with different BMD, and the SUV was positively correlated with BMD. These findings justify that quantitative bone SPECT/CT is an applicable tool for clinical quantification of bone metabolism in osteoporosis patients.

Association between airflow limitation severity and reduced bone mineral density in Japanese men.

IntroductionThis study aimed to assess the association between airflow limitation (AL) severity and reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in Japanese men.Subjects and methodsThis cross-sectional study included 290 subjects aged over 40 years (mean age 72.0, SD 11.6), who underwent a comprehensive health examination, including spirometry and measurement of BMD at the left femoral neck using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), between 2016 and 2017 at Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Health Care Center. AL was defined as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) of <0.7. Reversibility tests were not performed in this study. The criteria used for the AL staging were developed according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) guidelines. The subjects were divided into the following three groups: a control group (normal pulmonary function), GOLD Stage I group (mild AL), and GOLD Stage II-IV group (moderate-to-very severe AL). BMD was classified based on the young adult mean (YAM) as normal (88.6% ≦ YAM [−1 SD ≦]), osteopenia (70% <YAM <88.6% [<- 1 SD and > −2.5 SD]), or osteoporosis (YAM ≦ 70% [≦ −2.5 SD]). Reduced BMD was defined as osteopenia, osteoporosis, or medication used for osteoporosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between AL severity and the reduced BMD.ResultsThe prevalence of reduced BMD in subjects with moderate-to-severe AL (76.2%) was significantly higher than in those without AL (47.9%) (p=0.030). In logistic regression models adjusted for age, body mass index, pack-years, physical activity, and alcohol drinking, the risk of reduced BMD (odds ratio: 3.87; 95% confidence interval: 1.20–12.49; p=0.024) was significantly higher in subjects with moderate-to-severe AL than in those with normal pulmonary function.ConclusionPresent results suggest that reduced BMD is associated with AL severity in Japanese men.

Abl interactor 1: A novel biomarker for osteoporosis in Chinese elderly men

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a high-risk factor of osteoporosis (OP) and osteoporotic fracture (OF). Peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) can give birth to osteoclasts to resorb bone. Herein, we attempted to identify OP susceptible proteins in human PBM and characterize their functions in bone.Employing the label-free quantitative proteomics methodology (Easy-nLC1000 and Q-exactive) and traditional Western Blotting (WB), we discovered and validated that a key protein, i.e. Abl Interactor 1(ABI1), was significantly down-regulated in PBM in Chinese elderly men with extremely low vs. high BMD (n = 18, p < .05), as well as in OF patients vs. non-fractured (NF) subjects (n = 36, p < .05). The above down-regulation tendency was also observed in Chinese elderly women (n = 51, P < .05). For translational purpose, plasma ABI1 protein was assessed by ELISA in Chinese elderly men, which was found significantly down-regulated in OF (n = 20) vs. NF (n = 64) subjects (Mean: 0.41 vs. 1.03 ng/ml, FC = 0.39, p = .039), as well as in low (n = 32) vs. high (n = 32) BMD subjects (Mean: 0.5 vs. 1.57 ng/ml, FC = 0.32,p = .0012). ROC analyses in another independent study sample (n = 75) showed that the plasma ABI1 protein has superior performance in discriminating osteopenia and healthy subjects (AUC = 0.755, 95% CI: 0.632–0.877, p = .001). Follow-up cellular functional studies revealed that ABI1 protein significantly promoted osteoblast growth (optimal concentration 2.0 ng/ml), osteoblastic gene expression (OPN, ALP, COL1A1, p < .05) and osteoblast differentiation.ABI1 protein also significantly attenuated monocyte trans-endothelial migration and osteoclast differentiation and activity.In conclusion, ABI1 is a novel protein biomarker for OP in Chinese elderly. ABI1 protein, via promoting osteoblast growth, differentiation and activity, and attenuating monocyte trans-endothelial migration and osteoclast differentiation, influences BMD variation and fracture risk in humans. SignificancePrevious plentiful studies indicated that protein ABI1 played an essential role in the progression of several malignancies, including hepatoma, colon cancer and epithelial ovarian cancer. However, there was relatively limited understandings regarding its molecular and cellular functions relevant to bone phenotypes. Employing the label-free quantitative proteomics methodology (Easy-nLC1000 and Q-exactive) and traditional Western Blotting (WB), we discovered and validated that ABI1 was significantly down-regulated in PBM in Chinese elderly men with extremely low BMD as well as in OF patients. The down-regulation trend was consistent in plasma samples in Chinese elderly men. Follow-up cellular functional studies revealed that, on the one hand, ABI1 protein significantly promoted osteoblast growth, osteoblastic gene expression and osteoblast differentiation; on the other hand, it also significantly attenuated monocyte trans-endothelial migration and osteoclast differentiation and activity. It suggested that ABI1 is a promising biomarker with translational value.

Long Noncoding RNA Analyses for Osteoporosis Risk in Caucasian Women.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent bone metabolic disease characterized by bone fragility. As a key pathophysiological mechanism, the disease is caused by excessive bone resorption (by osteoclasts) over bone formation (by osteoblasts). Peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) is a major systemic cell model for bone metabolism by serving as progenitors of osteoclasts and producing cytokines important for osteoclastogenesis. Protein-coding genes for osteoporosis have been widely studied by mRNA analyses of PBMs in high versus low hip bone mineral density (BMD) subjects. However, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which account for a large proportion of human transcriptome, have seldom been studied. In this study, microarray analyses of monocytes were performed using Affymetrix exon 1.0 ST arrays in 73 Caucasian females (age: 47-56). LncRNA profile was generated by re-annotating exon array for lncRNAs detection, which yielded 12,007 lncRNAs mapped to the human genome. 575 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between the two groups. In the high BMD subjects, 309 lncRNAs were upregulated and 266 lncRNAs were downregulated (nominally significant, raw p-value < 0.05). To investigate the relationship between mRNAs and lncRNAs, we used two approaches to predict the target genes of lncRNAs and found that 26 candidate lncRNAs might regulate mRNA expression. The majority of these lncRNAs were further validated to be potentially correlated with BMD by GWAS analysis. Overall, our findings for the first time reported the lncRNAs profiles for osteoporosis and suggested the potential regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs on protein-coding genes in bone metabolism.

Prevalence of Low Bone Density and Comorbid Hypogonadism in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis.

Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) are at increased risk of low bone mineral density (BMD), although the prevalence of low BMD in patients with CP in the United States is lacking. We aimed to determine the prevalence of low BMD and identify potential risk factors, including hypogonadism and use of opioid medications, in subjects with CP in the United States. This was a prospective, observational study. Subjects with CP underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan. Blood was assayed for vitamin D, sex hormones, and a metabolic panel. History was obtained for fractures, menopause, hypogonadal symptoms, and opioid medication doses. Low BMD was defined by both World Health Organization and the International Society for Clinical Densitometry criteria. Depending on criteria used, 37% to 55% of our cohort had low BMD. Subjects with low and normal BMD had similar vitamin D levels. Hypogonadism was present in 27% of nonmenopausal subjects and was associated with reduced lumbar spine BMD in subjects 30 years or older. Patients with CP are at increased risk of low BMD, which is likely multifactorial. Hypogonadism, possibly related to opioid pain medications, may be an independent risk factor for low BMD in CP.

Transcriptomic Data Identified Key Transcription Factors for Osteoporosis in Caucasian Women.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent bone metabolic disease, mainly caused by excessive bone resorption (by osteoclasts) over bone formation (by osteoblasts). Identifying the key transcription factors and understanding the regulatory network influencing osteoclastogenesis will be helpful to explore the potential biological mechanism for osteoporosis. In our study, peripheral blood monocyte (PBM) was used as a cell model for bone mineral density (BMD) research. PBMs serve as progenitors of osteoclasts and produce important cytokines for osteoclastogenesis. In our study, via exon arrays, gene expression profiles of PBMs were analyzed between high versus low hip BMD groups. Transcription factors for differentially expressed genes were then predicted based on the enrichment analysis. We found that 591 genes were differentially expressed between the two BMD groups (nominally significant, raw p value < 0.05). For high BMD subjects, 482 genes were up-regulated and 109 genes were down-regulated. We then found 29 potential transcription factors for up-regulated genes and nine transcription factors for down-regulated genes. Among these transcription factors, HMGA1 and NFKB2 were differentially expressed between high versus low BMD groups. In addition, their regulation types with their target genes were consistent with the information from public databases. Our findings of key transcription factors and their target genes for osteoporosis were further validated by GWAS analysis. Overall, we predicted important transcription factors for osteoporosis. We were also able to infer the regulatory mechanism that exists between transcription factors and target genes in bone metabolism.

Higher patient activity level and subchondral stiffening in asymptomatic cam femoroacetabular impingement subjects.

ABSTRACTA cam deformity is proposed as a cause of idiopathic osteoarthritis. Increased subchondral bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with this degenerative process of osteoarthritis, and the patient’s activity level may contribute to it. Therefore, the correlation between activity level and subchondral BMD in subjects with cam deformity FAI was studied. In this study, 26 asymptomatic cam deformity subjects (Bump) were compared with 18 subjects with a normal alpha angle (Control). Anterosuperior subchondral femoral neck and acetabular rim BMD were measured using quantitative computed tomography. Activity level was determined using the UCLA activity score. The correlation between BMD and UCLA activity were analysed. The result was a significantly higher BMD for Bump subjects in almost all measured sections. The UCLA score of the Bump versus Control subjects were comparable (8.96 versus 8.77, P = 0.740). While the controls showed no correlation between UCLA and BMD, a positive correlation was found for the Bump subjects on several femoral and acetabular impingement locations. These results support the conclusion that mechanical loading causes subchondral stiffening at the anterosuperior head–neck junction of the femur and anterosuperior acetabular rim. The absence of a correlation between BMD versus UCLA in the Controls supports the hypothesis that activity level may serve as a predictor for higher subchondral BMD in a cam deformity hip joint.

Plasma gelsolin is associated with hip BMD in Chinese postmenopausal women.

Gelsolin (GSN) protein, expressed in circulating monocytes, was previously reported to be associated with osteoporosis in both Chinese and Caucasian women. This study aims to test if plasma GSN protein level is associated with hip bone mineral density (BMD) in Chinese population. Based on two study Groups containing 6,308 old Chinese, we adopted extreme sampling scheme and selected 3 independent samples (Subgroups 1–3) for discovery, replication, and validation purposes. We tested plasma GSN concentration, and analyzed whether plasma GSN level differs between subjects with extremely low vs. high hip BMD. In Group 1 (N = 1,860), the plasma GSN level increased in the female with low BMD, which was discovered in the Subgroup 1 (N = 42, p = 0.093) and replicated in the Subgroup 2 (N = 39, p = 0.095). With more extreme sampling for the Subgroup 3 from the Group 2 (N = 4,448), the difference of plasma GSN level in the female with low BMD vs. high BMD is more significant (N = 45, p = 0.037). After the subjects were pooled from Subgroups 2 and 3, the difference in plasma GSN between low and high BMD subjects became even more significant (p = 0.016). The plasma GSN level was negatively correlated with total hip BMD (r = -0.26, p = 0.033). We concluded that plasma GSN was associated with hip BMD in Chinese postmenopausal women and plasma GSN might be a potential risk biomarker for osteoporosis.

Association of Plasma Irisin with Bone Mineral Density in a Large Chinese Population Using an Extreme Sampling Design

Irisin, a myokine produced by skeletal muscle in response to physical exercise, promotes trans-differentiation of white adipose tissue into brown adipose tissue. Recent evidences suggested that irisin also plays an important role in the control of bone metabolism. This study aimed to ascertain the relationship between plasma irisin and bone mineral density (BMD) in Chinese population by adoption of an extreme sampling method. Based on a large and screened Chinese elderly population (N = 6308), two subgroups with extremely high and low hip BMD were selected for discovery (N = 80, high vs. low BMD = 44:36) and validation (N = 60, high vs. low BMD = 30:30), respectively. Plasma irisin, P1NP, and β-CTx were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Other metabolic parameters (e.g., blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides) were collected. Student's t test and Spearman correlation analyses were conducted in SPSS. Significant difference was discovered for plasma irisin between females and age-matched males (N = 80, male vs. female = 42:38, P = 0.002). The plasma irisin levels were significantly higher in high BMD subjects than in low BMD subjects, which was observed in both discovery (P = 0.012) and validation samples (P = 0.022). However, such observation was limited to males only. Further correlation analyses in males showed that plasma irisin was correlated with BMD (r = 0.362, P = 0.025) and triglyceride (r = - 0.354, P = 0.032). Plasma irisin levels were associated with hip BMD in Chinese elderly men. This study represented the first effort of investigating the relationship of plasma irisin and BMD in elderly population. The positive correlation between plasma irisin and BMD hints intrinsic communication between muscle and bone.

Anxa2 attenuates osteoblast growth and is associated with hip BMD and osteoporotic fracture in Chinese elderly.

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a risk factor of osteoporotic fracture (OF). Peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) can differentiate into osteoclasts to resorb bone. It was known that PBM-expressed Anxa2 protein is associated with BMD, and extracellular Anxa2 protein promotes osteoclastogenesis. This study aimed to test 1) whether Anxa2 protein level in PBM differs significantly between subjects with OF and without fracture history (NF); 2) whether Anxa2 level in plasma is associated with BMD; 3) how Anxa2 protein at various concentrations would affect osteoblastic activity in vitro. All the study subjects were Chinese Han elderly. Firstly, Anxa2 protein in PBM was identified and quantitated by LC-MS/MS and compared between 45 OF cases and 42 healthy controls. Secondly, plasma Anxa2 protein level was quantitated by ELISA and compared between unrelated subjects with extremely low vs. high hip BMD (0.63±0.10 vs. 1.05±0.10 g/cm2, n = 75). Furthermore, in vitro functional assay was utilized to test the effects of extracellular Anxa2 protein on osteoblastic growth. We found that Anxa2 protein expression in PBM was significantly up-regulated in OF vs. NF subjects (fold change [FC)] = 1.16, P<0.05). Plasma Anxa2 protein concentration (range: 31.69–227.35ng/ml) was significantly elevated in low vs. high BMD subjects (84.85 vs. 66.15ng/ml, FC = 1.28, P<0.05). Cellular dynamical monitoring demonstrated that the general shape of dose-response relationship is the inverse U-shaped curve. Specifically, lower dose of Anxa2 protein may promote osteoblast growth and the optimal concentration for osteoblastic growth was around 50ng/ml, but even higher concentration could attenuate hFOB1.19 osteoprogenitor cell growth. We concluded that Anxa2 protein could attenuate osteoblast growth and be associated with hip BMD and OF in Chinese elderly.

Morphometric changes in lumbar vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs in tandem with diminution in bone mineral density

Background: Morphometry of vertebral body (VB) and intervertebral disc space (IVD) is a reflection of the osseous strength, which primarily depends on the bone mineral density (BMD) and a host of other factors. As an individual ages, the internal hormonal milieu and the BMD undergoes a change. This is a ubiquitous phenomenon that impacts the quality of life and increases morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiologic process that causes changes in the BMD tends to alter the morphology of VB and the adjacent IVD as well. Aim: To correlate the morphological changes in the lumbar VBs and IVDs using MRI with changes in BMD in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 ambulatory adults in the age group 40–70 years were included in the study. The lumbar BMD was measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Morphometry of the VBs and IVDs was performed using 1.5-T MRI, T2-weighted sagittal images and their heights (at various levels) and volumes were measured. Continuous variables were examined by analysis of covariance after correction for height and age. Results: There was no age difference among the subjects of normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Lower BMD was associated with a decrease in anterior, middle, and posterior heights (Ha, Hm, and Hp, respectively) and antero-posterior dimension (AP) of the vertebral body, leading to an increased biconcavity index. With regard to IVD, decrease in BMD was associated with a decline in Ha and Hp and AP dimension and increase in middle height, leading to an increased biconvexity index in both genders. Lower BMD was further associated with an overall decrease in both VB and IVD volume. Conclusion: The change in BMD in subjects with osteopenia and osteoporosis affects the morphology of spinal vertebra and adjacent IVDs and is associated with a decrease in VB and IVD volumes. MRI morphometry correlates well with the BMD measurements.

Relative abundance of mature myostatin rather than total myostatin is negatively associated with bone mineral density in Chinese.

Myostatin is mainly secreted by skeletal muscle and negatively regulates skeletal muscle growth. However, the roles of myostatin on bone metabolism are still largely unknown. Here, we recruited two large populations containing 6308 elderly Chinese and conducted comprehensive statistical analyses to evaluate the associations among lean body mass (LBM), plasma myostatin, and bone mineral density (BMD). Our data revealed that total myostatin in plasma was mainly determined by LBM. The relative abundance of mature myostatin (mature/total) was significantly lower in high versus low BMD subjects. Moreover, the relative abundance of mature myostatin was positively correlated with bone resorption marker. Finally, we carried out in vitro experiments and found that myostatin has inhibitory effects on the proliferation and differentiation of human osteoprogenitor cells. Taken together, our results have demonstrated that the relative abundance of mature myostatin in plasma is negatively associated with BMD, and the underlying functional mechanism for the association is most likely through inhibiting osteoblastogenesis and promoting osteoclastogenesis.