Bone Turnover In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Comparative Effects of Teriparatide and Strontium Ranelate on Bone Biopsies and Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis

We assessed the effects on bone remodeling and histomorphometry after daily subcutaneous injections of teriparatide (n = 39, 20 microg/d) or oral strontium ranelate (SrR, n = 40, 2 g/d) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Evaluable biopsies were obtained from 29 patients in the teriparatide group and 22 in the SrR group after 6 mo of treatment. The mean +/- SD mineralization surfaces as a percent of bone surfaces (MS/BS, %) at the trabecular level were 7.73 +/- 1.48% for teriparatide and 5.25 +/- 1.15% for SrR (p = 0.219) and at the endocortical level were 17.22 +/- 3.06% and 9.70 +/- 2.07%, respectively (p = 0.052). Cortical porosity was 5.40 +/- 0.41% in the teriparatide and 4.14 +/- 0.40% in the SrR group (p = 0.037). Teriparatide induced significant increases from baseline in bone formation and resorption markers, reaching statistical significance for amino-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP) after 1 mo (+57%, p < 0.001). SrR induced small, but statistically significant, reductions from baseline in PINP at 3 (-14%, p = 0.005) and 6 mo (-19%, p < 0.001) and in serum beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (beta-CTX) at 1 and 3 mo (-11%, for both, p < 0.05). There were more patients with adverse events after SrR (70%) than teriparatide (41%) treatment (p = 0.013). In conclusion, the changes in biochemical markers of bone formation confirmed bone-forming activity of teriparatide but not of SrR treatment. The effects of SrR on bone remodeling and cell activity were modest, indicating that its effects on fracture reduction may be predominantly mediated through a different mechanism than that observed with anabolic or more potent antiresorptive agents.

Effects of short-term combined treatment with alendronate and elcatonin on bone mineral density and bone&amp;nbsp;turnover in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

The antiresorptive drug elcatonin (ECT) is known to relieve pain in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. A prospective open-labeled trial was conducted to compare the effects of short-term combined treatment with alendronate (ALN) and ECT on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover with those of single treatment with ALN in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Two hundred and five postmenopausal osteoporotic women (mean age: 70 years) were recruited in our outpatient clinic. Forty-six women with back pain were treated with ALN and ECT (intramuscular, 20 units a week), and 159 women without obvious back pain were treated with ALN alone. The lumbar BMD, urinary levels of cross-linked N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX), and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured during the six-month treatment period. The baseline characteristics, except for age, body weight and number of patients with prevalent vertebral fractures, were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean increase rate in the lumbar BMD at six months was similar in the ALN (+4.41%) and ALN+ECT (+5.15%) groups, following similar reduction rates in urinary NTX levels (-40.2% and -43.0%, respectively, at three months) and serum ALP levels (-19.0% and -19.7%, respectively, at six months). These results were consistent even after adjustments for age, body weight, and number of patients with prevalent vertebral fractures. The present study in postmenopausal osteoporotic women confirmed that the effects of short-term combined treatment with ALN and ECT on lumbar BMD and bone turnover in patients with back pain appeared to be comparable to those of single treatment with ALN in patients without obvious back pain.

Comparison of the Effect of Denosumab and Alendronate on BMD and Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mass: A Randomized, Blinded, Phase 3 Trial

Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits bone resorption by neutralizing RANKL, a key mediator of osteoclast formation, function, and survival. This phase 3, multicenter, doubleblind study compared the efficacy and safety of denosumab with alendronate in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. One thousand one hundred eighty-nine postmenopausal women with a T-score <or= -2.0 at the lumbar spine or total hip were randomized 1:1 to receive subcutaneous denosumab injections (60 mg every 6 mo [Q6M]) plus oral placebo weekly (n = 594) or oral alendronate weekly (70 mg) plus subcutaneous placebo injections Q6M (n = 595). Changes in BMD were assessed at the total hip, femoral neck, trochanter, lumbar spine, and one-third radius at 6 and 12 mo and in bone turnover markers at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Safety was evaluated by monitoring adverse events and laboratory values. At the total hip, denosumab significantly increased BMD compared with alendronate at month 12 (3.5% versus 2.6%; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, significantly greater increases in BMD were observed with denosumab treatment at all measured skeletal sites (12-mo treatment difference: 0.6%, femoral neck; 1.0%, trochanter; 1.1%, lumbar spine; 0.6%, one-third radius; p <or= 0.0002 all sites). Denosumab treatment led to significantly greater reduction of bone turnover markers compared with alendronate therapy. Adverse events and laboratory values were similar for denosumab- and alendronate-treated subjects. Denosumab showed significantly larger gains in BMD and greater reduction in bone turnover markers compared with alendronate. The overall safety profile was similar for both treatments.

Comparison of the Effect of Denosumab and Alendronate on BMD and Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mass: A Randomized, Blinded, Phase 3 Trial

Comparison of the Effect of Denosumab and Alendronate on BMD and Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mass: A Randomized, Blinded, Phase 3 Trial

Effects of Denosumab on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women

Effects of Denosumab on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women

Efficacy and safety of monthly oral ibandronate in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss

Introduction Monthly oral ibandronate has been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and reduce bone turnover in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, but its efficacy has not been investigated in women with low bone mass. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of monthly oral ibandronate (150 mg) treatment in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Methods This 1-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study enrolled ambulatory postmenopausal women aged 45–60 years with baseline lumbar spine (LS) BMD T-score < − 1.0 and > − 2.5 and baseline T-score > − 2.5 at the total hip, trochanter, and femoral neck (collectively defined as the proximal femur) and no prior vertebral or low-trauma osteoporotic fractures at baseline. Subjects received either 150 mg monthly oral ibandronate or placebo. All subjects received calcium and vitamin D supplements. The primary endpoint was the relative change from baseline (%) in mean LS BMD at 1 year (intent-to-treat population). Treatment groups were compared by means of a two-way ANOVA model which adjusted for independent factors including treatment group, baseline LS BMD T-score, and time since menopause. Responder analyses examined the percentage of participants with changes from baseline in LS BMD and proximal femur BMD ≥ 0%. Adverse events and safety laboratory parameters were monitored continuously. Results A total of 77 women received monthly ibandronate and 83 women received placebo. Subjects treated with ibandronate achieved larger increases in LS BMD after 1 year compared with subjects receiving placebo (3.7% vs − 0.4% [difference of 4.1%, p < 0.0001]). After 3 months, median serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen levels were reduced by > 55% in the ibandronate group compared with ∼ 4% in the placebo group. At 1 year, 88.2% of the participants treated with ibandronate achieved increases in LS BMD ≥ 0% compared with 38.6% of subjects receiving placebo. Treatment regimens were well tolerated in both the ibandronate-treated and placebo groups. Conclusion Monthly ibandronate therapy prevents bone loss in postmenopausal women with low bone mass.

Comparison of the Effect of Denosumab and Alendronate on Bone Mineral Density and Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mass: A Randomized, Blinded, Phase 3 Trial

Comparison of the Effect of Denosumab and Alendronate on Bone Mineral Density and Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mass: A Randomized, Blinded, Phase 3 Trial

Relationship among insulinlike growth factor I concentrations, bone mineral density, and biochemical markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women

: To assess the association among serum insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations, bone mineral density (BMD), and biochemical markers of bone turnover in a large group of postmenopausal women from the general population. : As an extension of a larger epidemiological study, the Iranian Multicentral Osteoporosis Study, a total of 406 healthy postmenopausal women (age, 59.0 +/- 7.6 years) were randomly selected from 13 clusters in Bushehr Port. IGF-I, serum CrossLaps, degradation products of C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen, and osteocalcin were measured by highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. BMD was determined for the lumbar spine (L2-4) and proximal femur using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. : The mean (+/- SD) serum IGF-I concentration for all postmenopausal women was 183.35 +/- 65.60 ng/mL. In age-adjusted analyses, there was no correlation between IGF-I and BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Compared with women in the lowest quartile of IGF-I, women in the highest quartile had a significantly greater means of osteocalcin (P = 0.04) and alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.01). Analysis by quartiles of IGF-I did not reveal an association with serum CrossLaps. : Circulating IGF-I is associated with biochemical markers of bone formation, but there is no relationship among IGF-I, degradation products of C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen, and BMD in postmenopausal women. Clearly more work will be needed before serum IGF-I can be used in clinical practice as a risk predictor for postmenopause-associated loss of bone mass.

Denosumab: an investigational drug for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Denosumab (AMG 162) is an investigational fully human monoclonal antibody with a high affinity and specificity for receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), a cytokine member of the tumor necrosis factor family. RANKL, the principal mediator of osteoclastic bone resorption, plays a major role in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis and other skeletal disorders associated with bone loss. Denosumab inhibits the action of RANKL, thereby reducing the differentiation, activity, and survival of osteoclasts, and lowering the rate of bone resorption. Clinical trials have shown that denosumab increases bone mineral density (BMD) and reduces bone turnover in postmenopausal women with low BMD. Studies to evaluate the fracture risk benefit and long-term safety of denosumab in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) are ongoing. Denosumab is a potential treatment for PMO and other skeletal disorders.

Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women Treated for Breast Cancer

Chemotherapy and endocrine treatments for breast cancer are believed to increase risk of osteoporosis by causing early menopause in premenopausal women and by further depleting estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the contributions of 7 predictors (age, body mass index [BMI], family history of osteoporosis, months since menopause, past use of chemotherapy, and current use of tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors) in explaining variability in bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and the spine and bone turnover in 249 postmenopausal women who are breast cancer survivors. This report was an analysis of baseline data from a federally funded (1 R01 NR07743-01A1) intervention study on osteoporosis prevention. Mean age of the women was 58.5 years, and average BMI was 26.7 kg/m; 98% were white. All had measurable bone loss, 167 had chemotherapy, 76 were on tamoxifen, and 21 were on aromatase inhibitors. Women with higher BMI had higher BMD at the hip (P < .001) and the spine (P = .004). Women on tamoxifen had lower measures of bone formation (Alkphase B) (P < .001), suggesting less bone turnover, and higher BMD at the hip (P = .035). There was a trend for women who had received chemotherapy to have lower BMD at the spine (P = .06). The implications of these findings are discussed in the article.

The Effects of Recombinant TSH on Bone Turnover Markers and Serum Osteoprotegerin and RANKL Levels

Recently it was found that thyrotropin (TSH) receptors are present both in osteoclast and osteoblast and that TSH can modulate bone remodeling independent of thyroid hormones. The aim of this study was, firstly, to evaluate the effects of acute administration of TSH on bone remodeling markers both in men and in women and, secondly, to evaluate if these effects are mediated by variations in serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-KB ligand (RANKL). We studied 30 thyroidectomized patients (10 premenopausal and 10 postmenopausal women, 10 men) affected by thyroid carcinoma on l-thyroxine therapy. Eighty age- and sex-matched subjects were used as controls. A blood sample was drawn from each patient at baseline and 3 and 5 days after recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) administration, in preparation for (131)I whole body scan, to assess serum bone markers and serum OPG and RANKL levels. At baseline, postmenopausal women and men had significantly higher values of bone turnover markers and serum OPG compared to control subjects. In all thyroidectomized patients serum RANKL was lower than in controls. After rhTSH administration, serum N-terminal propeptide of type-I procollagen (PINP), a marker of bone formation, increased significantly in postmenopausal women, while serum RANKL significantly increased after 3 days in postmenopausal patients and men returning to baseline values at day 5. Serum OPG levels did not change significantly. The low serum TSH observed in thyroidectomized patients on l-thyroxine therapy is associated with an increase of bone turnover in postmenopausal women and men that is associated with an increase of OPG and a decrease of serum RANKL levels. The acute TSH administration results in an increase of PINP, an index of osteoblastic activity, associated with an increase of serum RANKL. The lack of this response in premenopausal women suggests an influence of estrogen status on bone reactivity to TSH.

Effects of Denosumab on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women

Denosumab is an investigational fully human monoclonal antibody against receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand, a mediator of osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast survival. This study evaluated the ability of denosumab to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and decrease bone turnover markers (BTMs) in early and later postmenopausal women with low BMD. This 2-yr randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in North America. Subjects included 332 postmenopausal women with lumbar spine BMD T-scores between -1.0 and -2.5. SUBJECTS were randomly assigned to receive denosumab sc, 60 mg every 6 months, or placebo. Randomization was stratified by time since onset of menopause (< or =5 yr or > 5 yr). The primary end point was the percent change in lumbar spine BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at 24 months. Additional end points were percent change in volumetric BMD of the distal radius by quantitative computed tomography; percent change in BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for the total hip, one-third radius, and total body; hip structural analysis; percent change in BTMs; and safety. Denosumab significantly increased lumbar spine BMD, compared with placebo at 24 months (6.5 vs. -0.6%; P<0.0001) with similar results for both strata. Denosumab also produced significant increases in BMD at the total hip, one-third radius, and total body (P < 0.0001 vs. placebo); increased distal radius volumetric BMD (P < 0.01); improved hip structural analysis parameters; and significantly suppressed serum C-telopeptide, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b, and intact N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen. The overall incidence of adverse events was similar between both study groups. Twice-yearly denosumab increased BMD and decreased BTMs in early and later postmenopausal women.

Effects of Bazedoxifene on BMD and Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women: 2-Yr Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-, and Active-Controlled Study

Osteoporosis is an increasingly common health concern in postmenopausal women. In a 2-yr phase III study, bazedoxifene prevented bone loss, reduced bone turnover, and was well tolerated in early postmenopausal women with normal or low BMD. Bazedoxifene is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator that has increased BMD and bone strength in experimental models, without stimulating breast or uterus. This 24-mo, randomized, double-blind study assessed the efficacy and safety of three doses of bazedoxifene compared with placebo and raloxifene in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Healthy postmenopausal women with a BMD T-score at the lumbar spine or femoral neck between -1.0 and -2.5 or clinical risk factors for osteoporosis were randomly assigned to one of five groups: bazedoxifene 10, 20, or 40 mg/d, placebo, or raloxifene 60 mg/d. All women received elemental calcium. Efficacy outcomes included changes from baseline through 24 mo in BMD of the lumbar spine, hip, femoral neck, and femoral trochanter and biomarkers of bone metabolism. The intent-to-treat population included 1434 women (mean age, 58 yr; mean time from last menstrual period, 11 yr). All doses of bazedoxifene and raloxifene prevented bone loss, whereas in the placebo group, there was significant loss of BMD at all skeletal sites. Mean differences in percent change in lumbar spine BMD from baseline to 24 mo relative to placebo were 1.08 +/- 0.28%, 1.41 +/- 0.28%, 1.49 +/- 0.28%, and 1.49 +/- 0.28% for 10, 20, and 40 mg bazedoxifene and 60 mg raloxifene, respectively (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Comparable BMD responses were observed at other body sites. Significant and comparable decreases in serum osteocalcin and C-telopeptide levels from baseline and relative to placebo with active treatment were observed as early as 3 mo and were sustained through study conclusion (p < 0.001). Overall incidences of adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuations caused by adverse events were similar between groups. The most common adverse events included headache, infection, arthralgia, pain, hot flush, and back pain. Treatment with bazedoxifene prevented bone loss and reduced bone turnover equally as well as raloxifene and was generally well tolerated in postmenopausal women with normal/low BMD.

Reduced bone mass and increased bone turnover in postmenopausal women with epilepsy using antiepileptic drug monotherapy

Objectives. The aims of this study were to assess the occurrence of osteoporosis and fracture rate in Norwegian postmenopausal women with epilepsy using antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and to investigate how AEDs may affect bone health. Material and methods. Twenty‐six female patients receiving AED monotherapy and 26 individually matched healthy controls answered questions about their general health, lifestyle and previous fractures. For both groups, bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DEXA, and serum samples were analysed for biochemical bone turnover markers and haematological parameters. Results. The patients, particularly those treated with enzyme‐inducing AEDs, had significantly lower BMD than the controls. Additionally, 62 % of the women with epilepsy had osteoporotic T‐values in one or more regions, compared with 27 % in the control group. There was a non‐significant tendency towards an increased fracture rate among the patients. Markers for bone formation (ALP, bALP, osteocalcin) and bone resorption (Crosslaps) were elevated in the patient group compared with the controls. Conclusions. Compared with the healthy controls, we found an increased occurrence of osteoporosis, probably due to increased bone turnover, among Norwegian postmenopausal women with epilepsy undergoing AED monotherapy, which may render these women especially vulnerable to fractures.

Influence of the selective oestrogen receptor modulator (raloxifene hydrochloride) on IL-6, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1 and bone turnover markers in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis that is encountered frequently in postmenopausal women, may cause an increased incidence of vertebral and iliac fractures that are associated with excess morbidity. Raloxifene hydrochloride, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, has been shown to increase bone mineral density and decrease biochemical markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women, without stimulatory effects on breast or uterus. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, and TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 which are important cytokines involved in remodeling, have been evaluated previously in in vitro studies of osteoporosis. However, there seems to be a paucity of in vivo research concerned with changes in these cytokines in osteoporosis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of raloxifene (Evista); Lilly Pharmaceutical Co. USA, 60 mg/day) on biochemical bone turnover markers, serum parathyroid hormone, and 25-OH vitamin D, as well as the serum levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1, in 22 postmenopausal, osteoporotic women before and after 12 weeks of raloxifene treatment. Well-matched, postmenopausal, non-osteoporotic control subjects were also enrolled in the study. Serum levels of all the parameters were measured in postmenopausal, osteoporotic women at baseline and end of the study. It was found that serum osteocalcin and parathyroid hormone, and urine deoxypyridinoline levels decreased to normal levels with treatment. Serum 25-OH vitamin D levels after treatment in the patient group were higher than those in the control group. Serum IL-6, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 levels did not change significantly with treatment. However, serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-beta1 in the patient group after treatment, decreased to levels lower than those found in the control group. Serum TNF-alpha levels in the patient group before and after treatment, were lower than those in the control group. Raloxifene treatment reduces bone turnover biochemical markers, parathyroid hormone and induces 25-OH vitamin D in postmenopausal women. Moreover, it also affects some serum cytokine levels in the postmenopausal period.

Hospital based preliminary study on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

The awareness of osteoporosis has grown world wide in recent years. This silently progressing metabolic bone disease is widely prevalent in India, and osteoporotic fractures are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in adult Indian men and women. Rapid bone loss occurs in postmenopausal women due to hormonal factors which lead to increased risk of fractures. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism are used to assess skeletal turnover. A cross-sectional study of 150 pre- and post menopausal women was carried out at S.D.M College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, during the period of May 2005 to September 2005. The study group consisted of 75 Premenopausal women in the age group of 25-45 years and 75 Postmenopausal women in the age group of 46-65 years. Bone formation markers (Total Calcium, lonised calcium, Phosphorus, Alkaline phosphatase), and bone resorption markers (Urinary Hydroxyproline) were analysed in pre and post menopausal women. Bone formation markers, Total and lonised calcium were significantly decreased (p<0.001) and Alkaline phosphatase was significantly increased (p<0.001) in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women. Bone resorption markers, Urinary hydroxyproline excretion was significantly increased (p<0.001) in postmenopausal women. The results from this study suggest that simple, easy, common biochemical markers can still be used to assess the bone turnover in postmenopausal women and hence their risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures.

Effect of phylloquinone supplementation on biochemical markers of vitamin K status and bone turnover in postmenopausal women

While current intakes of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) in many populations are believed to be sufficient to maintain normal blood coagulation, these may be insufficient to cover the requirements for optimal bone metabolism. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of increasing phylloquinone intakes above the usual dietary intake for 6 weeks on biochemical markers of vitamin K status and bone turnover in postmenopausal women. Thirty-one postmenopausal women completed this 3 x 6-week randomised cross-over study, in which volunteers were supplemented with 0 (placebo), 200, and 500 microg phylloquinone/d. In addition, the volunteers were given 10 microg vitamin D3/d throughout the study period. With increasing phylloquinone intake, the concentration of serum gamma-carboxylated and under-gamma-carboxylated osteocalcin was significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.001). Mean serum phylloquinone concentration was significantly (P < 0.001) higher with daily supplementation with 500 microg phylloquinone/d compared with that during either of the placebo or 200 microg phylloquinone/d supplementation periods, which did not differ (P = 0.15). Serum total osteocalcin was significantly (P < 0.001) increased in response to daily supplementation with 500 (but not 200) microg phylloquinone compared with placebo. Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase as well as the urinary markers of bone resorption (N-telopeptide cross-links of collagen, pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline) and urinary gamma-carboxyglutamate were unaffected by phylloquinone supplementation. In conclusion, while daily supplementation with 200 and 500 microg phylloquinone/d for 6 weeks increased vitamin K status in postmenopausal women, it had no effect on bone turnover.

Effects of oligofructose-enriched inulin on intestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women.

Deficiency of oestrogen at menopause decreases intestinal Ca absorption, contributing to a negative Ca balance and bone loss. Mg deficiency has also been associated with bone loss. The purpose of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that treatment with a spray-dried mixture of chicory oligofructose and long-chain inulin (Synergy1; SYN1) would increase the absorption of both Ca and Mg and alter markers of bone turnover. Fifteen postmenopausal women (72.2 (SD 6.4) years) were treated with SYN1 or placebo for 6 weeks using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Fractional Ca and Mg absorption were measured using dual-tracer stable isotopes before and after treatment. Bone turnover markers were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks. Fractional absorption of Ca and Mg increased following SYN1 compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Bone resorption (by urinary deoxypyridinoline cross-links) was greater than baseline at 6 weeks of active treatment (P < 0.05). Bone formation (by serum osteocalcin) showed an upward trend at 3 weeks and an increase following 6 weeks of SYN1 (P < 0.05). Closer examination revealed a variation in response, with two-thirds of the subjects showing increased absorption with SYN1. Post hoc analyses demonstrated that positive responders had significantly lower lumbar spine bone mineral density than non-responders (dual X-ray absorptiometry 0.887 +/- 0.102 v. 1.104 +/- 0.121 g/cm2; P < 0.01), and changes in bone turnover markers occurred only in responders. These results suggest that 6 weeks of SYN1 can improve mineral absorption and impact markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women. Further research is needed to determine why a greater response was found in women with lower initial spine bone mineral density.

Comparative effects of antiresorptive agents on bone mineral density and bone turnover in postmenopausal women

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common clinical entity; its complications represent a significant burden to society. In recent years the choice of therapies available for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis has increased dramatically. There are a number of antiresorptive agents currently available including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), bisphosphonates, and dual action bone agents. It is difficult to truly compare these therapies given the lack of direct head-to head studies. The efficacy of antiresorptive therapies can be assessed in a number of ways including measurement of bone mineral density (BMD), assessment of bone turnover markers, and fracture reduction. Other important factors include ease of administration and consequent patient compliance. This article reviews the currently available antiresorptive agents and their effects on the above outcome measures.

Quantitative ultrasound is better correlated with bone mineral density and biochemical bone markers in elderly women

The association between quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and bone turnover in postmenopausal women of different ages is an area of continuous investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of ultrasound parameters [broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and speed of sound (SOS)] to bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in three age groups of postmenopausal women. One hundred and twenty-three postmenopausal Caucasian women were divided into three groups according to their age: group A, range 44-54 years, mean age (+/-SD) 48.3 +/- 2.3; group B, range 55-65 years, mean age 59.4 +/- 2.1; and group C, range 66-77 years, mean age 68.2 +/- 3.1. Ultrasound parameters were measured by the DTU-one imaging ultrasonometer in the calcaneus. BMD was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and trochanter. Bone turnover was assessed by serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), urinary excretion of free deoxypyridinoline, N-telopeptides (NTX), and C-telopeptide breakdown products of type I collagen (CTX). QUS and BMD were significantly correlated in all sites, except hip BMD in group A. The most significant correlation was observed between BUA and femoral neck BMD in group C (r = 0.626, p < 0.01). BUA correlated significantly with BAP, NTX, and CTX (r = -0.434, -0.511, -0.478, respectively; p < 0.01), and SOS with BAP and NTX (r = -0.351 and -0.356, respectively; p < 0.05) only in group C. In groups A and B, ultrasound parameters did not correlate significantly to biochemical markers. Ultrasound parameters were better correlated to hip BMD and to biochemical markers of bone turnover in elderly postmenopausal women. These ultrasound measurements could be used as a screening test for bone status, either in nonambulatory third aged women or in those living in rural areas where attending medical centers with DEXA equipment and biochemical laboratories is difficult.