Collagen Telopeptide Research Articles

Effect of Telopeptides in Collagen on the Behavior of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells In Vitro

Effect of Telopeptides in Collagen on the Behavior of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells In Vitro

Bmpr1aa modulates the severity of the skeletal phenotype in an fkbp10-deficient Bruck syndrome zebrafish model.

Rare monogenic disorders often exhibit significant phenotypic variability among individuals sharing identical genetic mutations. Bruck syndrome (BS), a prime example, is characterized by bone fragility and congenital contractures, although with a pronounced variability among family members. BS arises from recessive biallelic mutations in FKBP10 or PLOD2. FKBP65, the protein encoded by FKBP10, collaborates with the LH2 enzyme (PLOD2) in type I collagen telopeptide lysine hydroxylation, crucial for collagen cross-linking. To identify potential modifier genes and to investigate the mechanistic role of FKBP10 in BS pathogenesis, we established an fkbp10a knockout zebrafish model. Mass-spectrometry analysis in fkbp10a-/- mutants revealed a generally decreased type I collagen lysyl hydroxylation, paralleled by a wide skeletal variability similar to human patients. Ultrastructural examination of the skeleton in severely affected mutants showed enlarged type I collagen fibrils and disturbed elastin layers. Whole-exome sequencing of 7 mildly and 7 severely affected mutant zebrafish siblings, followed by SNP-based linkage analysis, indicated a linked region on chromosome 13, which segregates with phenotypic severity. Transcriptome analysis identified six differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between mildly and severely affected mutants. The convergence of genes within the linked region and DEGs highlighted bmpr1aa as a potential modifier gene, as its reduced expression correlates with increased skeletal severity. In summary, our study provides deeper insights into the role of FKBP10 in BS pathogenesis. Additionally, we identified a pivotal gene that influences phenotypic severity in a zebrafish model of BS. These findings hold promise for novel treatments in the field of bone diseases.

Improvement of Bone Metabolism in Prepubertal Girls with Turner Syndrome Following Long-term Pegylated Growth Hormone Treatment.

The study aims to assess the improvement in bone metabolism in prepubertal girls with Turner Syndrome (TS) after long-term polyethylene glycol recombinant human Growth Hormone (PEG-rhGH) treatment. A 12-month longitudinal prospective study was conducted with 28 prepubertal girls diagnosed with TS. Participants were divided into two groups: 18 received PEG-rhGH therapy (0.1-0.25 mg/kg/week) and 10 did not. Anthropometric measurements, bone turnover markers (BTMs), and serum levels of IGF-1, calcium, and phosphate were collected at baseline and after 12 months. BTMs included bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), Type I collagen propeptide (CICP), Type I collagen telopeptide (CTX), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). After 12 months of PEG-rhGH therapy, the treatment group showed significant increases in growth velocity (GV) and height standard deviation scores (HtSDS). Serum IGF-1 levels increased rapidly within one month and remained elevated. BTMs indicated enhanced bone formation, significantly increasing BAP and CICP, while CTX levels remained low. FGF23 levels initially rose slightly but declined below baseline by 12 months. Elevated blood phosphate levels were observed. PEG-rhGH therapy in children with TS significantly improves linear growth and enhances bone formation markers, benefiting bone metabolism.

A-050 Reference Intervals for Plasma Concentrations of C-Terminal Telopeptide of Type-I Collagen (CTX) for Greek Adult Population

Abstract Background CTX assays measure a fragment of the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen released during resorption of mature bone. To adequately interpret CTX results, method-specific and population specific reference intervals are needed. We aimed to determine reference intervals for plasma concentrations of CTX. Methods We collected samples from 431 apparently healthy Greeks (140 men as well as 150 pre- and 139 postmenopausal women), who volunteered to participate in our study. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, medical histories and medications were collected and subjects with conditions or receiving medications that affecting bone metabolism were excluded. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) in all participants. All blood collections were performed in the morning after overnight fast. Plasma EDTA samples were used for the measurement of CTX. Measurements were performed by an automated chemiluminescent immunoassay on the Maglumi-X3 analyzer (Snibe, Shenzhen, China). The reference interval was defined as the central 95% range and determined according to CLSI guide C28-A3 using the MedCalc Software. Results The table summarizes our results. The mean age of men, pre- and post-menopausal women were 50.7, 40,7 and 58.4 years respectively. DXA results revealed that 348 participants had normal BMD, 74 HAD osteopenia and 9 had osteoporosis which excluded from analysis. Since our data were not normally distributed (Shapiro-Wilk test) in any group and after the exclusion of outliers (Tukey test), we used the non-parametric method suggested by the CLSI guide to determine the reference intervals. Multiple regression analysis also revealed that sex menopausal status and BMD were factors affecting CTX values. Conclusions We provide reference intervals for the determination of CTX concentrations in EDTA-plasma for the Greek adult population using an automated immunoassay. Our data may aid to interpret bone turnover in the Greek adult population.

A-049 Effect of Supplementation With Prebiotics on Levels of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D and on Biomarkers of Bone Remodelling-Results From the OSTEOME Clinical Trial

Abstract Background It is proven that intestinal microbes regulate bone metabolism and can affect the quality of the bone. Prebiotics contain no microorganisms, only substances stimulating their growth. Moreover, flavonoids and catechines are transformed by the microbes into bioactive compounds and polyphenols can modify the microflora composition. OSTEOME is a randomized double-blinded clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of dietary supplements enriched with prebiotics, in advancing the role of gut microbiota in bone remodelling. We present the effect of supplementation with prebiotics on the serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) and on levels bone markers Osteocalcin (OCN), and C-Terminal Telopeptide of Type-I Collagen (CTX). Methods We enrolled 120 postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Participants were randomized into three groups of 40-participants. Group-A received a supplement containing 600mg calcium citrate and 2400IUof vitamin D3 only, group-B received a supplement additionally containing flavonoids (120mg Naringin and 120mg Hesperidine) and group-C received additionally prebiotic oligosaccharides (2000mg fructooligosaccharides and acacia gum). Blood collections were performed at baseline and at 3, 6 and 9 months for the measurement of bone remodelling biomarkers. Levels of serum Calcium (sCa), 25OHD, as well as levels bone markers OCN, and CTX were measured at all timepoints of follow-up. Results The mean age of group-A, group-B and group-C participants was 60.72(+8.08), 62.37(+7.70) and 62.09(+7.09) (p=NS), and the mean BMIs were 25.35(+3.96), 25.89(+3.80) and 26.25(+4.56) (p=NS). All women were osteopenic as mean total hip T-score was -1.282(+0.617), -1.193(+0.659) and -1.273(+0.573) at baseline for all three groups respectively. The results of OCN, CTX and 25OHD are shown in the table. Conclusions Only patients in group-C showed significant changes in CTX and 25OHD at 9-months, and OCN at 6- and 9-months. Addition of prebiotics to supplements might improve the vitamin D absorption from the gut and give positive balance to biomarkers of bone metabolism.

Urinary proteomic signature of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism by spironolactone: evidence from the HOMAGE trial

ObjectiveHeart failure (HF) is characterised by collagen deposition. Urinary proteomic profiling (UPP) followed by peptide sequencing identifies parental proteins, for over 70% derived from collagens. This study aimed to refine...

Surface Modification of Dentin Powder With Alginate and Evaluation of Its Effects on the Viability and Proliferation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells (In Vitro), Its Biocompatibility (In Vivo)

IntroductionThis study aimed to synthesize dentin powder surface modified with alginate, a potential substance for dental pulp regeneration, and evaluate its effects on the viability and proliferation of human dental pulp stem cells in vitro and its biocompatibility in vivo. MethodsIn the in vitro phase, dentin powder was synthesized in 3 size groups (150–250 μm, 250–500 μm, and 500–1000 μm) after demineralization and atelopeptidization which is used to remove dentin collagen telopeptides and eliminate host immune response. Surface modification with alginate was performed and followed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and cell viability and proliferation testing for 14 days with human dental pulp stem cells studied. In the in vivo phase, dentin powders were implanted in rat calvarial defects for 8 weeks, and histologic analysis was conducted. All nonparametric data were analyzed with the Kruskal–Wallis test, and all the quantitative data were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance using SPSS, and P < .05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsDemineralization and atelopeptidization were successful in all groups. Cell viability was optimal and equal (P > .05) in all groups. The 500- to 1000-μm group exhibited significantly higher cell proliferation (P < .05). Histologic assessment shows acceptable biocompatibility in all groups; the angiogenesis score was significantly greater in both 250–500 and 500–1000, and minimal inflammatory response was noted in the 500- to 1000-μm group, and the amount of newly formed bone in this group was higher than other groups. ConclusionsSurface modification of demineralized and atelopeptidized dentin powder with alginate enhanced surface physical properties and cell proliferation while showing great biocompatibility within tissue and reducing the host immune response. These findings hold promise for dentin-pulp complex regeneration.

Loss of the long form of Plod2 phenocopies contractures of Bruck syndrome-osteogenesis imperfecta.

Bruck syndrome is an autosomal recessive form of osteogenesis imperfecta caused by biallelic variants in PLOD2 or FKBP10 and is characterized by joint contractures, bone fragility, short stature, and scoliosis. PLOD2 encodes LH2, which hydroxylates type I collagen telopeptide lysines, a critical step for collagen crosslinking. The Plod2 global knockout mouse model is limited by early embryonic lethality, and thus, the role of PLOD2 in skeletogenesis is not well understood. We generated a novel Plod2 mouse line modeling a variant identified in two unrelated individuals with Bruck syndrome: PLOD2 c.1559dupC, predicting a frameshift and loss of the long isoform LH2b. In the mouse, the duplication led to loss of LH2b mRNA as well as significantly reduced total LH2 protein. This model, Plod2fs/fs, survived up to E18.5 although in non-Mendelian genotype frequencies. The homozygous frameshift model recapitulated the joint contractures seen in Bruck syndrome and had indications of absent type I collagen telopeptide lysine hydroxylation in bone. Genetically labeling tendons with Scleraxis-GFP in Plod2fs/fs mice revealed the loss of extensor tendons in the forelimb by E18.5, and developmental studies showed extensor tendons developed through E14.5 but were absent starting at E16.5. Second harmonic generation showed abnormal tendon type I collagen fiber organization, suggesting structurally abnormal tendons. Characterization of the skeleton by μCT and Raman spectroscopy showed normal bone mineralization levels. This work highlights the importance of properly crosslinked type I collagen in tendon and bone, providing a promising new mouse model to further our understanding of Bruck syndrome.

Retrospective Evaluation of Bone Turnover Markers in Serum for the Prediction of Metastases Development in Breast Cancer Patients: A Cohort Study.

Serum bone turnover markers might play a role in the prediction of the development of bone metastases in breast cancer (BC) patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to address the association of serum bone turnover markers with oncologic outcomes. We included 80 women with BC, who were operated on at the Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Homburg/Saar, Germany. Serum samples were obtained prior to surgery and were used for estimation of the concentration of tumor and bone turnover markers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA). At baseline, pyridinoline cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type-1 collagen (ICTP) concentrations were higher in nodal positive vs. negative tumors (Mann-Whitney test p = 0.04). After a median follow-up of 79.4 months, 17 patients developed metastases, with 9 demonstrating, among other organs, osseous metastases. ICTP demonstrated the best area under the curve in the predection of osseous metastases in our cohort (AUC = 0.740, DeLong Test p = 0.005). Univariable Cox proportional hazard models failed to demonstrate significant associations between serum bone turnover markers and oncologic outcomes (progression-free survival, overall survival). Serum bone turnover markers (e.g., ICTP) were able to predict the development of osseous metastases but were not associated with oncologic outcomes. Further investigation and validation are required for the use of such markers in clinical practice.

Enhancing the inhibition of dental erosion and abrasion with quercetin-encapsulated hollow mesoporous silica nanocomposites.

Introduction: Dental erosion and abrasion pose significant clinical challenges, often leading to exposed dentinal tubules and dentine demineralization. The aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of quercetin-encapsulated hollow mesoporous silica nanocomposites (Q@HMSNs) on the prevention of dentine erosion and abrasion. Method: Q@HMSNs were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their biocompatibility. A total of 130 dentine specimens (2mm × 2mm × 2mm) were prepared and randomly distributed into 5 treatment groups (n = 26): DW (deionized water, negative control), NaF (12.3mg/mL sodium fluoride, positive control), Q (300μg/mL quercetin), HMSN (5.0mg/mL HMSNs), and Q@HMSN (5.0mg/mL Q@HMSNs). All groups were submitted to in vitro erosive (4 cycles/d) and abrasive (2 cycles/d) challenges for 7days. The specimens in the DW, NaF, and Q groups were immersed in the respective solutions for 2min, while treatment was performed for 30s in the HMSN and Q@HMSN groups. Subsequently, the specimens were subjected to additional daily erosion/abrasion cycles for another 7days. The effects of the materials on dentinal tubule occlusion and demineralized organic matrix (DOM) preservation were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The penetration depth of rhodamine B fluorescein into the etched dentine was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The erosive dentine loss (EDL) and release of type I collagen telopeptide (ICTP) were measured. The data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results: Q@HMSNs were successfully synthesized and showed minimal toxicity to human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) and gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Q@HMSNs effectively occluded the dentinal tubules, resulting in a thicker DOM in the Q@HMSN group. The CLSM images showed more superficial penetration in the HMSN and Q@HMSN groups than in the quercetin, NaF, and DW groups. The Q@HMSN group exhibited a significantly lower EDL and reduced ICTP levels compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Q@HMSNs hold promise for inhibiting dentine erosion and abrasion by promoting tubule occlusion and DOM preservation.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation or fortification on bone turnover markers in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Vitamin D is a vital indicator of musculoskeletal health, as it plays an important role through the regulation of bone and mineral metabolism. This meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation/fortification on bone turnover markers in women. All human randomised clinical trials reported changes in bone resorption markers (serum C-terminal telopeptide of type-I collagen (sCTX) and urinary type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (uNTX)) or bone formation factors (osteocalcin (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and procollagen type-1 intact N-terminal propeptide (P1NP)) following vitamin D administration in women (aged ≥ 18 years) were considered. Mean differences (MD) and their respective 95 % CI were calculated based on fixed or random effects models according to the heterogeneity status. Subgroup analyses, meta-regression models, sensitivity analysis, risk of bias, publication bias and the quality of the included studies were also evaluated. We found that vitamin D supplementation had considerable effect on sCTX (MD: -0·038, n 22) and OC (MD: -0·610, n 24) with high heterogeneity and uNTX (MD: -8·188, n 6) without heterogeneity. Our results showed that age, sample size, dose, duration, baseline vitamin D level, study region and quality of studies might be sources of heterogeneity in this meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis also revealed significant reductions in P1NP level in dose less than 600 μg/d and larger study sample size (>100 participants). Moreover, no significant change was found in BALP level. Vitamin D supplementation/fortification significantly reduced bone resorption markers in women. However, results were inconsistent for bone formation markers.

The difficulties of diagnosing and determining the tactics of treating osteoporosis in severe spinal scoliosis case

A female patient with early surgical menopause and severe S-shaped scoliosis was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the place of residence and treated with a bisphosphonate (zoledronic acid). Despite the deformity of the spine and chest, the patient had no complaints until recently and led an active lifestyle. During X-ray densitometry at the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, in particular when examining the lumbar spine, there were difficulties with positioning the patient for correct scanning of the area of interest and, as a result, obtaining information about the true state of trabecular bone tissue. Bone mineral density (BMD) in the proximal femur was consistent with osteopenia. Additional laboratory and instrumental parameters, such as biochemical markers of bone remodelling (osteocalcin and C-terminal type 1 collagen telopeptide) and trabecular bone score (TBS), also did not allow to precise the risk of fractures and make an unambiguous conclusion about the necessity of continuing antiresorptive therapy. Given the low BMD values in lumbar spine (T-score -4.8 SD) and the possibility of developing vertebral compression fractures as a result of minimal trauma with further chest deformity progression and vital organs failure, it was decided to continue treatment with zoledronic acid. Further therapeutic tactics will be determined after the next scheduled examination in 1 year.

The Use of Bone-Turnover Markers in Asia-Pacific Populations.

Bone-turnover marker (BTM) measurements in the blood or urine reflect the bone-remodeling rate and may be useful for studying and clinically managing metabolic bone diseases. Substantial evidence supporting the diagnostic use of BTMs has accumulated in recent years, together with the publication of several guidelines. Most clinical trials and observational and reference-interval studies have been performed in the Northern Hemisphere and have mainly involved Caucasian populations. This review focuses on the available data for populations from the Asia-Pacific region and offers guidance for using BTMs as diagnostic biomarkers in these populations. The procollagen I N-terminal propeptide and β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptide of type-I collagen (measured in plasma) are reference BTMs used for investigating osteoporosis in clinical settings. Premenopausal reference intervals (established for use with Asia-Pacific populations) and reference change values and treatment targets (used to monitor osteoporosis treatment) help guide the management of osteoporosis. Measuring BTMs that are not affected by renal failure, such as the bone-specific isoenzyme alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, may be advantageous for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Further studies of the use of BTMs in individuals with metabolic bone disease, coupled with the harmonization of commercial assays to provide equivalent results, will further enhance their clinical applications.

Self-assembled peptide P11-4 interacts with the type I collagen C-terminal telopeptide domain and calcium ions.

Evaluate molecularly the role of P11-4 self-assembly peptide in dentin remineralization and its interaction with collagen I. The calcium-responsive P11-4 peptide was analyzed by intrinsic fluorescence emission spectrum, circular dichroism spectrum (CD), and atomic force microscope (AFM). Differential light scattering was used to monitor the nucleation growth rate of calcium phosphate nanocrystals in the absence or in the presence of P11-4. AFM was used to analyze the radial size (nm) of calcium phosphate nanocrystals formed in the absence or in the presence of P11-4, as well as to verify the spatial structure of P11-4 in the absence or in the presence of Ca2+. The interaction of Ca2+ with the P11-4 (KD = 0.58±0.06mM) promotes the formation of β-sheet antiparallel structure, leads to its precipitation in saturated solutions of Ca/P=1.67 and induces the formation of parallel large fibrils (0.6 - 1.5µm). P11-4 organized the HAP nucleation by reducing both the growth rate and size variability of nanocrystals, analyzed by the F test (p<0.0001, N=30). P11-4 interacts (KD = 0.75±0.06μM) with the KGHRGFSGL motif present at the C-terminal collagen telopeptide domain. P11-4 also increased the amount of HAP and collagen in the MDPC-23 cells. The presented data propose a mechanism that will help future clinical and/or basic research to better understand a molecule able to inhibit structural collagen loss and help the impaired tissue to remineralize.

Microcystin-leucine-arginine impairs bone microstructure and biomechanics by activating osteoimmune response and inhibiting osteoblasts maturation in developing rats

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) affects bone health in adult mice via osteo-immunomodulation. However, its effect on osteoblasts and bone development is unclear. This study investigated the effect of MC-LR on bone osteoimmune and osteoblasts in the developing period. 18 Four-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups (n = 9 per group) and exposed to 0 (control) and 1 μg/kg b.w. MC-LR (exposure) by intraperitoneal injection for four weeks. The heart blood was collected for serological examination, and the femur for morphological, histopathological, and biomechanical analysis. MC-LR exposure significantly weakened bone microstructures (bone volume, bone volume/total volume, bone trabecular number, connectivity density) and biomechanics (maximum loads and maximum deflection) (P < 0.05). Besides, MC-LR decreased serum procollagen type І car-boxy-terminal propeptide, osteocalcin, bone morphogenetic protein-2, osteoprotegerin, and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand, while elevating osteoclasts number, matrix metalloproteinase-9, β-catenin, Runt-related transcription factor 2, and osterix in bone, and bone alkaline phosphate, C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type-I collagen, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b in serum (P < 0.05). Moreover, MC-LR increased CD4+ T-cells, CD4+/CD8+, M1 and M2 macrophages, and cells apoptosis in the bone marrow, interleukin-6, interleukin-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α in serum, decreased serum interleukin-10 (P < 0.05). Overall, MC-LR can promote bone resorption by activating osteoclasts via osteoimmunology, which may involve macrophages besides lymphocytes. MC-LR may inhibit bone formation by stopping the osteoblasts at an immature stage. Thus, MC-LR weakened bone microstructure and biomechanics in developing period. Its risk on bone development needs further study.

Assessment of muscle mass and bone density in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus depending on the level of glycated hemoglobin

Aim to assess the prevalence of low muscle mass and low bone density in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), depending on the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).&#x0D; Material and methods.The study included 187 patients (mean age 65.16 4.31 years), who were tested for fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), C-terminal type I collagen telopeptides (B-CTX), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, body composition and bone mineral density.&#x0D; Results.The prevalence of low muscle mass, osteopenia, and osteoporosis in elderly patients with T2DM was 35.8%, 38.5%, and 30.5%, respectively. The prevalence of low muscle mass was significantly higher in women with HbA1c 9.0% (p =0.035). Osteopenia and osteoporosis prevailed in men with HbA1c 9.0% (p=0.007 and p=0.048, respectively). The appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, BMC and BMD of the thigh were significantly reduced in the osteoporosis and osteopenia groups (p0.05); while B-CTX, P1NP were significantly increased. In men, both ASMI (p=0.007) and P1NP levels (p=0.001) were important risk factors for osteopenia/osteoporosis, and in women such risk factor was ASMI (p=0.019).&#x0D; Conclusion.In T2DM patients, the high HbA1c levels were associated with higher rates of low muscle mass in women and osteoporosis in men, and ASMI was a risk factor for osteoporosis in both sexes.

Health-related quality of life of men with primary osteoporosis and its changes after bisphosphonates treatment

IntroductionOsteoporosis leads to more serious consequences in men than in women, but less is known about its impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of men, and whether the anti-osteoporosis treatment can improve HRQoL of men with osteopenia/osteoprosis.MethodsWe enrolled men with primary osteoporosis and age-matched healthy controls. We collected medical history, serum levels of carboxyl-terminal type I collagen telopeptide, procollagen type I propeptides, and bone mineral density of patients. All patients and controls completed the short-form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires. Changes in HRQoL of osteopenia/osteoporosis men were prospectively evaluated after alendronate or zoledronic acid treatment.ResultsA total of 100 men with primary osteoporosis or osteopenia and 100 healthy men were included. The patients were divided into three subgroups: osteopenia (n = 35), osteoporosis (n = 39) and severe osteoporosis (n = 26). Men with osteoporosis or severe osteoporosis had impaired HRQoL in domains of physical health compared to healthy controls. HRQoL scores in physical health related domains of patients with severe osteoporosis were significantly lower compared to healthy controls, and were the poorest among the three subgroups of patients. Fragility fracture history was correlated with lower SF-36 scores about physical health. In 34 men with newly diagnosed osteoporosis receiving bisphosphonates treatment, HRQoL scores were significantly improved in domains of physical health after treatments.ConclusionsThe HRQoL is significantly impaired in men with osteoporosis, and the more severe the osteoporosis, the poorer the HRQoL. Fragility fracture is an important influencing factor of deteriorated HRQoL. Bisphosphonates treatment is beneficial to improve HRQoL of osteopenia/osteoporosis men.

Impact of Ultrasonication on the Self-Assembly Behavior and Gel Properties of Bovine Bone Collagen I.

This study deliberated the effect of ultrasonic treatment on collagen self-assembly behavior and collagen fibril gel properties. Bovine bone collagen I which had undergone ultrasonic treatment with different power (0-400 W) and duration (0-60 min) was analyzed. SDS-PAGE and spectroscopic analysis revealed that ultrasonic treatment decreased collagen molecular order degree and the number of hydrogen bonds, stretching collagen telopeptide regions while maintaining the integrity of the collagen triple-helical structure. Ultrasonic treatment (p ≤ 200 W, t ≤ 15 min) dispersed the collagen aggregates more evenly, and accelerated collagen self-assembly rate with a decreased but more homogeneous fibril diameter (82.78 ± 16.47-115.52 ± 19.51 nm) and D-periodicity lengths (62.1 ± 2.9-66.5 ± 1.8 nm) than that of the untreated collagen (119.15 ± 27.89 nm; 66.5 ± 1.8 nm). Meanwhile, ultrasonic treatment (p ≤ 200 W, t ≤ 15 min) decreased the viscoelasticity index and gel strength, enhancing thermal stability and promoting specific surface area and porosity of collagen fibril gels than that of the untreated collagen fibril gel. These results testified that collagen self-assembly behavior and collagen fibril gel properties can be regulated by ultrasonic treatment through multi-hierarchical structural alteration. This study provided a new approach for controlling in vitro collagen fibrillogenesis process so as to manufacture novel desirable collagen-based biomaterials with propitious performances for further valorization.

Effects of forage phosphorous content on faecal phosphorous excretion and possible markers of low phosphorous intake in foals fed forage-only diets.

Knowledge of endogenous nutrient losses is important when estimating the nutrient requirements of animals. It has been suggested that faecal endogenous phosphorus (P) losses differ between growing and adult horses, but studies on foals are scarce. In addition, studies on foals on forage-only diets with different P contents are lacking. Thus this study: (1) assessed faecal endogenous P losses in foals fed a grass haylage-only diet close to or below estimated P requirements; (2) evaluated use of serum cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptides of type-I collagen (CTx) as a marker of bone resorption secondary to low-P intake; and (3) examined whether analysis of faecal P concentration on a dry matter (DM) basis could be used as an indicator of P intake. Six foals were fed three grass haylages (fertilised to contain different amounts of P: 1.9, 2.1, 3.0 g/kg DM) for 17-day periods in a Latin square design. Total collection of feaces was performed by the end of each period. Faecal endogenous P losses were estimated using linear regression analysis. There was no difference in the concentration of CTx in plasma between diets in samples collected on the last day of each period. A correlation was found (y = 0.64x - 1.51; r2 = 0.75, p < 0.0001) between P intake and faecal P content, but regression analysis indicated that underestimation as well as overestimation of intake is likely if faecal P content is used to assess intake. It was concluded that faecal endogenous P losses in foals are low, probably no higher than in adult horses. It was also concluded that plasma CTx cannot be used to assess short-term low-P intake in foals and that faecal P content cannot be used to assess differences in P intake, at least not when P intake is close to or below estimated P requirements.

Features of osseous regeneration and informative value of subchondral remodeling markers in early signs of primary gonarthrosis.

Subchondral remodeling is an important pathogenic mechanism in primary gonarthrosis progress. The role of altered metabolism of osseous tissue in early signs of articular pathology remains vague, and the informative value of biochemical markers is discussible. Our research involved 103 patients (64 women and 39 men) with 0-I gonarthrosis stages and 103 healthy individuals (72 women and 28 men) of 36 to 50 years old. We measured osteocalcin, pyridinoline, type I collagen telopeptides, vitamin B metabolites, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein concentrations, determined the activity of bone alkaline phosphatase, and diagnostic significance of the markers with the ROC curve. We found the increase (p<0.0001) in bone alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen telopeptides, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein concentrations as well as osteocalcin (p<0.0002) in 0-I gonarthrosis stages as compared to the controls. The ROC curve featured 98.1 and 79.6 percent sensitivity and specificity of type I collagen telopeptides; 80.6 and 52.4 percent of osteocalcin; 99.0 and 78.6 percent of pyridinoline, respectively. These findings suggest the significant role of subchondral remodeling in the pathogenesis of early gonarthrosis stages. Pyridinoline and type I collagen telopeptides are the most informative osseous markers detectable in the serum of patients with early gonarthrosis.