Total Skeleton Bone Mineral Density Research Articles

Fried Sunflower Oil intake affects Bone Quality, in Growing Rats

The effect of consuming a diet containing sunflower oil, which was repeatedly used to fry potatoes, on bone mass and biomechanical competence in growing rats, was investigated. Male Wistar rats (21±1 days old) (n=34) were assigned at weaning to one of three diet groups for 8 weeks: those fed a control diet (C; n=10), a sunflower oil (SFO; n=12) diet or a SFO diet which was repeatedly heated (SFOx; n=12); both mixed with a commercial rat chow at weight ratio of 13% (w/w). Zoometrics, food intake, serum fatty acids composition and lipid profile, total skeleton bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and femur biomechanical competence were assessed. Animals fed SFOx diet had altered body growth and showed both increased serum total cholesterol (T-chol) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-chol). SFOx rats also showed marked differences in BMC, their femur and tibiae had the lowest structural and geometrical properties, but material properties were unchanged. This study showed that growing male rats consuming a SFOx diet adversely affected their body growth, and lipid metabolism. Additionally their BMC and bone biomechanical properties were also altered due to modifications in bone geometric design.

High Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Women with Osteoporotic Fractures

The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia in women with osteopenia/osteoporosis with or without fragility fractures. Patients and methods: 112 ambulatory women with osteopenia/osteporosis were included. Body composition was determined by DXA. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD) of the total skeleton, total lean mass (LM), appendicular lean mass (ALM) and the index: appendicular lean mass/height² (ALM/h²) were determined. Grip strength and self-selected gait speed were assessed. Results: Average (X ± SD) results were: age 70.9 ± 8.2 years, BMI: 23.1 ± 3.3 kg/h², total skeleton BMD T-Score:-1.7 ± 0.8, total LM 33.3 ± 3.8 kg, ALM 14.4 ±2.1 kg and ALM/h²: 5.86 ± 0.68 kg/h². Walking speed 0.96±0.21m/s and handgrip: 18.8 ± 4.8 kg. The prevalence of sarcopenia was: 24.7% (International Working Group criteria). Values for BMI, LM, ALM, ALM/h², gait speed and hand grip were significantly lower in sarcopenic vs. non-sarcopenic patients. 29 patients, average age: 70.5 ± 8.0 years had osteoporotic fragility fractures (Fx). The prevalence of sarcopenia in the group of patients with Fx was 41.4% vs. 19.3% in the non-Fx patients (n=83) (p<0.018). Conclusion: The prevalence of sarcopenia in women with osteopenia/osteoporosis was higher compared to that usually reported in non-selected patients of similar age. Those with bone fractures had a significantly higher prevalence of sarcopenia compared to the non-fracture patients. The assessment of muscle mass and function in patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis is recommended.

Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition of Adult Premenopausal Women with Three Levels of Physical Activity

Weight-bearing and resistance physical activities are recommended for osteoporosis prevention, but it is unclear whether an intensity level above current recommendations has a positive effect on adult premenopausal women. Body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) by DXA were compared in three groups of women as follows: Sedentary, Maintenance exercise, and federated Sport Team (n = 16 for each group). Physical activity was estimated from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The groups did not differ in age, height, weight, or body mass index. Bone mineral content and non-fat soft tissue mass were higher and fat mass was lower in the Sport Team group than in the other groups. The same was true for BMD of total skeleton, lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. A test for linear trend of body composition and BMD showed significant results when including all three groups. Simple and multiple regression analyses showed significant associations between physical activity level (or alternatively, years of participation in programmed physical activity) and bone mass measures at all sites except for the middle third of radius. It is concluded that a level of physical activity higher than that usually recommended benefits bone health in adult premenopausal women.

High-fat diets affect energy and bone metabolism in growing rats

High-fat diets are usually associated with greater weight (W) gain and body fat (BF). However, it is still unclear whether the type and amount of fat consumed influence BF. Additionally, dietary fat intake may also have consequences on skeletal health. To evaluate in healthy growing rats the effects of high-fat diets and type of dietary fat intake (saturated or vegetable oils) on energy and bone metabolism. At weaning, male Wistar rats (n = 50) were fed either a control diet (C; fat = 7% w/w) or a high-fat diet (20% w/w) containing either: soybean oil, corn oil (CO), linseed oil (LO), or beef tallow (BT) for 8 weeks. Zoometric parameters, BF, food intake and digestibility, and total and bone alkaline phosphatase (b-AP) were assessed. Total skeleton bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC), BMC/W, spine BMD, and bone volume (static-histomorphometry) were measured. Animals fed BT diet achieved lower W versus C. Rats fed high-fat vegetable oil diets showed similar effects on the zoometric parameters but differed in BF. BT showed the lowest lipid digestibility and BMC. In contrast, high vegetable oil diets produced no significant differences in BMC, BMC/W, BMD, spine BMD, and bone volume. Marked differences were observed for LO and BT groups in b-AP and CO and BT groups in bone volume. BT diet rich in saturated fatty acids had decreased digestibility and adversely affected energy and bone metabolisms, in growing healthy male rats. There were no changes in zoometric and bone parameters among rats fed high vegetable oil diets.

Effect of high saturated‐fat diets on bone mass and endochondral ossification in healthy growing rats

High‐fat diets can produce deleterious effects on bone metabolism in growing animals. Objective: To investigate in healthy growing rats the effect of high saturated‐fat diets on bone mass and endochondral ossification. Weaning male Wistar rats (n=20) were fed ad libitum one of the 2 diets, for 4 wks: control (C; fat=7% w/w) (AIN‐93G) or a high‐fat diet containing 20% w/w of beef‐tallow (BT). Then rats were sacrificed. Total skeleton bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were evaluated by DXA (Lunar DPX‐L).The following histomorphometric parameters were evaluated: Bone volume (BV/TV)(%) and cartilage growth plate thickness (CGP.Th).Statistics: Student's t test &amp; Pearson's correlations coefficients were calculated. Results (as mean±SD): BMD(mg/cm2), C=245±13 vs BT=244±13 (p&gt;0.05); BMC(mg), C=1085±319 vs BT=689± 224; (BV/TV)(%), C=45±5 vs BT=38±3 (p&lt;0.03); total GPC.Th(mm), C=0.44±0.04 vs BT=0.43±0.03 (p&gt;0.05); proliferative zone GPC.Th(mm), C=0.21±0.01 vs BT=0.18± 0.01 (p&gt;0.001).The correlation between BMC vs proliferative zone CGP.Th was ‐0.881 (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionHigh saturated‐fat diets lead to a decreased in BMC associated with a significant increased in CGP.Th as well as a reduction in BV/TV. Based on these findings, we suggest that high saturated‐fat diets acts as a dependent risk factor for bone modeling interfering the acquired of bone mass. Awarded by UBACyT O 008 ‐ O015.

Consequences of high‐fat diets on body growth and bone mineral density, in growing rats

Objective: To investigate in growing rats, the effect of high‐fat diets with different n‐6/n‐3 fatty acids ratios, on body growth and parameters of bone densitometry. Weaning male Wistar rats (n=50) were fed ad libitum one of the following diets for 8 wk: control (C; fat=7% w/w) (AIN‐93G) or a high‐fat diet (20% w/w): soybean oil (SO), corn‐oil (CO), linseed oil (LO) or beef‐tallow (BT). Body weights (W) and lengths (L) were recorded every 4 days. W and L gain velocities were calculated (g W/100g W rat and L/10cm L rat, respectively). After 8 wk, rats were sacrificed. Total skeleton bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were evaluated by DXA using a Lunar DPX‐L. Spine BMD was determined. Groups were analyzed as: a) BT vs. SO, CO and LO; b) SO, CO and LO; c) C vs. SO.Results: a) BT achieved the lowest W, total skeleton BMC, BMC/W and spine BMD (P&lt;0.0001); b) No significant differences were observed on anthropometric measurements, total skeleton BMC, BMD, BMC/W or spine BMD, but spine BMD on SO showed a tendency to a diminution (P=0.064); c) Anthropometric measurements, total skeleton BMC and BMD were similar but SO showed reductions of 10% on total BMC/W and spine BMD.Conclusion: The combination of adequate amounts of dietary fat and n‐6/n‐3 fatty acids ratio protects bone health and maintains body growth. Awarded by UBACyT O 003‐4.

Effects of deflazacort vs. methylprednisone: a randomized study in kidney transplant patients

Metabolic effects of deflazacort vs. methylprednisone were studied in prepubertal patients after kidney transplantation. Thirty-one patients participated: 15 received deflazacort and 16 remained on methylprednisone. The study started at a mean of 2.1 years after transplantation, when patients were randomized to either continue with methylprednisone or switch to deflazacort. Height velocity increased more in the deflazacort than in the methylprednisone group only during the first 2 years: 5.4 +/- 0.5 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.3 cm/year, and 4.2 +/- 0.8 vs. 2.2 +/- 0.4 cm/year p=0.007, [by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)]. After 2 and 3 years, the number of patients who were overweight increased in the methylprednisone group and decreased in the deflazacort group; p<0.01. Lean body mass increased more in the deflazacort than in the methylprednisone group (p=0.003). Fat body mass increased only in the methylprednisone group (p<0.01). Total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increased in the methylprednisone group (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Total and LDL cholesterol were reduced (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively), whereas high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased (p<0.001) during deflazacort therapy. Lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) decreased in both groups, but total skeleton BMD decreased only in the methylprednisone group (p<0.001). Finally, normal glucose/insulin ratio, defined as > 7, was associated (p<0.05) with the deflazacort group. Our data suggest that deflazacort therapy might improve linear growth and lean body mass and prevent excessive bone loss and fat accumulation. It also leads to an improvement in lipoprotein profile without reduction in insulin sensitivity.

Sex steroids concentrations in relation to bone mineral density in men with coronary atherosclerosis

Background Although suspected, relationships between sex steroids and bone mineral density (BMD) are not fully defined in male population. According to recent data there may also exist an association between low BMD and atherosclerosis. Objective Our aim was to investigate relationships between serum sex steroids and BMD, and between BMD and atherosclerosis in men with coronary artery disease (CAD). Subjects and methods We recruited for the study 55 men aged 40–60 years with angiographically confirmed CAD and 30 healthy, age-matched controls. In each of the examined subjects serum levels of total testosterone (T), estradiol (E 2), estrone and DHEA-S, as well as femoral neck, lumbar spine and total skeleton BMD were measured. Results We found that the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis recognized on spine and/or femoral BMD ( T-score below −1.0) did not differ between men with CAD and healthy controls (respectively 47% versus 47%; p = 0.8 in χ 2 Yates test). The mean BMD value at different regions did not differ between both groups either. Hormonal status of men with CAD and normal BMD was similar to men with CAD and osteopenia/osteoporosis except for the level of testosterone. After adjustment for age and BMI, men with lower BMD had lower testosterone and lower T/E 2 ratio than men with normal BMD (geometric means for testosterone were respectively: 16.1 ± 8.3 versus 16.2 ± 4.2; p < 0.05 in ANCOVA with BMI and age as covariates; for T/E 2 ratio it was: 202.1 ± 94.7 versus 222.8 ± 83.9; p = 0.05). However, we did not find any correlation between sex hormones concentrations and bone mineral density. There was a relationship between the advance of atherosclerosis (ranged by number of stenotic arteries) and BMD: men with the most advanced form of the disease (three-vessels) had the lowest femoral neck BMD. The groups did not differ in lumbar spine BMD. Conclusions Our data suggest that in middle-aged men with CAD: (1) lower serum testosterone and lower T/E 2 ratio are associated with lower BMD; (2) advance of coronary atherosclerosis is inversely related to femoral neck BMD, however this relationship is weak and requires further investigation.

Exercise Effects on Bone Mineral Density: Relationships to Changes in Fitness and Fatness

Weight loss typically reduces bone mineral density (BMD). Exercise may preserve or increase BMD even while reducing fatness. We examined the relationships among exercise-induced changes in fitness and fatness with BMD. Randomized controlled trial conducted between July 1999 and November 2003. Men and women (n =115) aged 55 to 75 years. Six months of exercise training. Fitness measured as peak oxygen uptake and muscle strength, body composition by anthropometry, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 51 men and 53 women completed the trial. Exercise increased aerobic and strength fitness and lean body mass, and reduced general and abdominal obesity. BMD did not change among men in either group. Among women exercisers, there were reductions in total skeleton BMD (p =0.02) and greater trochanter BMD (p =0.02). By bivariate correlation, among women, increased femoral neck BMD was associated with increased aerobic fitness (p =0.01) and with reduced body weight (p =0.02) and BMI (p =0.02). In the final regression model, 13% of the change in femoral neck BMD was explained by the change in aerobic fitness (p <0.01). Among the men, increased total hip BMD and femoral shaft BMD were associated with increased lean mass and lower-body strength. In the final regression models, the change in lean mass explained 9% of the variance in total hip BMD (p =0.04). The change in lean mass explained 20% of the change in femoral shaft BMD (p <0.01), and the change in lower-body strength explained an additional 6% (p <0.04). When examined by group assignment, 6 months of exercise had no effect on BMD among men, and reduced BMD among women. When examined by change in fitness and fatness, women who had the greatest increases in aerobic capacity and men who had the greatest increases in strength and lean mass were more likely to increase their BMD. Exercise-induced reductions in fatness did not lead to bone loss.

Effect of intravenous pamidronate on bone markers and local bone mineral density in fibrous dysplasia

Bisphosphonates have proven to be effective in patients with fibrous dysplasia of the bone (FD) as shown by their effect on bone pain, markers of bone turnover, or radiological changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of measuring bone mineral density (BMD) of affected bones to assess the efficacy of bisphosphonate treatment. Seven patients (mean age 26 years) received courses of 180 mg intravenous infusion of pamidronate every 6 months (60 mg/day during 3 days). Clinical symptoms, serum alkaline phosphatase, and urinary C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen were assessed every 3 months. BMD of total skeleton and X-rays of FD areas (FDa) were performed at baseline and at 12 months. BMD of FDa was compared with the contralateral side (CL) using the region of interest program on the total skeleton scan. BMD of total skeleton was normal at baseline. Average BMD of FDa was −11.4% compared with CL, a significantly greater difference than that observed between the left and right sides in healthy controls, −0.7% (P < 0.02). At 12 months bone pain diminished in all patients. Bone turnover markers decreased. Mean total skeleton BMD increased 3.3% (P < 0.02). Subregions of the total skeleton scan presenting FD lesions augmented: arms +9.6% (P < 0.02), legs +4.2%, and pelvis +3.5% (P < 0.05). The increase in mean BMD of FDa was +6.8% compared with +2.6% in CL. No changes were observed on the X-ray. These results indicate that simultaneous determination of markers of bone turnover and BMD of FDa is useful in short-term follow-up to determine the efficacy of intravenous pamidronate.

Fitness, fatness and activity as predictors of bone mineral density in older persons.

To determine relationships of bone mineral density (BMD) with fitness, physical activity, and body composition and fat distribution. Cross-sectional. General Clinical Research Center, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland. Men (n = 38) and women (n = 46), aged 55-75 years with high normal blood pressure or mild hypertension but otherwise healthy. Aerobic fitness (oxygen uptake) on a treadmill, muscle strength by one-repetition maximum, activity by questionnaire, abdominal obesity by magnetic resonance imaging; anthropometrics, and body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) which measured total fat and lean mass, and BMD for the total skeleton, lumbar spine (L1-L4) and total hip. Aerobic fitness did not correlate with BMD. Using multivariate analysis to ascertain independent contributions to the variance in BMD, in women, with adjustment for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), total skeleton BMD was independently related to muscle strength and abdominal total fat; total hip BMD to body weight; lumbar spine BMD to abdominal total fat. HRT also influenced BMD in the lumbar spine. In men, lumbar spine BMD was independently related to abdominal total fat physical activity and total hip BMD related to lower body strength. P < 0.05 for all of these correlations. Abdominal obesity and muscle strength emerge as predominant correlates of BMD in older persons with stronger relationships seen in women. Body weight and HRT also explained portions of the variance in BMD in women. Whether abdominal obesity is simply a marker for general obesity or has independent protective effects on bone is yet to be determined.

Serum levels of cross-linked N-telopeptides and aminoterminal propeptides of type I collagen indicate low bone mineral density in elderly women

Levels of aminoterminal propeptide (PINP) and the cross-linked carboxyterminal (ICTP) and aminoterminal (NTx) telopeptides of type I collagen were determined in the sera of 202 healthy women, 60–90 years of age, and correlated with densitometric measurements of their lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total body regions. Total skeleton bone mineral density (BMD) was associated most strongly with serum NTx levels ( r = −0.51, p < 0.0001). Serum NTx and PINP levels correlated with BMD at all regions measured and were significantly increased in osteopenic women (16.0 vs. 13.3 nmol bone collagen equivalents/L for NTx, p = 0.0006 and 46.5 vs. 40.9 μg/L for PINP, p = 0.02). Elevations of NTx and PINP over a 3 year interval correlated with decreases in BMD measured at the femoral neck and to increases in serum concentration of alkaline phosphatase activity and ICTP. Serum levels of ICTP, NTx, PINP, ICTP, estrone, and alkaline phosphatase activity were correlated and serum NTx values were related to circulating thyroxine and intact parathyroid hormone levels. NTx and PINP levels were significantly decreased in the sera of women receiving estrogen replacement therapy (12.0 vs. 14.8 nmol bone collagen equivalents/L for NTx, and 35.5 vs. 45.2 μg/L for PINP, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that 42% of the variability observed in total skeletal BMD could be explained by age, weight, and serum levels of NTx and estrone. Within this model of covariance, the serum NTx level alone accounted for 10.1% of total body BMD variability.

Professional football (soccer) players have a markedly greater skeletal mineral content, density and size than age- and BMI-matched controls.

The total skeletal bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), bone size, and body composition were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in all professional male football players of a 1st division team (n = 24) and age- and BMI-matched (n = 22) controls (less than 3 hours of recreational sport activities per week). Average (+/- 1 SD) age of the athletes was 22.6 +/- 2.5 years. Intensive training is conducted during 48 weeks a year for 20-22 hours/week. The length of the registered playing career before the study was 8.2 +/- 2.7 years. Total skeleton BMC was 18.0% (P < 0.001) greater in the football players. The difference resulted from the sum of 5.2% (P < 0.02) increment of bone size and 12.3% (P < 0.001) increment of BMD. The analysis of skeletal subareas revealed that the difference of the BMC and BMD was greater at the level of the pelvis and legs compared with the arms or trunk. The BMC and BMD of the head was equal for both groups. Also, the bone size of the legs and pelvis was significantly greater for the players compared with controls; there was no difference at the level of the arms or head. Within the group of football players the increment of total skeleton BMD was similar in the young players, with less than 7 years of practice (age 20.6 +/- 0.9 years) compared with relative older players (age 24.6 +/- 1.9) with more than 7 years of practice. Lean body mass was significantly greater in the players (63.3 +/- 4.0 kg) compared with the controls (56.7 +/- 3.6, P < 0.001) whereas fat mass was markedly lower (9.4 +/- 2.9 kg versus 14.9 +/- 6.3 kg), P < 0.002). The BMD of the controls was significantly correlated to total weight, height, and lean mass whereas the BMD of the players was only correlated to muscle mass. The calcium intake from dairy products was similar in both groups. The range of calcium intake was wide among the players (184-2519 mg/day) but it was not significantly correlated to BMD (r = 0.03). In conclusion, male professional football players develop a significant increment of BMC as a result of increased bone size and density. This is already present at the end of the second decade and maintained at least to the end of the third decade in active players. As in other high impact loading sports, the effect on area is specific involving mainly the pelvis and legs. The increment was totally unrelated to the calcium intake from dairy products. The fate of the increased BMC after intensive training is discontinued should be assessed. However, if the findings of the present cross-sectional study are supported by detailed longitudinal investigations, the presently reported observations might be important for the prevention of future osteoporotic fractures.

Comparison of total-body measurements by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and dual-photon absorptiometry

Both dual-photon absorptiometry (DPA) using 153Gd and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) can be used for measurement of bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the total skeleton and its seven major regions. The short-term precision (coefficient of variation, CV) of DEXA for total-body BMD using the medium (20 minute) and fast (10 minute) speeds was 0.34 and 0.68% in 5 normal subjects; the corresponding CV in 5 osteoporotic females were 0.70 and 1.04%. The CV for BMD using DPA was 0.82% in 8 normal subjects and 0.70% in 12 osteoporotic patients. The CV for regional BMD using DPA was similar to fast-speed DEXA, without significant differences (p NS); precision with medium-speed DEXA was superior to DPA, and the differences were statistically significant (p less than 0.05) for head, spine, trunk, ribs, and pelvis. Total-body measurements using both DPA and DEXA were done on 99 subjects (84 females and 15 males). Significant correlations (r = 0.98; p less than 0.001) were found between DEXA and DPA measurements of both BMC and BMD. There were also significant correlations (r = 0.94-0.98; p less than 0.001) between DEXA and DPA measurements of anatomic regions (head, trunk, spine, pelvis, ribs, arms, and legs). DPA and DEXA results for BMD of total skeleton, ribs, pelvis, and legs were similar (p NS), and statistically significant differences were found in head, spine, and arm measurements (p less than 0.01, p less than 0.01, and p less than 0.05, respectively); regression equations allowed adjustment of DEXA values in patients already measured with the earlier DPA method.