Transiliac Crest Bone Biopsies Research Articles

Disturbed bone marrow adiposity in patients with Cushing's syndrome and glucocorticoid- and postmenopausal- induced osteoporosis.

Skeletal stem/progenitor cells (SSPCs) in the bone marrow can differentiate into osteoblasts or adipocytes in response to microenvironmental signalling input, including hormonal signalling. Glucocorticoids (GC) are corticosteroid hormones that promote adipogenic differentiation and are endogenously increased in patients with Cushing´s syndrome (CS). Here, we investigate bone marrow adiposity changes in response to endogenous or exogenous GC increases. For that, we characterize bone biopsies from patients with CS and post-menopausal women with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GC-O), compared to age-matched controls, including postmenopausal osteoporotic patients (PM-O). Transiliac crest bone biopsies from CS patients and healthy controls, and from postmenopausal women with GC-O and matched controls were analysed; an additional cohort included biopsies from women with PM-O. Plastic-embedded biopsies were sectioned for histomorphometric characterization and quantification of adipocytes. The fraction of adipocyte area per tissue (Ad.Ar/T.Ar) and marrow area (Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar), mean adipocyte profile area (Ad.Pf.Ar) and adipocyte profile density (N.Ad.Pf/Ma.Ar) were determined and correlated to steroid levels. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of adipocytes in relation to trabecular bone was characterized and correlations between bone marrow adiposity and bone remodeling parameters investigated. Biopsies from patients with CS and GC-O presented increased Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar, along with adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia. In patients with CS, both Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar and Ad.Pf.Ar significantly correlated with serum cortisol levels. Spatial distribution analyses revealed that, in CS, the increase in Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar near to trabecular bone (<100 µm) was mediated by both adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, while N.Ad.Pf/Ma.Ar further into the marrow (>100 µm) remained unchanged. In contrast, patients with GC-O only presented increased Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar and mean Ad.Pf.Ar>100 µm from trabecular bone surface, highlighting the differential effect of increased endogenous steroid accumulation. Finally, the Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar and Ad.Ar/T.Ar correlated with the canopy coverage above remodeling events. Increased cortisol production in patients with CS induces increased bone marrow adiposity, primarily mediated by adipocyte hypertrophy. This adiposity is particularly evident near trabecular bone surfaces, where hyperplasia also occurs. The differential pattern of adiposity in patients with CS and GC-O highlights that bone marrow adipocytes and their progenitors may respond differently in these two GC-mediated bone diseases.

OR13-1 Long-Term Burosumab Therapy Provides Sustained Benefit in Patients with Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia: End of Study Findings From the Pivotal Phase 2 Study

Abstract Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome wherein small tumors secrete excess fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) leading to hypophosphatemia, osteomalacia, bone pain, fractures, and muscle weakness. Burosumab is an anti-FGF23 monoclonal antibody approved for treatment of TIO. We report end of study (EOS) data from the open-label phase 2 UX023T-CL201 trial (NCT02304367) of burosumab in adults with TIO. In UX023T-CL201, participants received burosumab (0.3–2.0 mg/kg) by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks for 48 weeks with an extension up to 300 weeks (∼6 years). Co-primary endpoints were change in serum phosphorus at Week 24 and change in excess osteoid by trans-iliac crest bone biopsy at Week 48. Additional endpoints included changes in bone biomarkers, activity on radionucleotide bone scan representing fractures/pseudofractures, patient-reported outcomes, and safety measures. This analysis included 14/17 UX023T-CL201 participants; excluding those with other diagnoses (n=3). Mean (SD) serum phosphorus improved from 1.6 (0.5) mg/dL at baseline to 2.3 (0.5) mg/dL when averaged across the mid-point of the dose interval through Week 24 (co-primary endpoint). Levels further improved (2.6 [0.4] mg/dL; n=7) to within the normal range (2.5–3.6 mg/dL) at Week 240. Most measures of osteomalacia improved at Week 48 (co-primary endpoint), including osteoid/bone volume, osteoid thickness, and mineralization lag time. However, osteoid surface/bone surface showed no change. Bone biomarkers (P1NP, CTx, BALP) followed similar trends. Upon initiation of burosumab, markers briefly increased by Week 24 as bone healing began, then gradually decreased with further treatment, reaching normal (P1NP, CTx) or near-normal (BALP) ranges by Week 240. At baseline, 249 areas of increased radionucleotide uptake indicating fracture activity were detected across 14 participants. By Week 144, 36% (72/201) and 13% (26/201) regions of abnormal uptake were fully or partially restored, respectively. By EOS, further reduction of active fractures and fewer new areas of uptake were observed. New fractures at Week 144 were observed in a single participant (considered a burosumab partial responder) and between Week 144 and EOS in another participant unrelated to burosumab (car accident). Participants reported sustained mean reduction from baseline pain at Week 240 per Brief Pain Inventory and significantly per SF-36 Bodily Pain score. Significant reductions in baseline fatigue at Week 240 were reported per Brief Fatigue Inventory and SF-36 Vitality scores. SF-36 physical health (Role Physical, Bodily Pain, Component Score) and mental health (Social Function, Vitality) significantly improved from baseline at Week 240. The observed safety profile of long-term burosumab in participants with TIO was consistent with the known safety profile of burosumab and similar to patients with XLH. Long-term burosumab therapy was associated with improved serum phosphorus, osteomalacia, bone turnover, fracture incidence and healing, health-related quality of life, and reductions in pain and fatigue in adults with TIO. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Enfermedades metabólicas óseas: osteomalacia

The term osteomalacia traditionally refers to a characteristic skeletal disease that is documented radiologically or histologically, not just the clinical or biochemical abnormalities. Osteomalacia is currently defined as a mineralization defect in the recently formed bone matrix, leading to accumulation of osteoid. The principal causes of osteomalacia are a vitamin D disorder, renal phosphate loss, or uncommon causes related to a direct abnormality in the mineralization process.Osteomalacia causes greater bone fragility, with the appearance of spontaneous fissures or fractures. Although it is an uncommon entity, it should be suspected when faced with symptoms of diffuse osteoarticular pain. In very advanced forms, an X-ray will show biconcave vertebrae or long bone deformity with pseudofractures or Looser's zones. A transiliac crest bone biopsy with double tetracycline labeling and its histomorphometric evaluation is the most precise way of diagnosing osteomalacia. However, it is not usually performed in clinical practice as it is an invasive technique. Therefore, a diagnosis tends to be made based on a combination of clinical and laboratory data and radiological findings. The treatment is what is indicated for the underlying pathology that triggered the osteomalacia, although vitamin D supplementation may be considered the essential pillar of therapy.

Osteoporosis and Chronic Kidney Disease–Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD): Back to Basics

Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder of compromised bone strength predisposing those affected to an elevated risk of fracture. However, based on bone histology, osteoporosis is only part of a spectrum of skeletal complications that includes osteomalacia and the various forms of renal osteodystrophy of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). In addition, the label "kidney-induced osteoporosis" has been proposed, even though the changes caused by CKD do not qualify as osteoporosis by the histological diagnosis. It is clear, therefore, that such terminology may not be helpful diagnostically or in making treatment decisions. A new label, "CKD-MBD/osteoporosis" could be a more appropriate term because it brings osteoporosis under the official label of CKD-MBD. Neither laboratory nor noninvasive diagnostic investigations can discriminate osteoporosis from the several forms of renal osteodystrophy. Transiliac crest bone biopsy can make the diagnosis of osteoporosis by exclusion of other kidney-associated bone diseases, but its availability is limited. Recently, a classification of metabolic bone diseases based on bone turnover, from low to high, together with mineralization and bone volume, has been proposed. Therapeutically, no antifracture treatments have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for patients with kidney-associated bone disease. Agents that suppress parathyroid hormone (vitamin D analogues and calcimimetics) are used to treat hyperparathyroid bone disease. Antiresorptive and osteoanabolic agents approved for osteoporosis are being used off-label to treat CKD stages 3b-5 in high-risk patients. It has now been suggested that intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone as early as CKD stage 2 could be an effective management strategy. If confirmed in clinical trials, it could mitigate the retention of phosphorus and subsequently the rise in fibroblast growth factor 23 and may be beneficial for coexisting osteoporosis.

OR29-06 Burosumab Improves Biochemical, Skeletal, and Clinical Features of Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia Syndrome

Tumor-induced Osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare condition in which excess FGF23 produced by a tumor leads to renal phosphate wasting, impaired 1,25(OH)2D synthesis, osteomalacia, fractures, weakness, fatigue, and decreased mobility. In an ongoing open-label Phase 2 study (NCT02304367), 17 adults with TIO or cutaneous skeletal hypophosphatemia syndrome (CSHS) were enrolled and received burosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against FGF23. Key endpoints were changes in serum phosphorus and osteomalacia as assessed from trans-iliac crest bone biopsies. This report excludes 3/17 subjects who did not have TIO: 2 subjects diagnosed with X-linked hypophosphatemia post-enrollment and 1 subject with CSHS. Serum phosphorus increased from baseline (BL; 1.60 mg/dL) and was maintained after titration, from Week (W) 22 (2.85 mg/dL, dosing cycle midpoint) to W144 (2.56 mg/dL, dosing cycle endpoint, p<0.0001). Serum TmP/GFR and 1,25(OH)2D also increased with burosumab. Eleven subjects underwent paired bone biopsies at BL and W48. Osteoid volume/bone volume decreased from a mean ± SE of 17.6% ± 5.9% at BL to 12.1% ± 4.7% at W48 (p=0.086). Mean ± SE osteoid thickness decreased from 16.5 ± 3.6 µm to 11.3 ± 2.8 µm (p<0.05). Using imputation (Dempster et al. 2012), mineralization lag time decreased from a mean ± SE of 1598 ± 420 days to 1032 ± 712 days (p=0.41). Osteoid surface/bone surface showed no change from BL (mean ± SE BL: 57% ± 9%, W48: 57% ± 7%). Of 249 areas identified with increased uptake on bone scan at BL, 68 (27%) and 81 (33%) were fully healed at W96 and W144, respectively; 56 (23%) and 32 (13%) were partially healed at W96 and W144, respectively. Mean (SD) Global Fatigue Score decreased from 5.6 (2.5) at BL to 3.5 (3.0) at W48, and to 3.8 (2.2) at W144 (both p<0.01). All 3 domains of the Brief Pain Inventory decreased with burosumab (W144 Pain Severity and Pain Interference p<0.05), indicating reduced pain. The SF-36 mean (SD) physical component summary score increased from 33 (10) at BL to 39 (10) at W48 (p<0.05) and to 41 (12) at W144 (p<0.01), indicating improved physical functioning. The mean (SD) number of sit-to-stand repetitions, an assessment of proximal muscle function, increased from 6.7 (4.2) at BL to 8.5 (4.2) at W48 (n=10; p<0.01). All subjects had ≥1 adverse event (AE). Two subjects discontinued: 1 to undergo chemotherapy to treat an AE of neoplasm progression and 1 failed to meet serum phosphorus dosing criteria and therefore received minimal burosumab dosing. There were 16 serious AEs in 7 subjects, all unrelated to drug. Of the 6 subjects with a serious AE of tumor progression/compression, 5 had a history of tumor progression prior to enrollment. There was 1 death, considered unrelated to treatment. In adults with TIO Syndrome, burosumab was associated with improvements in phosphate metabolism, osteomalacia, skeletal metabolism/fracture healing, physical functioning, fatigue, pain, and quality of life.

A microRNA Approach to Discriminate Cortical Low Bone Turnover in Renal Osteodystrophy.

ABSTRACTA main obstacle to diagnose and manage renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is the identification of intracortical bone turnover type (low, normal, high). The gold standard, tetracycline‐labeled transiliac crest bone biopsy, is impractical to obtain in most patients. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Guidelines recommend PTH and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) for the diagnosis of turnover type. However, PTH and BSAP have insufficient diagnostic accuracy to differentiate low from non‐low turnover and were validated for trabecular turnover. We hypothesized that four circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate osteoblast (miRNA‐30b, 30c, 125b) and osteoclast development (miRNA‐155) would provide superior discrimination of low from non‐low turnover than biomarkers in clinical use. In 23 patients with CKD 3‐5D, we obtained tetracycline‐labeled transiliac crest bone biopsy and measured circulating levels of intact PTH, BSAP, and miRNA‐30b, 30c, 125b, and 155. Spearman correlations assessed relationships between miRNAs and histomorphometry and PTH and BSAP. Diagnostic test characteristics for discriminating low from non‐low intracortical turnover were determined by receiver operator curve analysis; areas under the curve (AUC) were compared by χ2 test. In CKD rat models of low and high turnover ROD, we performed histomorphometry and determined the expression of bone tissue miRNAs. Circulating miRNAs moderately correlated with bone formation rate and adjusted apposition rate at the endo‐ and intracortical envelopes (ρ = 0.43 to 0.51; p < 0.05). Discrimination of low versus non‐low turnover was 0.866, 0.813, 0.813, and 0.723 for miRNA‐30b, 30c, 125b, and 155, respectively, and 0.509 and 0.589 for PTH and BSAP, respectively. For all four miRNAs combined, the AUC was 0.929, which was superior to that of PTH and BSAP alone and together (p < 0.05). In CKD rats, bone tissue levels of the four miRNAs reflected the findings in human serum. These data suggest that a panel of circulating miRNAs provide accurate noninvasive identification of bone turnover in ROD. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

OR13-1 Burosumab Improves the Biochemical, Skeletal, and Clinical Symptoms of Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia Syndrome

Tumor-induced Osteomalacia (TIO) and Epidermal Nevus Syndrome with osteomalacia (ENS) are rare conditions in which ectopic production of FGF23 by tumor (TIO) and bone (ENS) lead to renal phosphate wasting, impaired 1,25(OH)2D synthesis, osteomalacia, fractures, weakness, fatigue and decreased mobility. In an ongoing open-label Phase 2 study (NCT02304367), 17 adults were enrolled and treated with burosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against FGF23. Key endpoints were change in serum phosphorus and osteomalacia as assessed from trans-iliac crest bone biopsies. The per protocol (PP) analysis included 14/17 subjects who received 0.3-2.0 mg/kg burosumab every 4 weeks (W). Three subjects were excluded: 1 received subthreshold dosing (0.3 mg/kg at Day 0 and 0.15 mg/kg at W8, W32, and W72); 2 were diagnosed with X-linked hypophosphatemia post-enrollment. Ten subjects in the PP group had paired bone biopsies at baseline and W48. Mean ± SE histomorphometric values for the 8/10 subjects with osteomalacia at baseline were 20.4 ± 4.2 µm for osteoid thickness (OT), 23.0 ± 7.2% for osteoid volume/bone volume (OV/BV), and 66.1 ± 10.6% for osteoid surface/bone surface (OS/BS); baseline median (Q1, Q3) for mineralization lag time (MLT) was 1672 (1102, 2929) days. At W48, histomorphometric indices improved as shown by mean percentage changes in OT (37%), OV/BV (40%), OS/BS (-5%), and MLT (median percentage change -78%). Serum phosphorus, fatigue, and physical functioning are reported for the PP group. Mean (SD) serum phosphorus was 1.5 (0.3) mg/dL at baseline and 2.6 (0.8) mg/dL when averaged across the mid-point of the dose interval through W24. After W24, serum phosphorus, assessed only at the end of the dose interval, maintained this increase through W72. Mean (SD) Global Fatigue Score decreased from 5.3 (2.8) at baseline to 3.6 (2.9) at W48 (p=0.020) and to 3.3 (2.7) at W72 (p=0.004). The SF-36 mean (SD) physical component summary score increased from 34 (11) at baseline to 39 (10) at W48 (p=0.059) and to 42 (10) at W72 (p=0.003). Mean (SD) vitality score increased from 41 (14) to 47 (12) at W48 (p=0.075) and to 49 (12) at W72 (p=0.012). The mean (SD) number of sit-to-stand repetitions increased from 6.9 (4.0) at baseline to 8.6 (4.2) at W48 (n=10; p=0.004). By W72, all 17 subjects had ≥1 adverse event (AE). There were 13 serious AEs in 6 subjects, none were considered drug-related. Tumor progression occurred only in subjects with a history of tumor progression prior to enrollment. One subject discontinued treatment prior to W48 to treat tumor progression with chemotherapy. There was 1 death, considered unrelated to treatment. In adults with TIO Syndrome, burosumab was associated with improvements in serum phosphorus, osteomalacia, mobility, quality of life, and reductions in fatigue.

The trabecular bone score: Relationships with trabecular and cortical microarchitecture measured by HR-pQCT and histomorphometry in patients with chronic kidney disease.

The trabecular bone score (TBS) is a novel tool using grayscale variograms of the lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) to assess trabecular bone microarchitecture. Studies in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suggest it may be helpful in assessing fracture risk. However, TBS has not been validated as a measure of trabecular architecture against transiliac bone biopsy with histomorphometry in CKD patients. We hypothesized that TBS would reflect trabecular architecture at the iliac crest in CKD patients. We obtained tetracycline double labeled transiliac crest bone biopsy, areal BMD of the spine, total hip, femoral neck (FN) and spine TBS by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and cortical and trabecular volumetric density and microarchitecture by high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in CKD patients from two centers: twenty-two patients from Columbia University Medical Center, USA and thirty patients from Hospital das Clinicas - Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. Two patients were excluded for outlier status. Univariate and multivariate relationships between TBS and measures from DXA, HR-pQCT and histomorphometry were determined. Patients were 50.2 ± 15.8 years old, 23 (46%) were men, and 33 (66%) were on dialysis. TBS was <1.31 in 21 (42%) patients and 22%, 14% and 10% had T-scores ≤ -2.5 at spine, FN and total hip respectively. In univariate regression, TBS was significantly associated with trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular width (Tb.Wi), trabecular spacing, cortical width but not with trabecular number or cortical porosity. FN Z-score and height were also associated with cancellous BV/TV and Tb.Wi, In multivariate analysis, TBS remained an independent predictor of BV/TV and Tb.Wi. There were no relationships between TBS and dynamic parameters from histomorphometry. These data suggest that TBS reflected trabecular microarchitecture and cortical width measured by bone biopsy in CKD patients. Future studies should address its utility in the identification of CKD patients who may benefit from fracture prevention strategies.

Bone Disorders in Chronic Kidney Disease: An Update in Diagnosis and Management.

Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a bone disorder that occurs in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and is associated with 2- to 14-fold increased fracture risk compared to the general population. Risk of fractures is also increased in kidney transplant recipients especially within the first 5 years after transplantation. Fractures in CKD patients are associated with increased morbidity and mortality; thus, proper screening and management of CKD bone complications is critical to improving clinical outcomes. Tetracycline double-labeled transiliac crest bone biopsy with histomorphometry is the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of ROD. However, bone biopsy is not practical to obtain in all patients. Thus, there is great interest in noninvasive approaches that can be used in the clinic to assess ROD. Here, we discuss the role of surrogate measures of bone health in CKD patients, such as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and novel high-resolution imaging, in conjunction with biochemical biomarkers of bone turnover. Recommended guidelines for diagnosis and management of CKD-MBD are discussed.

Age-related changes in vertebral and iliac crest 3D bone microstructure--differences and similarities.

Age-related changes of vertebra and iliac crest 3D microstructure were investigated, and we showed that they were in general similar. The 95th percentile of vertebral trabecular thickness distribution increased with age for women. Surprisingly, vertebral and iliac crest bone microstructure was only weakly correlated (r = 0.38 to 0.75), despite the overall similar age-related changes. The purposes of the study were to determine the age-related changes in iliac and vertebral bone microstructure for women and men over a large age range and to investigate the relationship between the bone microstructure at these skeletal sites. Matched sets of transiliac crest bone biopsies and lumbar vertebral body (L2) specimens from 41 women (19-96years) and 39 men (23-95years) were micro-computed tomography (μCT) scanned, and the 3D microstructure was quantified. For both women and men, bone volume per total volume (BV/TV), connectivity density (CD), and trabecular number (Tb.N) decreased significantly, while structure model index (SMI) and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) increased significantly with age at either skeletal site. Vertebral trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) was independent of age for both women and men, while iliac Tb.Th decreased significantly with age for men, but not for women. In general, the vertebral and iliac age-related changes were similar. The 95th percentile of the Tb.Th distribution increased significantly with age for women but was independent of age for men at the vertebral body, while it was independent of age for either sex at the iliac crest. The Tb.Th probability density functions at the two skeletal sites became significantly more similar with age for women, but not for men. The microstructural parameters at the iliac crest and the vertebral bodies were only moderately correlated from r = 0.38 for SMI in women to r = 0.75 for Tb.Sp in men. Age-related changes in vertebral and iliac bone microstructure were in general similar. The iliac and vertebral Tb.Th distributions became more similar with age for women. Despite the overall similar age-related changes in trabecular bone microstructure, the vertebral and iliac bone microstructural measures were only weakly correlated (r = 0.38 to 0.75).

Relationship of bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) in cortical and cancellous bone within the iliac crest of healthy premenopausal women.

Bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) is an important determinant of bone mechanical properties. The most available skeletal site for access to the BMDD is the iliac crest. Compared to cancellous bone much less information on BMDD is available for cortical bone. Hence, we analyzed complete transiliac crest bone biopsy samples from premenopausal women (n = 73) aged 25-48 years, clinically classified as healthy, by quantitative backscattered electron imaging for cortical (Ct.) and cancellous (Cn.) BMDD. The Ct.BMDD was characterized by the arithmetic mean of the BMDD of the cortical plates. We found correlations between Ct. and Cn. BMDD variables with correlation coefficients r between 0.42 and 0.73 (all p < 0.001). Additionally to this synchronous behavior of cortical and cancellous compartments, we found that the heterogeneity of mineralization densities (Ct.Ca(Width)), as well as the cortical porosity (Ct.Po) was larger for a lower average degree of mineralization (Ct.Ca(Mean)). Moreover, Ct.Po correlated negatively with the percentage of highly mineralized bone areas (Ct.Ca(High)) and positively with the percentage of lowly mineralized bone areas (Ct.Ca(Low)). In conclusion, the correlation of cortical with cancellous BMDD in the iliac crest of the study cohort suggests coordinated regulation of bone turnover between both bone compartments. Only in a few cases, there was a difference in the degree of mineralization of >1wt % between both cortices suggesting a possible modeling situation. This normative dataset of healthy premenopausal women will provide a reference standard by which disease- and treatment-specific effects can be assessed at the level of cortical bone BMDD.

Effects of Up to 5 Years of Denosumab Treatment on Bone Histology and Histomorphometry: The FREEDOM Study Extension

Denosumab reduced bone resorption, increased bone mineral density (BMD), and decreased new vertebral, hip, and nonvertebral fracture risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in the FREEDOM trial. Consistent with its mechanism of action, transiliac crest bone biopsies from subjects treated with denosumab for 1 to 3 years demonstrated reduced bone turnover that was reversible upon treatment cessation. Long-term denosumab treatment for up to 6 years in the FREEDOM extension provides sustained bone turnover reduction and continued low fracture incidence. Here, we evaluate 5 years of denosumab treatment on bone remodeling at the tissue level. Transiliac crest bone biopsies were obtained from 41 subjects (13 cross-over and 28 long-term from the FREEDOM placebo and denosumab groups, respectively) at year 2 of the FREEDOM extension, representing up to 5 years of denosumab treatment. Demographics for this subset were comparable to the overall extension cohort. The mean (SD) duration from the last denosumab dose to the first dose of tetracycline was 5.7 (0.5) months. Qualitative bone histology assessed in all biopsy samples was unremarkable, showing normally mineralized lamellar bone. Structural indices, including trabecular bone volume, number, and surface, were similar between cross-over and long-term groups. Bone resorption was decreased as reflected by eroded surface in cross-over and long-term subjects. A total of 11 of 13 (85%) cross-over subjects and 20 of 28 (71%) long-term subjects had specimens with double or single tetracycline label in trabecular and/or cortical compartments; specimens from 5 cross-over subjects and 10 long-term subjects were evaluable for dynamic trabecular bone parameters. Dynamic remodeling indices were low for both groups and consistent with reduced bone turnover with denosumab. In conclusion, denosumab treatment through 5 years resulted in normal bone quality with reduced bone turnover. These observations are consistent with its mechanism of action and associated with continued BMD increases and low fracture incidence.

OP0251 Bone Histology and Histomorphometry: Effects of 5 Years of Denosumab in the Freedom Study Extension

BackgroundDenosumab (DMAb) reduces bone turnover in transiliac crest bone biopsies, which is reversible on treatment cessation (Reid JBMR 2010; Brown JBMR 2011). Long-term DMAb treatment sustains reduction in bone turnover...

Bone remodeling in postmenopausal women who discontinued denosumab treatment: Off-treatment biopsy study

Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the activity of RANKL, leading to the inhibition of osteoclast maturation, bone-resorbing activity, and survival. Evaluation of trans-iliac crest bone biopsy specimens in the phase 3 pivotal fracture study with denosumab in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis showed evidence of reduced bone turnover at the tissue level in subjects receiving denosumab, and up to one-third of subjects did not have evidence of tetracycline labeling in trabecular or cortical bone. Discontinuation of denosumab therapy has demonstrated that the effects of denosumab are reversible, as assessed by biochemical markers of bone turnover (BTM) and BMD. The precise nature of changes that occur at the tissue level with denosumab discontinuation have not been explored. Fifteen subjects were enrolled in a cohort study to evaluate the effects of denosumab discontinuation at the tissue level. Subjects had discontinued osteoporosis treatment for a mean time of 25.1 months (range 21 to 29 months). Bone histomorphometry results were compared with results from placebo-treated women with osteoporosis in the denosumab phase 3 pivotal fracture bone biopsy substudy, and BTMs were compared with subjects' pretreatment values. The results of this study showed normal histology and bone remodeling similar to those observed in untreated postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. With treatment cessation, 100% of biopsy specimens had evidence of tetracycline labels. Biochemical markers were comparable to and highly correlated with pretreatment levels. These data confirm that the effects of denosumab on bone turnover at the tissue level are fully reversible.

Bone histomorphometry analyses in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis patients treated with once-yearly zoledronic acid or oral risedronate over 1 year

Glucocorticoids (GCs) have various effects on bone metabolism, which can lead to reduced bone formation [1,2]. Histomorphometric analyses of bone biopsies from GCtreated patients have shown lower bone volume, trabecular/wall/osteoid thickness and mineral apposition rate, and higher resorption parameters versus postmenopausal women [1,2]. As bisphosphonates (BPs) can decrease bone loss in GC-treated patients [3,4], we studied patients from the HORIZON-Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis (GIO) trial [5] to evaluate the effects of BPs on bone quality, remodelling, morphology, and mineralization. In this 12-month, double-blind study, 833 men and women taking GCs were randomized 1:1 to receive a single iv zoledronic acid 5 mg infusion (ZOL) plus daily oral placebo, or daily oral risedronate 5 mg (RIS) plus a single iv placebo infusion [5]. Transiliac crest bone biopsies were performed on patients agreeing to take part in this substudy. Samples containing the inner and outer cortex, and intact trabecular bone were analyzed. Biopsies from21patients in both treatment groupswere analyzedas a single cohort. Qualitative analysis showed no pathological findings, osteomalacia, marrow dyscrasia/fibrosis, or woven bone. The lamellar structure of newly formed bone was of normal quality. Results of the quantitative histomorphometric analysis are shown in Table 1.

Comparative effects of teriparatide and strontium ranelate in the periosteum of iliac crest biopsies in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

The periosteum contains osteogenic cells that regulate the outer shape of bone and contribute to determine its cortical thickness, size and position. We assessed the effects of subcutaneous injections of teriparatide (TPTD, 20 μg/day) or oral strontium ranelate (SrR, 2 g/day) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis on new bone formation activity at the periosteal and endosteal bone surfaces using dynamic histomorphometric measurements. Evaluable tetracycline-labeled transiliac crest bone biopsies were analyzed from 27 patients in the TPTD group, and 22 in the SrR group after six months of treatment. Measurements were conducted on the thicker and thinner cortices separately, and comparisons between the thicker, thinner and combined cortices were carried out. At the combined periosteal cortex, the mineralization surface as a percent of bone surface (MS/BS%) was greater for TPTD (mean ± SE: 8.08 ± 1.22%) than SrR (3.22 ± 1.05%) ( p < 0.005). The difference in mineral apposition rate (MAR) between TPTD (0.35 ± 0.06 μm/day) and SrR (0.14 ± 0.06 μm/day) was also significant ( p < 0.05), while that of bone formation rate per bone surface (BFR/BS) between TPTD (0.014 ± 0.004 mm 3/mm 2/year) and SrR (0.004 ± 0.003 mm 3/mm 2/year) was not ( p = 0.057). Statistically significant differences between the two treatments were also observed for MS/BS%, BFR/BS, MAR and the double-labeled perimeter in the periosteum of the thicker, but not thinner, iliac crest cortices. The comparison between the thicker and thinner cortices of both periosteal and endosteal surfaces showed statistically significant differences for MAR and the double-labeled perimeter for TPTD treated women. There were no statistically significant differences in any bone formation dynamic measurements between the two cortices in the SrR group. In conclusion, most of the bone formation and mineralization variables were significantly higher for TPTD- than SrR-treated women at both the periosteal and endosteal combined cortices. The response to TPTD for dynamic bone formation measurements in the periosteal surface was greater for the thicker than thinner cortex, but this difference was not significant in SrR treated patients. This may reflect a greater ability of TPTD to enhance responsiveness of bone to the mechanical loading environment. These effects on bone formation may underlie the improvement in bone quality in patients with osteoporosis treated with TPTD.

Vitamin D deficiency influences histomorphometric features of bone in primary hyperparathyroidism

Introduction Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The presence of low levels of vitamin D may affect the skeletal consequences of PHPT. Methods In this cross-sectional study, transiliac crest bone biopsies were performed after double tetracycline labeling in patients with mild PHPT and analyzed according to serum levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). Results We studied 30 patients with mild PHPT (age 53 ± 11 years; 67% women; calcium 11.1 ± 1.0 mg/dl; PTH 149 ± 129 pg/ml). Serum 25OHD levels were low in the majority of subjects (mean 21 ± 11 ng/ml) and inversely associated with PTH (r = −0.69; p < 0.01). 25OHD levels were directly associated with cortical width (Ct.Wi; r = 0.46, p < 0.03) and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp; r = 0.41; p < 0.04), but inversely associated with cancellous bone volume (BV/TV; r = −0.39, p < 0.04). Subjects with 25OHD levels < 20 ng/ml (n = 14) and ≥ 20 ng/ml (n = 16) were compared. Groups did not differ by age, sex, menopausal status, serum calcium, creatinine, or 1,25(OH) 2D. PTH was 1.8-fold higher in subjects with 25OHD < 20 (265 ± 166 pg/ml vs. 95 ± 50 pg/ml; p < 0.01). On histomorphometric analysis, those with low 25OHD had lower Ct.Wi (541 ± 167 μm vs. 712 ± 200 μm; p < 0.03). Conversely, measures of trabecular microarchitecture were better in those with lower 25OHD, with higher BV/TV (26.1 ± 6.1% vs. 20.4 ± 6.4%; p < 0.03), greater trabecular number (Tb.N: 2.0 ± 0.4 mm −1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.4 mm −1; p < 0.04) and lower Tb.Sp (371 ± 90 μm vs. 472 ± 137 μm; p < 0.04). There were no differences between the groups in bone remodeling indices. Conclusions Low levels of 25OHD in patients with PHPT are associated with higher concentrations of PTH, greater catabolic effects in cortical bone and greater anabolic effects in trabecular bone.

Parathyroid Hormone Stimulates Circulating Osteogenic Cells in Hypoparathyroidism

The osteoanabolic properties of PTH may be due to increases in the number and maturity of circulating osteogenic cells. Hypoparathyroidism is a useful clinical model because this hypothesis can be tested by administering PTH. The objective of the study was to characterize circulating osteogenic cells in hypoparathyroid subjects during 12 months of PTH (1-84) administration. Osteogenic cells were characterized using flow cytometry and antibodies against osteocalcin, an osteoblast-specific protein product, and stem cell markers CD34 and CD146. Changes in bone formation from biochemical markers and quadruple-labeled transiliac crest bone biopsies (0 and 3 month time points) were correlated with measurements of circulating osteogenic cells. The study was conducted at a clinical research center. Nineteen control and 19 hypoparathyroid patients were included in the study. Intervention included the administration of PTH (1-84). Osteocalcin-positive cells were lower in hypoparathyroid subjects than controls (0.7 ± 0.1 vs. 2.0 ± 0.1%; P < 0.0001), with greater coexpression of the early cell markers CD34 and CD146 among the osteocalcin-positive cells in the hypoparathyroid subjects (11.0 ± 1.0 vs. 5.6 ± 0.7%; P < 0.001). With PTH (1-84) administration, the number of osteogenic cells increased 3-fold (P < 0.0001), whereas the coexpression of the early cell markers CD34 and CD146 decreased. Increases in osteogenic cells correlated with circulating and histomorphometric indices of osteoblast function: N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (R(2) = 0.4, P ≤ 0.001), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (R(2) = 0.3, P < 0.001), osteocalcin (R(2) = 0.4, P < 0.001), mineralized perimeter (R(2) = 0.5, P < 0.001), mineral apposition rate (R(2) = 0.4, P = 0.003), and bone formation rate (R(2) = 0.5, P < 0.001). It is likely that PTH stimulates bone formation by stimulating osteoblast development and maturation. Correlations between circulating osteogenic cells and histomorphometric indices of bone formation establish that osteoblast activity is being identified by this methodology.

Recent developments in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis with bisphosphonates: enhanced efficacy by enhanced compliance

Bisphosphonates are the current mainstay of treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Although daily oral dosing is effective, it is associated with poor compliance, partly because of the pre and postdose fasting and posture requirements. This negatively impacts treatment outcomes, leading to a reduced clinical benefit. Improved, yet still suboptimal adherence has been noticed with less frequent bisphosphonate dosing e.g. once-weekly and once-monthly oral regimens. The recently approved quarterly intravenous (i.v.) injection regimen of ibandronate and yearly i.v. infusion of zoledronic acid are attractive options in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. These regimens may assure quarterly and year long compliance.

A Novel Tetracycline Labeling Schedule for Longitudinal Evaluation of the Short-Term Effects of Anabolic Therapy With a Single Iliac Crest Bone Biopsy: Early Actions of Teriparatide

We describe a quadruple tetracycline labeling method that allows longitudinal assessment of short-term changes in bone formation in a single biopsy. We show that 1 month of hPTH(1-34) treatment extends the bone-forming surface, increases mineral apposition rate, and initiates modeling-based formation. Iliac crest biopsy, with histomorphometric evaluation, provides important information about cellular activity in bone. However, to obtain longitudinal information, repeat biopsies must be performed. In this study, we show the capability to obtain short-term longitudinal information on bone formation in a single biopsy using a novel, quadruple labeling technique. Two tetracycline labels were administered using a standard 3 days on, 12 days off, 3 days on format. Four weeks later, the tetracycline labeling was repeated using the same schedule but with a different tetracycline that can be distinguished from the first by its color under fluorescent light. Iliac crest biopsies were performed 1 week later and prepared undecalcified for histomorphometry. Indices of bone formation 1 month apart were measured and calculated using the two sets of labels. We used this method to investigate the early effects of teriparatide [hPTH(1-34)] treatment on bone formation. The results were compared with those from a group of control subjects who were quadruple-labeled, but did not receive hPTH(1-34). Treatment with hPTH(1-34) dramatically stimulated bone formation on cancellous and endocortical surfaces. This was achieved by both an increase in the linear rate of matrix apposition and extension of the bone-forming surface. New bone was deposited on previously quiescent surfaces (i.e., modeling-based formation), but a proportion of this could occur by encroachment from adjacent resorption cavities. A single transiliac crest bone biopsy, after sequential administration of two sets of tetracycline labels is a useful approach to study the short-term effects of anabolic agents on human bone. One month of hPTH(1-34) treatment extends the bone-forming surface, increases mineral apposition rate, and initiates modeling-based formation.