Romosozumab or Alendronate for Fracture Prevention in Women with Osteoporosis

Expert opinion on the management of patients with osteoporosis with anabolic drugs in Italy

OBJECTIVE

Fragility fractures (FF) resulting from osteoporosis pose a significant public health challenge in Italy, with considerable socio-health and economic implications. Despite the availability of safe and effective drugs, osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, leaving over 2 million high-risk Italian women without treatment. This paper aims to identify and propose key improvements in the management of osteoporosis, focusing particularly on the critical issues related to the use of anabolic drugs in secondary prevention, according to the current Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) Note 79.

METHODS

The Expert Panel, composed of nine recognized Italian experts in rheumatology, analyzed current practices, prescribing criteria, and the most recent literature. Three main reasons for revising the indications on pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis were identified: inadequate treatment of osteoporosis, new evidence regarding frontline placement of anabolics in high-risk conditions, and emerging sequential or combined strategies.

RESULTS

The proposed improvements include the adoption of the Derived Fracture Risk Assessment algorithm for accurate fracture risk assessment, revision of AIFA Note 79 to reflect current evidence, improved prescribing appropriateness, broader access to anabolic agents, and the provision of sequential therapies with antiresorptives for teriparatide. These changes aim to enhance patient outcomes, streamline healthcare processes, and address the high percentage of undertreated individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

This expert opinion emphasizes the importance of the appropriate use of anabolic drugs to reduce FF and associated costs while ensuring the sustainability of the National Health Service. The proposed recommendations are in line with the latest scientific evidence, providing a comprehensive strategy to optimize the management of osteoporosis in Italy. On behalf of the Study Group on Osteoporosis and Skeletal Metabolic Diseases of the Italian Society of Rheumatology.

Evaluation, differential diagnosis and treatment of vertebral osteoporosis: How to avoid the occurrence of new fractures

Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent and multifactorial disease whose main manifestation is the appearance of fragility or low-impact fractures. The most frequent locations of osteoporotic fractures occur at the vertebrae, femoral, distal end of the radius and humerus. Osteoporotic vertebral fracture deserves special mention among them due to its prevalence, importance as it often goes unnoticed and medium-long term consequences are: pain, deformity, disability and deterioration in quality of life. In this review we will focus on the classification and initial evaluation of the patient with osteoporosis, estimation of risk factors, laboratory and imaging studies for an adequate assessment using simple radiography, dual densitometry and magnetic resonance imaging. We will also address the main aspects of the differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention of vertebral fragility fracture, briefly reviewing the main therapeutic agents currently used for its prevention and treatment.

Bone-organ axes: bidirectional crosstalk

In addition to its recognized role in providing structural support, bone plays a crucial role in maintaining the functionality and balance of various organs by secreting specific cytokines (also known as osteokines). This reciprocal influence extends to these organs modulating bone homeostasis and development, although this aspect has yet to be systematically reviewed. This review aims to elucidate this bidirectional crosstalk, with a particular focus on the role of osteokines. Additionally, it presents a unique compilation of evidence highlighting the critical function of extracellular vesicles (EVs) within bone-organ axes for the first time. Moreover, it explores the implications of this crosstalk for designing and implementing bone-on-chips and assembloids, underscoring the importance of comprehending these interactions for advancing physiologically relevant in vitro models. Consequently, this review establishes a robust theoretical foundation for preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases related to the bone-organ axis from the perspective of cytokines, EVs, hormones, and metabolites.

Introduction of an order set after hip fracture improves osteoporosis medication initiation and persistence: a population-based before-after analysis

We found that a standardized order set after hip fracture increased initiation of anti-osteoporosis medication and increased persistence at 1 year, but did not reduce secondary fractures.

BACKGROUND

A treatment gap exists after osteoporosis-related fractures. Introducing standardized care can improve treatment. We evaluated the impact of a hip fracture order set (OS) on anti-osteoporosis medication (AOM) initiation, persistence, and secondary fracture prevention.

METHODS

In 2015, one hospital in Manitoba, Canada, introduced a hip fracture OS including recommendations for the initiation of AOM (OS group). A control group was identified from the other hospitals in the same region. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using linked administrative health data. All individuals 50 + years with surgical treatment for low-energy hip fracture between 2010 and 2019 were included and followed for AOM initiation, medication persistence at 1 year, and secondary fractures. Between-group differences for each year were assessed using chi-square tests. Logistic regression models tested the impact of socio-demographic and clinical factors on initiation, persistence of AOM. Cox regression tested the risk of secondary fracture.

RESULTS

No baseline differences between OS group (813 patients) and control group (2150 patients) were observed in demographics, socioeconomic factors, or comorbidities. An increase in post-fracture AOM initiation was seen with OS introduction (OS group year before 16.7% versus year after 48.6%, p < 0.001). No change was seen in the control group. Persistence on AOM also increased (OS group year before 17.7% versus year after 28.4%, p < 0.001). No difference in secondary fractures was observed (OS group 19.8% versus control group 18.8%, p = 0.38).

CONCLUSION

Introduction of a hip fracture OS significantly increased AOM initiation and persistence at 1-year post-fracture. There was no significant difference in secondary fractures.

Chronic pancreatitis-associated metabolic bone diseases: epidemiology, mechanisms, and clinical advances

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disease with an increasing global prevalence. In recent years, a strong association between CP and metabolic bone diseases (MBDs), especially osteoporosis, has been identified, attracting significant attention in the research field. Epidemiological data suggest a rising trend in the incidence of MBDs among CP patients. Notably, recent studies have highlighted a profound interplay between CP and altered nutritional and immune profiles, offering insights into its linkage with MBDs. At the molecular level, CP introduces a series of biochemical disturbances that compromise bone homeostasis. One critical observation is the disrupted metabolism of vitamin D and vitamin K, both essential micronutrients for maintaining bone integrity, in CP patients. In this review, we provide physio-pathological perspectives on the development and mechanisms of CP-related MBDs. We also outline some of the latest therapeutic strategies for treating patients with CP-associated MBDs, including stem cell transplantation, monoclonal antibodies, and probiotic therapy. In summary, CP-associated MBDs represent a rising medical challenge, involving multiple tissues and organs, complex disease mechanisms, and diverse treatment approaches. More in-depth studies are required to understand the complex interplay between CP and MBDs to facilitate the development of more specific and effective therapeutic approaches.

Romosozumab rescues impaired bone mass and strength in a murine model of diabetic kidney disease

As international incidence of diabetes and diabetes-driven comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) continue to climb, interventions are needed that address the high-risk skeletal fragility of what is a complex disease state. Romosozumab (Romo) is an FDA-approved sclerostin inhibitor that has been shown to increase bone mineral density and decrease fracture rates in osteoporotic patients with mild to severe CKD, but its effect on diabetes-weakened bone is unknown. We aimed to test Romo's performance in a model of combined diabetes and CKD. 6-week old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control (CON) and disease model (STZ-Ad) groups, using a previously established streptozotocin- and adenine-diet-induced model. After 16 weeks of disease induction, both CON and STZ-Ad groups were subdivided into two treatment groups and given weekly subcutaneous injections of 100 μL vehicle (phosphorus buffered saline, PBS) or 10 mg/kg Romo. Mice were euthanized after 4 weeks of treatment via cardiac exsanguination and cervical dislocation. Hindlimb bones and L4 vertebrae were cleaned of soft tissue, wrapped in PBS-soaked gauze and stored at -20C. Right tibiae, femora, and L4s were scanned via microcomputed tomography; tibiae were then tested to failure in 4-pt bending while L4s were compression tested. Romo treatment significantly increased cortical and trabecular bone mass in both STZ-Ad and CON animals. These morphological improvements created corresponding increases in cortical bending strength and trabecular compression strength, with STZ-Ad treated mice surpassing vehicle CON mice in all trabecular mechanics measures. These results suggest that Romo retains its efficacy at increasing bone mass and strength in diabetic kidney disease.

[Update on the DVO Guideline 2023 "Prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in men aged over 50"-What's new for rheumatology?]

In October 2023, the organization of the German-speaking scientific osteological societies (DVO) published the revised guideline on the "Prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in men aged over 50." This review article reflects the new features of the guideline and their relevance in the care of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.A key innovation is the change from the 10-year fracture risk to the 3‑year fracture risk. Basic diagnostics are currently performed without a defined fracture threshold. Treatment thresholds for specific osteological therapy constitute another key innovation, defined as 3% to < 5%, 5% to < 10%, and from 10% for vertebral body and femoral neck fractures. If the 3‑year fracture risk is > 10%, osteoanabolic therapy should primarily be carried out and antiresorptive therapy is initiated following osteoanabolic therapy. In addition, patients with osteoporosis and prolonged glucocorticoid therapy should primarily be treated osteoanabolically with teriparatide. In summary, the changes to the DVO guideline reflect the latest scientific study findings in osteology and lead to detailed differential therapy for osteoporosis.

Utilization of Romosozumab in Primary Care

Objective: The objective of the study is to highlight the role and safety of romosozumab in patients at high risk of fractures in primary care. Data Sources: A systemic database search of PubMed/MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library was conducted for articles with keywords romosozumab, osteoporosis, and safety between inception and July 2022. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Phase 3 trials in patients with osteoporosis were included. Data results from these trials were utilized for assessment. Data Synthesis: Romosozumab decreased vertebral fracture incidence by 73% at 12 months (P < 0.001) in osteoporotic postmenopausal women compared with placebo. In an active-controlled fracture study in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk of fracture, a 48% lower risk of new vertebral fracture was observed at 24 months in the romosozumab-alendronate group (P < 0.001) compared with alendronate group. In a study comparing romosozumab with teriparatide in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk of fracture, 2.6% of the mean percentage change from baseline in the total hip (TH) areal bone mineral density (BMD) was observed with romosozumab, while teriparatide led -0.6% of change (P < 0.0001). Romosozumab significantly increased the mean percentage change from baseline in the lumbar spine (LS) and total hip (TH) BMD than placebo in men with osteoporosis (LS, 12.1% vs 1.2%; TH, 2.5% vs -0.5%; P < 0.001). Serious cardiovascular events were observed in the romosozumab compared with alendronate (2.5% vs 1.9%; odds ratio [OR] = 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85-2.00) in postmenopausal women, and placebo (4.9% vs 2.5%) in men with osteoporosis. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review discusses the role of romosozumab in patients with high fracture risk and its safety in primary care. Conclusions: Primary care physicians should consider romosozumab for patients at high fracture risk who are intolerant or have not responded to other pharmacological treatment. Further studies are needed to clarify the safety of cardiovascular events.

A Multifunctional Therapeutic Strategy Using P7C3 as A Countermeasure Against Bone Loss and Fragility in An Ovariectomized Rat Model of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

By 2060, an estimated one in four Americans will be elderly. Consequently, the prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures will also increase. Presently, no available intervention definitively prevents or manages osteoporosis. This study explores whether Pool 7 Compound 3 (P7C3) reduces progressive bone loss and fragility following the onset of ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis. Results confirm OVX-induced weakened, osteoporotic bone together with a significant gain in adipogenic body weight. Treatment with P7C3 significantly reduced osteoclastic activity, bone marrow adiposity, whole-body weight gain, and preserved bone area, architecture, and mechanical strength. Analyses reveal significantly upregulated platelet derived growth factor-BB and leukemia inhibitory factor, with downregulation of interleukin-1 R6, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK). Together, proteomic data suggest the targeting of several key regulators of inflammation, bone, and adipose turnover, via transforming growth factor-beta/SMAD, and Wingless-related integration site/be-catenin signaling pathways. To the best of the knowledge, this is first evidence of an intervention that drives against bone loss via RANK. Metatranscriptomic analyses of the gut microbiota show P7C3 increased Porphyromonadaceae bacterium, Candidatus Melainabacteria, and Ruminococcaceae bacterium abundance, potentially contributing to the favorable inflammatory, and adipo-osteogenic metabolic regulation observed. The results reveal an undiscovered, and multifunctional therapeutic strategy to prevent the pathological progression of OVX-induced bone loss.

Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy of Anabolic Agents and Bisphosphonates in the Patients With Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the clinical efficacy of anabolic agents compared with bisphosphonates (BPs) for the incidence of new osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) and fracture healing of OVF in the patients with OVF via meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for published RCTs till December 2022. The RCTs that recruited participants with osteoporosis at high-/very high-risk of fracture (a history of osteoporotic vertebral or hip fracture) or fresh OVF were included in this study. We assessed the risk of bias on every included RCTs, estimated relative risk (RR) for the incidence of new OVF and fracture healing of OVF, and overall certainty of evidence. Meta-analyses were performed by Cochrane review manager (RevMan) ver. 5.3. Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 and GRADEpro/GDT were applied for evaluating methodological quality and overall certainty of evidence, respectively.

RESULTS

Five hundred eighteen studies were screened, and finally 6 eligible RCTs were included in the analysis. In the patients with prevalent OVF, anabolic agents significantly reduced the incidence of new OVF (teriparatide and romosozumab vs. alendronate and risedronate [RR, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.71; p < 0.00001; high-certainty of evidence]; teriparatide vs. risedronate [RR, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.68; p < 0.0001; high-certainty of evidence]). However, there was no evidence of teriparatide compared to alendronate in fracture healing of OVF (RR, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.60; p = 0.12; low-certainty of evidence).

CONCLUSION

In the patients with prevalent OVF, anabolic agents showed a significant superiority for preventing new OVF than BPs, with no significant evidence for promoting fracture healing of OVF. However, considering small number of RCTs in this study, additional studies with large-scale data are required to obtain more robust evidences.

Monoclonal antibodies in patients with osteoporosis and renal insufficiency: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

There are challenges for the treatment of osteoporosis in patients with kidney failure and monoclonal antibodies (MAb) might be a suitable therapy. However, the efficacy and safety of MAb among patients with osteoporosis and renal insufficiency remains unclear.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central for studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of the use of MAb in patients with osteoporosis and renal insufficiency. We pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for binary outcomes. Mean difference (MD) was used for continuous outcomes.

Results

We included 5 studies with 33,550 patients. MAb therapy decreased the risk of vertebral fractures (RR 0.32; 95% CI 0.26-0.40; P < 0.01) when compared to placebo and no statistical difference was found when comparing to bisphosphonate (RR 0.71; 95% CI 0.49-1.03; P = 0.07). MAb therapy also decreased the risk of nonvertebral fractures (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.69-0.91; P = 0.0009). Lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) was higher in the MAb therapy when compared to both placebo (MD 10.90; 95% CI 8.00-13.80; P < 0.01) and bisphosphonate (MD 7.66; 95% CI 6.19-9.14; P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the change of estimated glomerular filtration rate and in the incidence of hypocalcemia and serious adverse events between groups.

Conclusions

There were reductions in both vertebral and nonvertebral fracture risks, alongside improvements in BMD among patients with renal insufficiency treated with MAb.

Norisoboldine, a Natural Alkaloid from Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm, Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation via S6K1 Signaling Pathway and Prevents Bone Loss in OVX Mice

SCOPE

Norisoboldine (NOR) is a major isoquinoline alkaloid component in the traditional Chinese herbal plant Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm, with previously reported anti-osteoclast differentiation and antiarthritis properties. However, the roles of NOR on osteoblasts, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and osteoporosis in vivo have never been well established.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study investigates the ability of NOR to improve bone formation in vitro and in vivo. Osteoblasts and BMSCs are used to study the effect of NOR on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. It finds that NOR promotes osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts and BMSCs, while inhibiting adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs by reducing the relative expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (Ppar-γ) and adiponectin, C1Q and collagen domain containing (Adipoq). Mechanistic studies show that NOR increases osteoblast differentiation through the mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR)/ribosomal protein S6 kinase; polypeptide 1 (S6K1) pathway, and treatment with an mTOR inhibitor rapamycin blocked the NOR-induced increase in mineral accumulation. Finally, the study evaluates the therapeutic potential of NOR in a mouse model of ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss. NOR prevents bone loss in both trabecular and cortical bone by increasing osteoblast number and phospho-S6K1 (p-S6K1) expression in osteoblasts.

CONCLUSION

NOR effects in enhancing osteoblast-induced bone formation via S6K1 pathway, suggesting the potential of NOR in osteoporosis treatment by increasing bone formation.

The significance of recent fracture location for imminent risk of hip and vertebral fractures-a nationwide cohort study on older adults in Sweden

The role of recent fracture site in predicting the most detrimental subsequent fractures, hip and vertebral, is unclear. This study found that most recent fracture sites were associated with an increased risk of both hip and vertebral fracture, a finding that may impact the design of secondary prevention programs.

BACKGROUND

Hip and vertebral fractures are the most serious in terms of associated morbidity, mortality, and societal costs. There is limited evidence as to which fracture types are associated with the highest risk for subsequent hip and vertebral fractures. This study aims to explore the dependency of imminent hip and vertebral fracture risk on the site of the recent index fracture.

METHODS

Conducted as a nationwide retrospective cohort study, we utilized Swedish national registers to assess the risk of hip and vertebral fractures based on the site of the recent (≤ 2 years) index fracture and an old (> 2 years) prevalent fracture. This risk was compared to that observed in individuals without any prevalent fractures. This study encompassed all Swedes aged 50 years and older between 2007 and 2010. Patients with a recent fracture were categorized into specific groups based on the type of their previous fracture and were followed until December 2017, with censoring for death and migration. The study assessed the risk of hip and vertebral fractures during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 3,423,320 individuals, comprising 145,780 with a recent fracture, 293,051 with an old fracture, and 2,984,489 without a previous fracture. The median follow-up times for the three groups were 7.6 years (IQR 4.0-9.1), 7.9 years (5.8-9.2), and 8.5 years (7.4-9.7), respectively. Patients with a recent fracture at almost all sites exhibited a significantly increased risk of hip fracture and an elevated risk of vertebral fracture compared to controls. Patients with recent fractures had an increased risk of subsequent hip and vertebral fractures, regardless of the index fracture site. These results strengthen the notion that all patients with a recent fracture, regardless of fracture site, should be included in secondary prevention programs, to improve the prevention of the clinically most serious fractures.

Australian clinicians' perceptions of patients with very high risk of fracture

BACKGROUND

International osteoporosis guidelines have recommended treatment approaches based on fracture risk stratification, in particular, anabolic therapy for patients with very high risk (VHR) of fragility fracture.

AIM

To summarise Australian clinicians' perceptions of patients at VHR of fracture.

METHODS

Australian clinicians invited to educational webinars on anabolic treatments for osteoporosis were surveyed in March and April 2021 about a typical patient they had most recently seen and identified as at VHR of fracture.

RESULTS

Of the 268 clinician attendees who were invited to complete the post-webinar surveys, 67 (25%) responded and permitted the publication of aggregated data. A typical patient perceived to have a VHR of fracture was a woman in her 80's, living at home, who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis between 5 and 10 years ago, and received treatment for 1-5 years' duration, most commonly denosumab. The patient frequently had a T-score below -3.0 SD (standard deviation), multiple fragility fractures and most commonly suffered a vertebral fracture in the past 12 months, whereas on an adequate regimen of osteoporosis medication. There was a mismatch between the patient being eligible for anabolic therapy (64.2%) and actually having been prescribed an anabolic treatment in the past (20.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Australian clinicians' perceptions of patients with a VHR of fracture and the use of anabolic agents appear to be heavily influenced by local reimbursement criteria. The mismatch between patients deemed eligible for reimbursed anabolic therapy and those prescribed an anabolic agent suggests treatment inertia.

[Osteoporosis - implications of the new guidelines in practice]

In September 2023, the guideline on the prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men was published as a completely revised guideline. The implications for practice include a change in the justifying indication for performing a bone density measurement, the time interval over which the fracture risk is determined, the level and number of therapy thresholds, and the recommendations for the therapeutic approach that are adapted to the individual fracture risk present. Risk assessment for the prediction of spine and hip fractures is essential in the context of osteoporosis diagnostics. In addition to age and gender, there are a total of 33 risk factors to determine the individual risk of fracture. Much more attention is paid to the assessment of the risk of falls and, depending on the result, combined with recommendations for muscle training and protein intake from the age of 65. Risk indicators must also be taken into account when determining the indication for osteoporosis diagnosis, as well as the risk factors of the imminent risk of fracture. The indication for baseline diagnostics has changed from the >20% 10-year fracture risk to diagnostics in postmenopausal women and in men aged 50 years and older, depending on the fracture risk factor profile. This eliminates a specific fracture risk threshold for basic diagnostics. Thus, in the young patient group (50-60 years), the risk factors considered medically relevant for the indication for osteoporosis diagnosis must be taken into account. New thresholds as an indication for initiating therapy is the determination of fracture risk using a risk calculator over 3 years instead of 10 years. The indication for drug therapy should be based on the threshold values of the DVO risk model. The data clearly suggests a significantly faster and more effective fracture risk-reducing effect of anabolic therapy. This is recommended in the first sequence in cases of a very high risk of fracture from 10%/3 years with osteoanabolic active substances (teriparatide or romosozumab). Such a therapy sequence should be initiated directly and not delayed due to upcoming dental procedures. Follow-up therapy to consolidate the reduction of fracture risk should be chosen individually.

A comprehensive review and advanced biomolecule-based therapies for osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) on a global scale is significantly elevated that causes life threatening issues. The potential of groundbreaking biomolecular therapeutics in the field of OP is highly encouraging. The administration of biomolecular agents has the potential to mitigate the process of bone demineralization while concurrently augmenting the regenerative capacity of bone tissue, thereby facilitating a personalized therapeutic approach. Biomolecules-based therapies showed promising results in term of bone mass protection and restoration in OP.

AIM OF REVIEW

We summarized the recent biomolecular therapies with notable progress in clinical, demonstrating the potential to transform illness management. These treatments frequently utilize different biomolecule based strategies. Biomolecular therapeutics has a targeted character, which results in heightened specificity and less off-target effects, ultimately leading to increased patient outcomes. These aspects have the capacity to greatly enhance the management of OP, thus resulting in a major enhancement in the quality of life encountered by individuals affected by this condition.

A practical approach for anabolic treatment of bone fragility with romosozumab

BACKGROUND

Romosozumab, a fully humanized anti-sclerostin-antibody, is a bone-builder stimulating osteoblasts and inhibiting osteoclast by activation of the canonical Wnt-beta catenin signaling. This unique mechanism of action has the potential to address unmet needs in osteoporosis management.

METHODS

The multifaceted practical clinical issues related to romosozumab are discussed, especially focusing on the rationale of employing a sclerostin inhibitor to target bone fragility as first line or second line treatment in post-menopausal osteoporosis and in males at increased risk of fractures.

RESULTS

Four randomized clinical trials with several post-hoc analyses and more than ten observational studies have consistently demonstrated that romosozumab is effective in rapidly increasing bone mineral density (BMD) and decreasing risk of vertebral, non-vertebral and hip fractures in post-menopausal women at very-high risk of fractures. In male osteoporosis, only data on BMD are available. Noteworthy, romosozumab was shown to be more effective and rapid than teriparatide in improving BMD, bone structure and strength at the hip, especially in women already treated with anti-resorptive drugs. Interestingly, even if romosozumab displays best results in treatment-naïve patients, its favourable effects on BMD were observed even in women previously treated with teriparatide or denosumab, although to a lesser extent.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available evidence, romosozumab could be proposed as ideal drug in several clinical settings, such as non-fractured post-menopausal women at very-high risk of fractures, patients with recent hip fracture, patients non responder to bisphosphonates and short-term denosumab therapy.

Bone Health in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

The association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and skeletal fragility is complex, with effects on bone at the cellular, molecular, and biomechanical levels. As a result, people with T2DM, compared to those without, are at increased risk of fracture, despite often having preserved bone mineral density (BMD) on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Maladaptive skeletal loading and changes in bone architecture (particularly cortical porosity and low cortical volumes, the hallmark of diabetic osteopathy) are not apparent on routine DXA. Alternative imaging modalities, including quantitative computed tomography and trabecular bone score, allow for noninvasive visualization of cortical and trabecular compartments and may be useful in identifying those at risk for fractures. Current fracture risk calculators underestimate fracture risk in T2DM, partly due to their reliance on BMD. As a result, individuals with T2DM, who are at high risk of fracture, may be overlooked for commencement of osteoporosis therapy. Rather, management of skeletal health in T2DM should include consideration of treatment initiation at lower BMD thresholds, the use of adjusted fracture risk calculators, and consideration of metabolic and nonskeletal risk factors. Antidiabetic medications have differing effects on the skeleton and treatment choice should consider the bone impacts in those at risk for fracture. T2DM poses a unique challenge when it comes to assessing bone health and fracture risk. This article discusses the clinical burden and presentation of skeletal disease in T2DM. Two clinical cases are presented to illustrate a clinical approach in assessing and managing fracture risk in these patients.

Therapeutic avenues in bone repair: Harnessing an anabolic osteopeptide, PEPITEM, to boost bone growth and prevent bone loss

The existing suite of therapies for bone diseases largely act to prevent further bone loss but fail to stimulate healthy bone formation and repair. We describe an endogenous osteopeptide (PEPITEM) with anabolic osteogenic activity, regulating bone remodeling in health and disease. PEPITEM acts directly on osteoblasts through NCAM-1 signaling to promote their maturation and formation of new bone, leading to enhanced trabecular bone growth and strength. Simultaneously, PEPITEM stimulates an inhibitory paracrine loop: promoting osteoblast release of the decoy receptor osteoprotegerin, which sequesters RANKL, thereby limiting osteoclast activity and bone resorption. In disease models, PEPITEM therapy halts osteoporosis-induced bone loss and arthritis-induced bone damage in mice and stimulates new bone formation in osteoblasts derived from patient samples. Thus, PEPITEM offers an alternative therapeutic option in the management of diseases with excessive bone loss, promoting an endogenous anabolic pathway to induce bone remodeling and redress the imbalance in bone turnover.

Correlation of serum DKK1 level with skeletal phenotype in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

PURPOSE

We aim to detect serum DKK1 level of pediatric patients with OI and to analyze its relationship with the genotype and phenotype of OI patients.

METHODS

A cohort of pediatric OI patients and age-matched healthy children were enrolled. Serum levels of DKK1 and bone turnover biomarkers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Pathogenic mutations of OI were detected by next-generation sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

A total of 62 OI children with mean age of 9.50 (4.86, 12.00) years and 29 healthy children were included in this study. The serum DKK1 concentration in OI children was significantly higher than that in healthy children [5.20 (4.54, 6.32) and 4.08 (3.59, 4.92) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. The serum DKK1 concentration in OI children was negatively correlated with height (r = - 0.282), height Z score (r = - 0.292), ALP concentration (r = - 0.304), lumbar BMD (r = - 0.276), BMD Z score of the lumbar spine and femoral neck (r = - 0.32; r = - 0.27) (all P < 0.05). No significant difference in serum DKK1 concentration was found between OI patients with and without vertebral compression fractures. In patients with spinal deformity (22/62), serum DKK1 concentration was positively correlated with SDI (r = 0.480, P < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between serum DKK1 concentration and the annual incidence of peripheral fractures, genotype and types of collagen changes in OI children.

CONCLUSION

The serum DKK1 level was not only significantly elevated in OI children, but also closely correlated to their skeletal phenotype, suggesting that DKK1 may become a new biomarker and a potential therapeutic target of OI.

Radiographical Diagnostic Evaluation of Mandibular Cortical Index Classification and Mandibular Cortical Width in Female Patients Prescribed Antiosteoporosis Medication: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Osteoporosis is often detected late and becomes severe because of a lack of subjective symptoms. Digital panoramic radiography (DPR) has been reported to be useful for osteoporosis screening based on the morphological classification of the mandibular inferior cortex. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the mandibular cortical index (MCI) in the diagnosis of osteoporosis in a group of patients who were and were not using antiosteoporosis medication (AOM). Three hundred and fifty female patients aged 40 years or older who had DPR imaging performed during a 6-year period from December 2015 to February 2022 met the selection criteria. Two examiners recorded mandibular cortical width and MCI from the images. These results were statistically examined together with the patients' demographic data. Forty-nine patients were using AOM (13 nonbisphosphonate/denosumab and 36 bisphosphonate/denosumab). MCI type 3 was the most common in the AOM group. In the MCI classification, DPR imaging among the AOM group was more sensitive (0.95) than that of the control group. This method of estimating osteoporosis based on MCI classification using DPR images has high sensitivity, especially in patients using AOM, suggesting that this method is useful as a screening test.

Factors Impacting Fall Severity in Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objectives: This retrospective case-controlled study aimed to evaluate the association between the severity of fall-related injuries and fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) in hospitalized patients. Methods: Data were collected from Changhua Christian Hospital, Taiwan, of all adult inpatients who experienced falls between January 2017 and December 2021, and were divided into two groups based on whether they sustained severe fall-related injuries. Retrospective data that may affect the severity of fall-related injuries and the use of FRIDs were investigated. Results: Among 1231 documented cases of falls, 26 patients sustained severe fall-related injuries. Older patients and those with osteoporosis were more susceptible to more severe injuries from a fall. The use of mobility aids and osteoporosis medications showed protective effects against fall injuries. No significant association was observed between fall-related injuries and comorbidities or FRIDs. Multivariate analysis confirmed the inverse correlation between the use of mobility aids, osteoporosis medications, and fall severity. Patients with osteoporosis exhibited significantly higher odds of sustaining more severe injuries with a fall (odds ratio = 3.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.21-7.53). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of addressing risk factors associated with fall severity among hospitalized patients. Providing mobility aids to persons at greater risk.

Discovery of the small molecular inhibitors against sclerostin loop3 as potential anti-osteoporosis agents by structural based virtual screening and molecular design

Sclerostin is a secreted glycoprotein that expresses predominantly in osteocytes and inhibits bone formation by antagonizing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and the loop3 region of sclerostin has recently discovered as a novel therapeutic target for bone anabolic treatment without increasing cardiovascular risk. Herein, we used a structural based virtual screening to search for small molecular inhibitors selectively targeting sclerostin loop3. A novel natural product hit ZINC4228235 (THFA) was identified as the sclerostin loop3-selective inhibitor with a Kd value of 42.43 nM against sclerostin loop3. The simplification and derivation of THFA using molecular modeling-guided modification allowed the discovery of an effective and loop3-selective small molecular inhibitor, compound (4-(3-acetamidoprop-1-yn-1-yl)benzoyl)glycine (AACA), with improved binding affinity (Kd = 15.4 nM) compared to the hit THFA. Further in-vitro experiment revealed that compound AACA could attenuate the suppressive effect of transfected sclerostin on Wnt signaling and bone formation. These results make AACA as a potential candidate for development of anti-osteoporosis agents without increasing cardiovascular risk.

Guidelines for fracture risk assessment and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men above the age of 50 in Qatar

We present comprehensive guidelines for osteoporosis management in Qatar. Formulated by the Qatar Osteoporosis Association, the guidelines recommend the age-dependent Qatar fracture risk assessment tool for screening, emphasizing risk-based treatment strategies and discouraging routine dual-energy X-ray scans. They offer a vital resource for physicians managing osteoporosis and fragility fractures nationwide.

PURPOSE

Osteoporosis and related fragility fractures are a growing public health issue with an impact on individuals and the healthcare system. We aimed to present guidelines providing unified guidance to all healthcare professionals in Qatar regarding the management of osteoporosis.

METHODS

The Qatar Osteoporosis Association formulated guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men above the age of 50. A panel of six local rheumatologists who are experts in the field of osteoporosis met together and conducted an extensive review of published articles and local and international guidelines to formulate guidance for the screening and management of postmenopausal women and men older than 50 years in Qatar.

RESULTS

The guidelines emphasize the use of the age-dependent hybrid model of the Qatar fracture risk assessment tool for screening osteoporosis and risk categorization. The guidelines include screening, risk stratification, investigations, treatment, and monitoring of patients with osteoporosis. The use of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan without any risk factors is discouraged. Treatment options are recommended based on risk stratification.

CONCLUSION

Guidance is provided to all physicians across the country who are involved in the care of patients with osteoporosis and fragility fractures.

3D-modeling from hip DXA shows improved bone structure with romosozumab followed by denosumab or alendronate

Romosozumab treatment in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis increases bone formation while decreasing bone resorption, resulting in large BMD gains to reduce fracture risk within 1 yr. DXA-based 3D modeling of the hip was used to assess estimated changes in cortical and trabecular bone parameters and map the distribution of 3D changes in bone parameters over time in patients from 2 randomized controlled clinical trials: FRAME (romosozumab vs placebo followed by denosumab) and ARCH (romosozumab vs alendronate followed by alendronate). For each study, data from a subset of ~200 women per treatment group who had TH DXA scans at baseline and months 12 and 24 and had provided consent for future research were analyzed post hoc. 3D-SHAPER software v2.11 (3D-SHAPER Medical) was used to generate patient-specific 3D models from TH DXA scans. Percentage changes from baseline to months 12 and 24 in areal BMD (aBMD), integral volumetric BMD (vBMD), cortical thickness, cortical vBMD, cortical surface BMD (sBMD), and trabecular vBMD were evaluated. Data from 377 women from FRAME (placebo, 190; romosozumab, 187) and 368 women from ARCH (alendronate, 185; romosozumab, 183) with evaluable 3D assessments at baseline and months 12 and 24 were analyzed. At month 12, treatment with romosozumab vs placebo in FRAME and romosozumab vs alendronate in ARCH resulted in greater increases in aBMD, integral vBMD, cortical thickness, cortical vBMD, cortical sBMD, and trabecular vBMD (P < .05 for all). At month 24, cumulative gains in all parameters were greater in the romosozumab-to-denosumab vs placebo-to-denosumab sequence and romosozumab-to-alendronate vs alendronate-to-alendronate sequence (P < .05 for all). 3D-SHAPER analysis provides a novel technique for estimating changes in cortical and trabecular parameters from standard hip DXA images. These data add to the accumulating evidence that romosozumab improves hip bone density and structure, thereby contributing to the antifracture efficacy of the drug.

Cell membrane coated nanoparticles: cutting-edge drug delivery systems for osteoporosis therapy

Osteoporosis, characterized by a reduction in bone mineral density, represents a prevalent skeletal disorder with substantial global health implications. Conventional therapeutic strategies, exemplified by bisphosphonates and hormone replacement regimens, though effective, encounter inherent limitations and challenges. Recent years have witnessed the surge of cell-membrane-coated nanoparticles (CMNPs) as a promising intervention for osteoporosis, leveraging their distinct attributes including refined biocompatibility, heightened pharmaceutical payload capacity, as well as targeted drug release kinetics. However, a comprehensive review consolidating the application of CMNPs-based therapy for osteoporosis remains absent within the existing literature. In this review, we provide a concise overview of the distinctive pathogenesis associated with osteoporosis, alongside an in-depth exploration of the physicochemical attributes intrinsic to CMNPs derived from varied cellular sources. Subsequently, we explore the potential utility of CMNPs, elucidating emerging trends in their deployment for osteoporosis treatment through multifaceted therapeutic approaches. By linking the notable attributes of CMNPs with their roles in mitigating osteoporosis, this review serves as a catalyst for further advances in the design of advanced CMNPs tailored for osteoporosis management. Ultimately, such progress is promising for enhancing outcomes in anti-bone loss interventions, paving the way for clinical translation in the near future.

The evolving roles of Wnt signaling in stem cell proliferation and differentiation, the development of human diseases, and therapeutic opportunities

The evolutionarily conserved Wnt signaling pathway plays a central role in development and adult tissue homeostasis across species. Wnt proteins are secreted, lipid-modified signaling molecules that activate the canonical (β-catenin dependent) and non-canonical (β-catenin independent) Wnt signaling pathways. Cellular behaviors such as proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and proper body-axis specification are carried out by the canonical pathway, which is the best characterized of the known Wnt signaling paths. Wnt signaling has emerged as an important factor in stem cell biology and is known to affect the self-renewal of stem cells in various tissues. This includes but is not limited to embryonic, hematopoietic, mesenchymal, gut, neural, and epidermal stem cells. Wnt signaling has also been implicated in tumor cells that exhibit stem cell-like properties. Wnt signaling is crucial for bone formation and presents a potential target for the development of therapeutics for bone disorders. Not surprisingly, aberrant Wnt signaling is also associated with a wide variety of diseases, including cancer. Mutations of Wnt pathway members in cancer can lead to unchecked cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. Altogether, advances in the understanding of dysregulated Wnt signaling in disease have paved the way for the development of novel therapeutics that target components of the Wnt pathway. Beginning with a brief overview of the mechanisms of canonical and non-canonical Wnt, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge of Wnt signaling in stem cells, aberrations to the Wnt pathway associated with diseases, and novel therapeutics targeting the Wnt pathway in preclinical and clinical studies.

The interplay of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis: exploring the pathogenesis and pharmacological approaches

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis are two chronic disorders that are often seen together. RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes pain and inflammation in the joints, while osteoporosis is a disorder in which the bones become weak and fragile. Risk factors for bone loss in RA include disease activity, longer disease duration, erosive disease, autoantibody positivity, and joint damage leading to impaired physical activity. Recent research has shown that there is a complex interplay between immune cells, cytokines, and bone remodeling processes in both RA and osteoporosis. The bone remodeling process is regulated by cytokines and immune system signaling pathways, with osteoclasts activated through the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway and the Wnt/DKK1/sclerostin pathway. Understanding these mechanisms can aid in developing targeted therapies for treatment of osteoporosis in RA patients. Current pharmacological approaches include anti-osteoporotic drugs such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide, abaloparatide, raloxifene, and romosozumab. Conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs such as methotrexate and biologicals including TNF inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, rituximab, and abatacept lower disease activity in RA and can improve bone metabolism by reducing inflammation but have limited impact on bone mineral density. This review will shed light on the relationship between osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis as well as the various factors that influence the onset of osteoporosis in RA patients. We also explore several treatment approaches to effectively managing osteoporosis in RA patients.

Treatment Sequence for Osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a chronic progressive disease that requires lifelong monitoring and treatment. Sequencing from one treatment to another at different ages and stages of disease is an approach that can maximize benefits and avoid potential risks from long-term treatment with a single agent.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews clinical trial data in postmenopausal women that evaluate the effects of antiresorptive agents followed by other antiresorptives, osteoanabolic agents followed by antiresorptives, and antiresorptives followed by osteoanabolic medications.

METHODS

Literature review and discussion.

RESULTS

When medications are discontinued, in the absence of sequential therapy, bone turnover rates return to baseline or above baseline, and bone loss occurs. The rate of bone loss differs for different treatments, with a very slow decline after stopping bisphosphonates and a particularly rapid decline after stopping denosumab. Careful attention to osteoporosis medication transitions can mitigate bone density loss and its consequences. For women who remain at high risk, switching from bisphosphonates to the more potent antiresorptive, denosumab, will result in further improvement in bone mineral density (BMD). When indicated, stopping denosumab can be accomplished safely by transition to an adequate bisphosphonate regimen. For high- and very-high-risk patients, treating with osteoanabolic agents first, followed by antiresorptive agents, produces substantially larger BMD gains than the reverse treatment sequence, with the biggest differences seen for BMD of the hip.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of the importance of treatment sequences can help improve osteoporosis care across the postmenopausal lifespan.

The sequential antifracturative treatment: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background

Subjects with a fragility fracture have an increased risk of a new fracture and should receive effective strategies to prevent new events. The medium-term to long-term strategy should be scheduled by considering the mechanisms of action in therapy and the estimated fracture risk.

Objective

A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the sequential strategy in patients with or at risk of a fragility fracture in the context of the development of the Italian Guidelines.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources and methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were investigated up to February 2021 to update the search of a recent systematic review. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that analyzed the sequential therapy of antiresorptive, anabolic treatment, or placebo in patients with or at risk of a fragility fracture were eligible. Three authors independently extracted data and appraised the risk of bias in the included studies. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. Effect sizes were pooled in a meta-analysis using fixed-effects models. The primary outcome was the risk of refracture, while the secondary outcome was the bone mineral density (BMD) change.

Results

In all, 17 RCTs, ranging from low to high quality, met our inclusion criteria. A significantly reduced risk of fracture was detected at (i) 12 or 24 months after the switch from romosozumab to denosumab versus placebo to denosumab; (ii) 30 months from teriparatide to bisphosphonates versus placebo to bisphosphonates; and (iii) 12 months from romosozumab to alendronate versus the only alendronate therapy (specifically for vertebral fractures). In general, at 2 years after the switch from anabolic to antiresorptive drugs, a weighted BMD was increased at the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck site.

Conclusion

The Task Force formulated recommendations on sequential therapy, which is the first treatment with anabolic drugs or 'bone builders' in patients with very high or imminent risk of fracture.

Changes in Testing and Treatment Methods in Osteoporosis Care

Osteoporosis treatment plays a crucial role in preventing fractures, particularly in bedridden patients. We conducted a questionnaire survey presenting hypothetical clinical cases in 2015 and 2020 to investigate trends over a 5-year period. The target population included physicians working in clinics and hospitals within our neighbourhood. The cases were presented, and the questionnaire was administered in a confidential format. The orthopaedic surgeons were matched for age and practice, resulting in 74 cases being included in the analysis. Comparing the 2015 and 2020 results, we observed a notable increase in physicians who would perform "bone mineral density measurements of the lumbar spine and hip." Furthermore, there was a significant rise in the percentage of respondents willing to test for bone metabolic markers, such as serum type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX), procollagen I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b). Regarding therapeutic agents, bisphosphonates decreased in usage, whereas parathyroid hormone and romosozumab witnessed an increase. In conclusion, the percentage of physicians requesting bone mineral density measurements of the lumbar spine and hip increased over the five-year period. In addition, more physicians chose to utilise bone metabolic markers due to their ease of measurement through blood tests and reduced diurnal variation. Finally, there was a marked trend towards the administration of drugs capable of rapidly and effectively increasing bone mineral density at an early stage of treatment.

Immunomodulatory nanomedicine for osteoporosis: Current practices and emerging prospects

Osteoporosis results from the disruption of the balance between bone resorption and bone formation. However, classical anti-osteoporosis drugs exhibit several limitations in clinical applications, such as multiple adverse reactions and poor therapeutic effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment strategies. With the evolution of immunomodulatory nanomedicine, a variety of nanomaterials have been designed for anti-osteoporosis treatment, offering prospects of minimal adverse reactions, enhanced bone induction, and high osteogenic activity. This review initially provides a brief overview of the fundamental principles of bone reconstruction, current osteogenic clinical methods in osteoporosis treatment, and the significance of osteogenic-angiogenic coupling, laying the groundwork for understanding the pathophysiology and therapeutics of osteoporosis. Subsequently, the article emphasizes the relationship between bone immunity and osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling and provides a detailed analysis of the application of immunomodulatory nanomedicines in the treatment of osteoporosis, including various types of nanomaterials and their integration with carrier biomaterials. Importantly, we discuss the potential of some emerging strategies in immunomodulatory nanomedicine for osteoporosis treatment. This review introduces the innovative applications of immunomodulatory nanomedicine in the treatment of osteoporosis, aiming to serve as a reference for the application of immunomodulatory nanomedicine strategies in osteoporosis treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Osteoporosis, as one of the most prevalent skeletal disorders, poses a significant threat to public health. To date, conventional anti-osteoporosis strategies have been limited in efficacy and plagued with numerous side effects. Fortunately, with the advancement of research in osteoimmunology and nanomedicine, strategies integrating these two fields show great promise in combating osteoporosis. Nanomedicine with immunomodulatory properties exhibits enhanced efficiency, prolonged effectiveness, and increased safety. However, as of now, there exists no comprehensive review amalgamating immunomodulation with nanomedicine to delineate the progress of immunomodulatory nanomedicine in osteoporosis treatment, as well as the future direction of this strategy.

Improving Kidney Disease Care: One Giant Leap for Nephrology

Nephrology is an ever-evolving field of medicine. The importance of such a discipline is related to the high clinical impact of kidney disease. In fact, abnormalities of kidney function and/or structure are common in the general population, reaching an overall prevalence of about 10%. More importantly, the onset of kidney damage is related to a strikingly high risk of cardiovascular events, mortality, and progression to kidney failure which, in turn, compromises quality and duration of life. Attempts to comprehend the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms involved in kidney disease occurrence have prompted the development and implementation of novel drugs in clinical practice with the aim of treating the 'specific cause' of kidney disease (including chronic kidney disease, glomerular disease, and genetic kidney disorders) and the main immunological complications following kidney transplantation. Herein, we provide an overview of the principal emerging drug classes with proved efficacy in the context of the aforementioned clinical conditions. This can represent a simplified guide for clinical nephrologists to remind them of the vast and heterogeneous armamentarium of drugs that should be used in the present and the future to improve the management of patients suffering from kidney disease.

Toll-like receptor-2 induced inflammation causes local bone formation and activates canonical Wnt signaling

It is well established that inflammatory processes in the vicinity of bone often induce osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Effects of inflammatory processes on bone formation are less studied. Therefore, we investigated the effect of locally induced inflammation on bone formation. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 agonists LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis and PAM2 were injected once subcutaneously above mouse calvarial bones. After five days, both agonists induced bone formation mainly at endocranial surfaces. The injection resulted in progressively increased calvarial thickness during 21 days. Excessive new bone formation was mainly observed separated from bone resorption cavities. Anti-RANKL did not affect the increase of bone formation. Inflammation caused increased bone formation rate due to increased mineralizing surfaces as assessed by dynamic histomorphometry. In areas close to new bone formation, an abundance of proliferating cells was observed as well as cells robustly stained for Runx2 and alkaline phosphatase. PAM2 increased the mRNA expression of Lrp5, Lrp6 and Wnt7b, and decreased the expression of Sost and Dkk1. In situ hybridization demonstrated decreased Sost mRNA expression in osteocytes present in old bone. An abundance of cells expressed Wnt7b in Runx2-positive osteoblasts and ß-catenin in areas with new bone formation. These data demonstrate that inflammation, not only induces osteoclastogenesis, but also locally activates canonical WNT signaling and stimulates new bone formation independent on bone resorption.

The Dutch multidisciplinary guideline osteoporosis and fracture prevention, taking a local guideline to the international arena

BACKGROUND

In 2018, a grant was provided for an evidence-based guideline on osteoporosis and fracture prevention based on 10 clinically relevant questions.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary working group was formed with delegates from Dutch scientific and professional societies, including representatives from the patient's organization and the Dutch Institute for Medical Knowledge. The purpose was to obtain a broad consensus among all participating societies to facilitate the implementation of the updated guideline.

RESULTS

Novel recommendations in our guideline are as follows: - In patients with an indication for DXA of the lumbar spine and hips, there is also an indication for VFA. - Directly starting with anabolic drugs (teriparatide or romosozumab) in patients with a very high fracture risk; - Directly starting with zoledronic acid in patients 75 years and over with a hip fracture (independent of DXA); - Directly starting with parenteral drugs (denosumab, teriparatide, zoledronic acid) in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis with very high fracture risk; - A lifelong fracture risk management, including lifestyle, is indicated from the start of the first treatment.

CONCLUSION

In our new multidisciplinary guideline osteoporosis and fracture prevention, we developed 5 "relatively new statements" that are all a crucial step forward in the optimization of diagnosis and treatment for fracture prevention. We also developed 5 flowcharts, and we suppose that this may be helpful for individual doctors and their patients in daily practice and may facilitate implementation.

Clinical characteristics, densitometric parameters and outcomes of patients with atypical femoral fractures related to bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis

PURPOSE

We described the clinical and densitometric characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients who developed atypical femoral fractures (AFF) while on bisphosphonate for osteoporosis.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study including all adults aged ≥50 years who developed AFF while on bisphosphonates between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2020, and subsequently managed in the Osteoporosis Centre at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong. A control group of patients who developed fragility hip fractures while on bisphosphonates in the same period was included for comparison. We compared the clinical and densitometric characteristics between the two groups, and described the clinical outcomes for the AFF group.

RESULTS

In total, 75 patients were included (AFF: n = 35; fragility hip fracture: n = 40). All were related to oral bisphosphonates. The AFF group was characterised by a longer duration of bisphosphonate use (median of 5 years), higher bone mineral density (BMD) and more acute neck-shaft angle (all p < 0.05). Following AFF, 8 patients (22.9%) did not receive any subsequent bone-active agents: due to refusal to use an injectable, or BMD out of osteoporotic range. Most of those who received bone-active agents were given teriparatide, followed by raloxifene, and achieved stable BMD. However, subsequent fragility risk remained high. Nonetheless, AFF did not confer excess morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

AFF was characterised by usually long duration of bisphosphonate use, higher BMD and more acute neck-shaft angle. AFF did not confer significant impairment in mobility or mortality. Nonetheless, further research work is necessary to optimise bone health among patients who develop AFF.

Abaloparatide is more potent than teriparatide in restoring bone mass and strength in type 1 diabetic male mice

This study investigated the efficacy of the two FDA-approved bone anabolic ligands of the parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTH1R), teriparatide or human parathyroid hormone 1-34 (PTH) and abaloparatide (ABL), to restoring skeletal health using a preclinical murine model of streptozotocin-induced T1-DM. Intermittent daily subcutaneous injections of equal molar doses (12 pmoles/g/day) of PTH (50 ng/g/day), ABL (47.5 ng/g/day), or vehicle, were administered for 28 days to 5-month-old C57Bl/6 J male mice with established T1-DM or control (C) mice. ABL was superior to PTH in increasing or restoring bone mass in control or T1-MD mice, respectively, which was associated with superior stimulation of trabecular and periosteal bone formation, upregulation of osteoclastic/osteoblastic gene expression, and increased circulating bone remodeling markers. Only ABL corrected the reduction in ultimate load, which is a measure of bone strength, induced by T1-DM, and it also increased energy to ultimate load. In addition, bones from T1-DM mice treated with PTH or ABL exhibited increased ultimate stress, a material index, compared to T1-DM mice administered with vehicle. And both PTH and ABL prevented the increased expression of the Wnt antagonist Sost/sclerostin displayed by T1-DM mice. Further, PTH and ABL increased to a similar extent the circulating bone resorption marker CTX and the bone formation marker P1NP in T1-DM after 2 weeks of treatment; however, only ABL sustained these increases after 4 weeks of treatment. We conclude that at equal molar doses, ABL is more effective than PTH in increasing bone mass and restoring the cortical and trabecular bone lost with T1-DM, due to higher and longer-lasting increases in bone remodeling.

[Secondary fracture prevention/Update osteoporosis guidelines 2023 of the Umbrella Organization Osteology]

The S3 guidelines on the prophylaxis, diagnostics and treatment of osteoporosis 2023 were completely revised and updated between 2021 and 2023 in accordance with the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies of Germany (AWMF) regulations. The guideline committee consisted of delegates from the 20 specialist societies of the Umbrella Organization Osteology (Dachverband Osteologie, DVO) as well as delegates from the German Society of General Medicine and Family Medicine (DEGAM), the German Society for Nephrology (DGfN) and the Federal Self-help Association for Osteoporosis (BfO).The guidelines focus on preventive measures, diagnostic procedures and treatment approaches for osteoporosis in men aged 50 years and over and postmenopausal women. The main aim is the optimization of care processes, reduction of fracture incidences and maintenance or improvement of the quality of life and functional capacity of patients affected by fractures. A major update to the guidelines includes the introduction of a new risk calculator that can take more risk factors (n = 33) into account and that can estimate the risk of vertebral body and proximal femoral fractures for a 3-year period (previously 10 years). This results in new thresholds for diagnostics and treatment. The programmed app is currently not yet certified as a medical product and a paper version is therefore currently available for patient care with the planned integration of a web-based version of the risk calculator. From the perspective of trauma surgery, the recommendations and innovations for manifest osteoporosis are of particular clinical importance. The focus of the DVO guidelines update is therefore on the implementation of secondary fracture prevention in trauma surgery, orthopedic and geriatric traumatology in the clinical and practical daily routine.

Bisphosphonate alternative regimens for the prevention of osteoporotic fragility fractures: BLAST-OFF, a mixed-methods study

Background

Bisphosphonates are a class of medication commonly used to treat osteoporosis. Alendronate is recommended as the first-line treatment; however, long-term adherence (both treatment compliance and persistence) is poor. Alternative bisphosphonates are available, which can be given intravenously and have been shown to improve long-term adherence. However, the most clinically effective and cost-effective alternative bisphosphonate regimen remains unclear. What is the most cost-effective bisphosphonate in clinical trials may not be the most cost-effective or acceptable to patients in everyday clinical practice.

Objectives

1. Explore patient, clinician and stakeholder views, experiences and preferences of alendronate compared to alternative bisphosphonates. 2. Update and refine the 2016 systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis of bisphosphonates, and estimate the value of further research into their benefits. 3. Undertake stakeholder/consensus engagement to identify important research questions and further rank research priorities.

Methods

The study was conducted in two stages, stages 1A and 1B in parallel, followed by stage 2: • Stage 1A - we elicited patient and healthcare experiences to understand their preferences of bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis. This was undertaken by performing a systematic review and framework synthesis of qualitative studies, followed by semistructured qualitative interviews with participants. • Stage 1B - we updated and expanded the existing Health Technology Assessment systematic review and clinical and cost-effectiveness model, incorporating a more comprehensive review of treatment efficacy, safety, side effects, compliance and long-term persistence. • Stage 2 - we identified and ranked further research questions that need to be answered about the effectiveness and acceptability of bisphosphonates.

Results

Patients and healthcare professionals identified a number of challenges in adhering to bisphosphonate medication, balancing the potential for long-term risk reduction against the work involved in adhering to oral alendronate. Intravenous zoledronate treatment was generally more acceptable, with such regimens perceived to be more straightforward to engage in, although a portion of patients taking alendronate were satisfied with their current treatment. Intravenous zoledronate was found to be the most effective, with higher adherence rates compared to the other bisphosphonates, for reducing the risk of fragility fracture. However, oral bisphosphonates are more cost-effective than intravenous zoledronate due to the high cost of zoledronate administration in hospital. The importance of including patients and healthcare professionals when setting research priorities is recognised. Important areas for research were related to patient factors influencing treatment selection and effectiveness, how to optimise long-term care and the cost-effectiveness of delivering zoledronate in an alternative, non-hospital setting.

Conclusions

Intravenous zoledronate treatment was generally more acceptable to patients and found to be the most effective bisphosphonate and with greater adherence; however, the cost-effectiveness relative to oral alendronate is limited by its higher zoledronate hospital administration costs.

Future work

Further research is needed to support people to make decisions influencing treatment selection, effectiveness and optimal long-term care, together with the clinical and cost-effectiveness of intravenous zoledronate administered in a non-hospital (community) setting.

Limitations

Lack of clarity and limitations in the many studies included in the systematic review may have under-interpreted some of the findings relating to effects of bisphosphonates.

Trial registration

This trial is registered as ISRCTN10491361.

Funding

This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR127550) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 21. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Bone Loss after Solid Organ Transplantation: A Review of Organ-Specific Considerations

This review article investigates solid organ transplantation-induced osteoporosis, a critical yet often overlooked issue, emphasizing its significance in post-transplant care. The initial sections provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and multifactorial pathogenesis of transplantation osteoporosis, including factors such as deteriorating post-transplantation health, hormonal changes, and the impact of immunosuppressive medications. Furthermore, the review is dedicated to organ-specific considerations in transplantation osteoporosis, with separate analyses for kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplantations. Each section elucidates the unique challenges and management strategies pertinent to transplantation osteoporosis in relation to each organ type, highlighting the necessity of an organ-specific approach to fully understand the diverse manifestations and implications of transplantation osteoporosis. This review underscores the importance of this topic in transplant medicine, aiming to enhance awareness and knowledge among clinicians and researchers. By comprehensively examining transplantation osteoporosis, this study contributes to the development of improved management and care strategies, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes in this vulnerable group. This detailed review serves as an essential resource for those involved in the complex multidisciplinary care of transplant recipients.

Analysis of SIRT1 Gene SNPs and Clinical Characteristics in Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Certain genetic factors, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SIRT1 gene, have been linked to medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This study examined four SNPs in the SIRT1 gene and implemented multivariate statistical analysis to analyze genetic and clinical factors in MRONJ patients. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples of 63 patients of European origin treated for MRONJ, and four SNP genotypes in the gene encoding the SIRT-1 protein were determined by Sanger sequencing. The allele frequencies measured in the MRONJ population were compared with allele frequencies measured in the European population in the National Center for Biotechnology Information Allele Frequency Aggregator (NCBI ALFA) database. Genetic and clinical factors were examined with multivariate statistical analysis. A C:A allele distribution ratio of 77.8:22.2 was measured in the rs932658 SNP. In the ALFA project, a C:A allele distribution ratio of 59.9:40.1 was detected in the European population, which was found to be a significant difference (p = 4.5 × 10-5). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation (0.275) between the genotype of SNP rs932658 and the number of stages improved during appropriate MRONJ therapy. It is concluded that allele A in SNP rs932658 in the SIRT1 gene acts as a protective factor in MRONJ.

Comparative analysis of anti-osteoporosis medications in preventing vertebral body fractures after balloon kyphoplasty

This retrospective study compared the efficacy of anabolic agents (romosozumab and teriparatide) with that of alendronate in preventing subsequent vertebral body fractures (SVBFs) after balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). All anabolic agents significantly reduced SVBFs. Romosozumab was most effective in increasing bone mineral density (BMD) and completely suppressed distant vertebral body fractures.

INTRODUCTION

To determine optimal anti-osteoporosis medications, we compared romosozumab and teriparatide to alendronate as a control from perioperative BKP to the 1st postoperative year for treatment and secondary fracture prevention in osteoporosis.

METHODS

A total of 603 patients who underwent initial BKP for osteoporotic vertebral fractures were evaluated and categorized into five groups based on drug administration: romosozumab (group R, 155 patients), twice-weekly teriparatide (group TW, 48), weekly teriparatide (group W, 151), daily teriparatide (group D, 138), and alendronate (control) (group C, 111). The 1-year incidence of SVBFs, BMD change rate, and probability of requiring BKP were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

SVBF incidence was 3.9%, 6.5%, 8.3%, 6.0%, and 14.4% in groups R, D, TW, W, and C, respectively, with all other groups exhibiting significantly lower rates than group C. The groups that administered the anabolic agents had a notably lower incidence of distant fractures than group C. Compared with group C, group R showed significantly higher BMD change rates in lumbar vertebral bodies at 4, 8, and 12 months and group D at 12 months. Anabolic agent groups exhibited significantly higher improvement rates than group C after conservative treatment alone.

CONCLUSION

The anabolic agents were found to be more effective at reducing the incidence of SVBF (especially distant vertebral fractures) than alendronate. These agents decreased the rate of repeat BKP even after the occurrence of a fracture. Overall, the use of an anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis after BKP is better than the use of alendronate, even when treatment is initiated in the perioperative stage.

Cardiovascular Safety of Romosozumab vs. PTH Analogs for Osteoporosis Treatment: a Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study

CONTEXT

Romosozumab, a monoclonal sclerostin antibody, is a recently approved highly potent anti-osteoporotic agent with osteoanabolic properties. Clinical use of Romosozumab is hindered by the fear of adverse cardiovascular (CV) events raised following the pivotal ARCH-trial.

OBJECTIVE

To assess real-world CV safety of romosozumab vs. alternative osteoanabolic therapies used for treatment of severe osteoporosis.

DESIGN

Data was obtained from TriNetX, a global federated health research network including real-time electronic medical records from 113 healthcare organizations with a total of 136,460,930 patients across 16 countries at time of analysis. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 40 years, a diagnosis of osteoporosis and prescription of romosozumab or a PTH analog (teriparatide/abaloparatide) during 8.2019-8.2022. 1:1 propensity score matched cohorts were created using demographic variables, comorbidities, and medications. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the probability of the outcomes.

OUTCOMES

Incident 3-point major adverse CV event or death (3P-MACE) during 1-year of follow-up after the initial prescription.

RESULTS

5,626 and 15,986 patients met the criteria for romosozumab and PTH analog cohorts, respectively, with 5,610 patients per group following propensity score matching. 3P-MACE was significantly less frequent in the romosozumab vs. PTH analog cohort (158 vs 211 patients with an outcome, p=0.003) with reductions in the individual components of the composite outcome: myocardial ischemic events (31 vs 58, p=0.003); cerebrovascular events 56 vs 79, p=0.037; deaths (83 vs 104, p=0.099).

CONCLUSIONS

In a diverse real-world setting, prescription of romosozumab for osteoporosis is associated with less adverse CV events when compared to PTH analog therapy.

Unique quinoline orientations shape the modified aptamer to sclerostin for enhanced binding affinity and bone anabolic potential

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic disease characterized by bone fragility and bone formation. Sclerostin could negatively regulate bone formation by antagonizing the Wnt signal pathway, whereas it imposes severe cardiac ischemic events in clinic. Our team has screened an aptamer that could promote bone anabolic potential without cardiovascular risk. However, the affinity of the aptamer is lower and needs to be improved. In the study, hydrophobic quinoline molecule with unique orientations (seven subtypes) were incorporated into key sites of a bone anabolic aptamer against sclerostin to form a modified aptamer library. Among all the quinoline modifications, 5-quinoline modification could shape the molecular recognition of modified aptamers to sclerostin to facilitate enhancing its binding to sclerostin toward the highest affinity by interacting with newly participated binding sites in sclerostin. Further, 5-quinoline modification could facilitate the modified aptamer attenuating the suppressed effect of the transfected sclerostin on both Wnt signaling and bone formation marker expression levels in vitro, promoting bone anabolism in OI mice (Col1a2+/G610C). The proposed quinoline-oriented modification strategy could shape the molecular recognition of modified aptamers to proteins to facilitate enhancing its binding affinity and therapeutic potency.

Current and Developing Pharmacologic Agents for Improving Skeletal Health in Adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by increased bone fragility largely caused by defects in structure, synthesis, or post-translational processing of type I collagen. Drugs currently used to improve skeletal health in OI were initially developed to treat osteoporosis and clinical trials are ongoing to study their effectiveness in OI adults. Additionally, novel bone-protective agents are in preclinical studies and various phases of OI clinical trials. This review summarizes current knowledge on available pharmacologic agents and current drug trials involving OI participants. A PubMed online database search of all study types published in the English language using the terms "osteogenesis imperfecta," "OI," and "brittle bone disease" was performed in August 2022. Articles screened were restricted to adults. A ClinicalTrials.gov database search of all studies involving "osteogenesis imperfecta" was performed in August 2023. Although clinical trial data are limited, bisphosphonates and teriparatide may be useful in improving bone mineral density. As of yet, no clinical trials are available that adequately evaluate the usefulness of current therapies in reducing fracture risk. Several therapeutics, including teriparatide, setrusumab, anti-TGF-β antibodies, and allogeneic stem cells, are being studied in clinical trials. Preclinical studies involving Dickkopf-1 antagonists present promising data in non-OI bone disease, and could be useful in OI. Research is ongoing to improve therapeutic options for adults with OI and clinical trials involving gene-editing may be possible in the coming decade.

Methodological guidance for the use of real-world data to measure exposure and utilization patterns of osteoporosis medications

Observational studies of osteoporosis medications can provide critical real-world evidence (RWE) that fills knowledge gaps left by clinical trials. However, careful consideration of study design is needed to yield reliable estimates of association. In particular, obtaining valid measurements of exposure to osteoporosis medications from real-world data (RWD) sources is complicated due to different medication classes, formulations, and routes of administration, each with different pharmacology. Extended half-lives of bisphosphonates and extended dosing of denosumab and zoledronic acid require particular attention. In addition, prescribing patterns and medication taking behavior often result in gaps in therapy, switching, and concomitant use of osteoporosis therapies. In this review, we present important considerations and provide specialized guidance for measuring osteoporosis drug exposures in RWD. First, we compare different sources of RWD used for osteoporosis drug studies and provide guidance on identifying osteoporosis medication use in these data sources. Next, we provide an overview of osteoporosis pharmacology and how it can influence decisions on exposure measurement within RWD. Finally, we present considerations for the measurement of osteoporosis medication exposure, adherence, switching, long-term exposures, and drug holidays using RWD. Ultimately, a thorough understanding of the differences in RWD sources and the pharmacology of osteoporosis medications is essential to obtain valid estimates of the relationship between osteoporosis medications and outcomes, such as fractures, but also to improve the critical appraisal of published studies.

The multi-faceted nature of age-associated osteoporosis

Age-associated osteoporosis (AAOP) poses a significant health burden, characterized by increased fracture risk due to declining bone mass and strength. Effective prevention and early treatment strategies are crucial to mitigate the disease burden and the associated healthcare costs. Current therapeutic approaches effectively target the individual contributing factors to AAOP. Nonetheless, the management of AAOP is complicated by the multitude of variables that affect its development. Main intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to AAOP risk are reviewed here, including mechanical unloading, nutrient deficiency, hormonal disbalance, disrupted metabolism, cognitive decline, inflammation and circadian disruption. Furthermore, it is discussed how these can be targeted for prevention and treatment. Although valuable as individual targets for intervention, the interconnectedness of these risk factors result in a unique etiology for every patient. Acknowledgement of the multifaceted nature of AAOP will enable the development of more effective and sustainable management strategies, based on a holistic, patient-centered approach.

Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis

Objectives

This study aimed to present the Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis, offering evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of this chronic condition. The primary focus is on achieving optimal fracture prevention through a comprehensive, individualized approach.

Methods

A panel of experts convened to develop consensus statements by synthesizing the current literature and leveraging clinical expertise. The review encompassed long-term anti-osteoporosis medication goals, first-line treatments for individuals at very high fracture risk, and the strategic integration of anabolic and antiresorptive agents in sequential therapy approaches.

Results

The panelists reached a consensus on 12 statements. Key recommendations included advocating for anabolic agents as the first-line treatment for individuals at very high fracture risk and transitioning to antiresorptive agents following the completion of anabolic therapy. Anabolic therapy remains an option for individuals experiencing new fractures or persistent high fracture risk despite antiresorptive treatment. In cases of inadequate response, the consensus recommended considering a switch to more potent medications. The consensus also addressed the management of medication-related complications, proposing alternatives instead of discontinuation of treatment.

Conclusions

This consensus provides a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for fracture prevention with an emphasis on shared decision-making and the incorporation of country-specific case management systems, such as fracture liaison services. It serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the ongoing evolution of osteoporosis management.

Effectiveness of romosozumab in primary biliary cholangitis at half the recommended dose in an underweight patient

Romosozumab (RSB) is a monoclonal antibody to sclerostin that is approved for post-menopausal osteoporosis at high fracture risk. It is administered as a monthly 210 mg subcutaneous injection for 12 months. We report the response to half the standard dose of RSB in an underweight patient with severe osteoporosis and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Using half dose RSB (approximately 3 mg/kg RSB), she demonstrated significant improvement in lumbar spine BMD, paralleling the results of phase III trials. This case highlights the effectiveness of RSB in a patient with concomitant PBC, in addition to its effectiveness at half the recommended dose in an underweight patient.

Novel Biomarkers of Bone Metabolism

Bone represents a metabolically active tissue subject to continuous remodeling orchestrated by the dynamic interplay between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. These cellular processes are modulated by a complex interplay of biochemical and mechanical factors, which are instrumental in assessing bone remodeling. This comprehensive evaluation aids in detecting disorders arising from imbalances between bone formation and reabsorption. Osteoporosis, characterized by a reduction in bone mass and strength leading to heightened bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures, is one of the more prevalent chronic diseases. Some epidemiological studies, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), have identified an association between osteoporosis and vascular calcification. Notably, low bone mineral density has been linked to an increased incidence of aortic calcification, with shared molecules, mechanisms, and pathways between the two processes. Certain molecules emerging from these shared pathways can serve as biomarkers for bone and mineral metabolism. Detecting and evaluating these alterations early is crucial, requiring the identification of biomarkers that are reliable for early intervention. While traditional biomarkers for bone remodeling and vascular calcification exist, they suffer from limitations such as low specificity, low sensitivity, and conflicting results across studies. In response, efforts are underway to explore new, more specific biomarkers that can detect alterations at earlier stages. The aim of this review is to comprehensively examine some of the emerging biomarkers in mineral metabolism and their correlation with bone mineral density, fracture risk, and vascular calcification as well as their potential use in clinical practice.