Bone turnover markers are correlated with quantitative ultrasound of the calcaneus: 5-year longitudinal data

Relationships between QUS and HR-pQCT, DXA, and bone turnover markers

INTRODUCTION

Relationship of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and bone-related biochemical markers was analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The subjects were 480 individuals. Speed of sound (SOS) was measured by calcaneal QUS. Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and microarchitecture of trabecular and cortical bone in the distal radius and tibia were assessed by HR-pQCT. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in the lumbar spine and proximal femur were measured by DXA. TRACP-5b, P1NP, 25 (OH) vitamin D, and pentosidine were evaluated by biochemical tests. The correlation of each parameter was analyzed for all subjects and by sex and age group.

RESULTS

QUS was moderately correlated with Tb.vBMD and Tb.BV/TV in the radius and tibia. No correlation was seen with Ct.vBMD or cortical porosity (Ct.Po). Although a correlation was seen with cortical thickness (Ct.Th) in the tibia in all subjects, no correlation was seen in women aged ≥ 60 years. QUS showed moderate correlations with aBMD in the proximal femur. Although moderate correlation was seen with aBMD in the lumbar spine in all subjects, no correlation was seen in subjects aged ≥ 60 years. No significant correlations were seen between QUS and biochemical markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate correlations were seen between QUS and Tb.vBMD and microarchitecture in the radius and tibia and aBMD of the proximal femur. On the other hand, practically no correlations were seen with Ct.vBMD or Ct.Po and the bone-related biochemical markers. Only in middle age, moderate correlations were seen with Ct.Th in the tibia and with aBMD of the lumbar spine.

Relationship between bone turnover markers and the heel stiffness index measured by quantitative ultrasound in post-menopausal Japanese women

Background: Osteoporosis in women is a serious health problem. The relationships between biochemical markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in women have been reported, but no study has examined relationships between tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b) or bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and bone mass measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in Japanese post-menopausal women. Aim: To investigate the serum TRACP-5b and BAP levels and to determine their associations with the heel stiffness index measured by QUS in post-menopausal women. Subjects and methods: The subjects were 510 post-menopausal women who were invited to participate in periodic health examinations in 2011-2013 (the Unzen Study). The heel stiffness index (bone mass) was measured by QUS. Serum samples were collected and TRACP-5b and BAP levels were measured. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that a higher log (TRACP-5b) was correlated with a lower stiffness index (p = 0.014) and log (BAP) was not correlated with stiffness index after adjusting for covariates (p = 0.136). Conclusion: Higher rates of bone resorption are associated with a lower stiffness index in Japanese post-menopausal women. These results may indicate that high bone resorption affects bone mass more than bone formation, resulting in a low bone mass.

Relationship between bone turnover markers and the heel stiffness index measured by quantitative ultrasound in middle-aged and elderly Japanese men

The aim of the present study was to investigate the age-related patterns and the relationships between serum levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b) or bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and the heel stiffness index measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in 429 Japanese men, with special emphasis on 2 age groups (40-59 years and 60 years or over). The heel stiffness index (bone mass) was measured by QUS. Serum samples were collected, and TRACP-5b and BAP levels were measured. The stiffness index was significantly decreased with age. Log (TRACP-5b) was significantly increased with age, but Log (BAP) was stable. Generalized linear models showed that higher levels of Log (TRACP-5b) and Log (BAP) were correlated with a lower stiffness index after adjusting for covariates in men aged 60 years or over, but not in men aged 40 to 59 years. In conclusion, higher rates of bone turnover markers were associated with a lower stiffness index only in elderly men. These results may indicate a different mechanism of low bone mass among different age groups of men.

The use of biomarkers in clinical osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of ascending character in the world population; in this context, bone biomarkers are being increasingly studied in order to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of these patients. The main objective of this study was a literature review of articles whose main theme was the use of biomarkers for bone formation and degradation, and to evaluate their possible applicability in clinical practice. Literature review was performed through articles indexed and published in the last five years in the PubMed database. The findings of this study showed that most of the previously selected articles were published in the last two years, and the most cited markers were bone resorption, C-terminal collagen telopeptide (CTX), showing the highest correlation with the dynamics of bone, and the biomarker of bone formation, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), which is increased in the event of fracture or may suggest another bone disease. There was an increase in published articles, associating different bone biomarkers and their clinical applicability, especially for treatment control. Our findings suggest that in recent years there has been significant increase in publications evaluating the use of bone turnover biomarkers for bone formation and resorption and their possible clinical applicability, especially in the monitoring of treatment. Still, we believe that further studies need to be conducted to confirm these findings, given the advantages that bone biomarkers can deliver in the clinical management of the disease.

Relationship between quantitative ultrasound parameters at the calcaneus and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal Italian women: the FEDRO study

Reduced bone mineral density has been reported to adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in postmenopausal women without vertebral fracture. To date, no data exist in the literature about any possible influences of quantitative ultrasonographic (QUS) parameters on HRQoL. This study aimed to assess whether QUS parameters at the calcaneus may be associated with HRQoL. In 1,812 ambulatory postmenopausal women aged 60 years or over, we measured HRQoL by the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-41) and stiffness index using QUS at the calcaneus. By grouping the 1,812 women on the basis of stiffness index, a highly significant (p < 0.001) difference was found for both total QUALEFFO and five domains of the QUALEFFO, whereas for the Pain and Mental Function domains the significance was modest. Stiffness was inversely associated (p < 0.01) with total QUALEFFO and with all QUALEFFO domains. In stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis stiffness values were negatively associated with both QUALEFFO total score and all domains of the QUALEFFO-41. The presence of concomitant diseases was associated with a worsening of HRQoL in all domains of the QUALEFFO, whereas age was associated with the three domains of physical function but not with the Pain and Mental Function domains. Our study suggests that in postmenopausal women there is a close relationship between bone status measured by QUS at the calcaneus and quality of life assessed by the QUALEFFO. Therefore, QUS at the calcaneus may have a role in early strategies to prevent HRQoL impairment and osteoporosis exacerbation.

The association of body composition and sex hormones with quantitative ultrasound parameters at the calcaneus and phalanxes in elderly women

We investigated the associations of body composition and sex hormones with quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters carried out at different skeletal sites. In 897 postmenopausal women (64.1 ± 6.6 years) we measured QUS at the calcaneus (stiffness) by Achilles-GE and at phalanxes (amplitude-dependent speed of sound [AD-SOS], bone transmission time [BTT], and ultrasound bone profile index [UBPI]) by Bone Profiler-IGEA. In all subjects we measured fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), android fat, and gynoid fat by DXA. In all subjects we also assessed serum testosterone (T), estradiol (E(2)), sex-hormone binding globulin, free estrogen index (FEI), free androgen index, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), bone alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), and type I collagen β carboxy telopeptide. Both E(2) and FEI showed weak but significant correlations with stiffness and QUS parameters at phalanxes. No significant relationships were found between T and QUS. BMI and LM were positively correlated with stiffness (r = 0.14 and r = 0.17, respectively), whereas BMI and FM showed negative correlations with AD-SOS, BTT, and UBPI. 25OHD showed positive relationships with stiffness and QUS at phalanxes. In multivariate models LM and age were associated with stiffness whereas E(2) and age were significant predictors of BTT. AD-SOS was negatively associated with FM, B-ALP, and age but positively with E(2) and 25OHD. In postmenopausal women QUS parameters at the calcaneus and at phalanxes are significantly, but diversely, associated with body composition, sex hormones, 25OHD, and bone turnover markers.

Influence of bone remodelling rate on quantitative ultrasound parameters at the calcaneus and DXA BMDa of the hip and spine in middle-aged and elderly European men: the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS)

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of sex hormones on markers of bone turnover and to explore the association between these markers and bone health in middle-aged and elderly European men.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional population-based survey.

METHODS

Men aged 40-79 years were recruited from population registers in eight European centres. Subjects completed a postal questionnaire which included questions concerning lifestyle and were invited to undergo quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneus and to provide a fasting blood sample from which the bone markers serum N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP) and crosslinks (β C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide (β-cTX)), total testosterone, total oestradiol (E(2)), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) were measured. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the hip and lumbar spine was performed in two centres.

RESULTS

A total of 3120, mean age 59.9 years (s.d.=11.0) were included. After adjustment for centre, age, height, weight, lifestyle factors, season and other hormones, total and free E(2) were negatively associated with β-cTX but not P1NP while SHBG, IGF1 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were positively associated with both β-cTX and P1NP. Total or free testosterone was not independently associated with either bone marker. After the same adjustments, higher levels of both bone markers were significantly associated with lower QUS parameters and lower DXA-assessed bone density at the total hip and lumbar spine.

CONCLUSIONS

E(2), SHBG, IGF1 and PTH contribute significantly to the regulation/rate of bone turnover in middle-aged and older European men. Higher rates of bone remodelling are negatively associated with male bone health.

Use of clinical assessment tools in the evaluation of fracture healing

Fracture healing is an optimized biological process yet the ability to determine when a fracture is healed, or to measure the healing response can present a clinical challenge. This review will focus on the evidence for the implementation of imaging modalities as tools to assist in evaluating fracture union. This is particularly important for common fractures that have a propensity to have delayed union or non-union, where a diagnosis of non-union would alter the treatment. We also present methods, such as biochemical markers and clinical scores that are in development or have the potential to aid in the diagnosis of non-union. Ultimately, clinical exam combined with the available modalities can help the clinician judge the progression of healing with some confidence. There is still a need for continued development of new modalities and tests to improve accuracy of the diagnosis of non-union, as well as predict which fractures are at risk for non-union.

Feasibility of quantitative ultrasound measurement of the heel bone in people with intellectual disabilities

Low bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures are common in people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Reduced mobility in case of motor impairment and the use of anti-epileptic drugs contribute to the development of low BMD. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurement of the heel bone is a non-invasive and radiation-free method for measuring bone status that can be used outside the hospital. QUS might be used for screening purposes to identify people with intellectual disability with poor bone status, who are in need of supplementary examination and treatment. To investigate feasibility of QUS in this group, QUS of the heel bone was performed on-site in 151 people with ID living in residential care. Measurements were successfully performed in at least one foot in 94.7%, were interpretable (resulting in a stiffness index) in 91.6%, and induced barely or no stress in 90.4% of the study population. Measurements generally took less than 10 min. In 93 persons bone status of both feet had been measured. The "mean percentage of the absolute difference" between outcomes of both feet was 15.5% (±15.3% SD, range 0-76.5%). Ultrasound measurement of the heel bone is a feasible and non-stressful method for measuring bone status in people with ID. Since the mean difference between outcomes of the left and right foot were large, measurement of both feet is recommended to prevent inaccurate interpretation.

Genistein effects on quantitative ultrasound parameters and bone mineral density in osteopenic postmenopausal women

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of genistein (54 mg/die) on calcaneus and phalanges ultrasound (QUS) parameters and bone mineral density in osteopenic postmenopausal women. We concluded that genistein prevented bone loss in the osteopenic postmenopausal women and improves QUS parameters at the calcaneus and phalanges.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of genistein (54 mg/die) on quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters of the calcaneus and hand phalange and on bone mineral density (BMD) in osteopenic postmenopausal women.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-eight women (age 49-67 years) were assigned to receive genistein or placebo. Bone status was assessed by measuring the anteroposterior lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and by ultrasound of the calcaneus (Achilles Plus, GE, Lunar) and of the phalanges (Bone Profiler. IGEA) at baseline and after a 1- and 2-year treatment.

RESULTS

At the end of the experimental period, genistein had significantly increased BMD in the femur and lumbar spine (p < 0.001). The stiffness index, amplitude-dependent speed of sound, and bone transmission time in the genistein group had increased significantly at the end of study (+5.3, p < 0.001; +3.6%, p < 0.001; +4.6, p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that genistein prevented bone loss in the osteopenic postmenopausal women and it improves the QUS parameters.