Bone mineral density is associated with site-specific atherosclerosis in patients with severe peripheral artery disease

The association between peripheral arterial disease and risk for hip fractures in elderly men is not explained by low hip bone mineral density. Results from the MrOS Sweden study

In this prospective study in Swedish elderly men, PAD based on an ABI < 0.9 was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture, independent of age and hip BMD. However, after further adjustments for comorbidity, medications, physical function, and socioeconomic factors, the association diminished and was no longer statistically significant.

INTRODUCTION

To examine if peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with an increased risk for hip fracture in men independent of hip BMD.

METHODS

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was assessed in the Swedish MrOS (Osteoporotic Fractures in Men) study, a prospective observational study including 3014 men aged 69-81 years at baseline. PAD was defined as ABI < 0.90. Incident fractures were assessed in computerized X-ray archives. The risk for hip fractures was calculated using Cox proportional hazard models. At baseline, BMD was assessed using DXA (Lunar Prodigy and Hologic QDR 4500) and functional measurements and blood samples were collected. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect information about medical history, falls, and medication.

RESULTS

During 10 years of follow-up, 186 men had an incident hip fracture. The hazard ratio (HR) for hip fracture in men with PAD was 1.70 (95% CI 1.14-2.54), adjusted for age and study site. Additional adjustment for total hip BMD marginally affected this association (HR 1.64; 95% CI 1.10-2.45). In a final multivariate model, the HR attenuated to a non-significant HR 1.38 (95% CI 0.91-2.11) adjusted for age, site, hip BMD, BMI, falls, smoking, eGFR, handgrip strength, walking speed, former hip fracture, antihypertensive treatment, diabetes, education, and history of cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that PAD is associated with an increased risk for hip fracture independently of hip BMD in elderly Swedish men. However, the high frequency of comorbidity and lower physical performance among men with PAD might partly explain this association.

Risk of earlier atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in women with low bone mineral density

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in women. We investigated whether the association between low BMD and ASCVD differs according to the age at ASCVD occurrence. We retrospectively analyzed 7932 women aged 50–65 years who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. ASCVD was defined as a composite of ASCVD death, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. When we classified participants into no event (n = 7803), early ASCVD (< 70 years) (n = 97), and late ASCVD (≥ 70 years) (n = 32) groups, age gradually increased across groups (median, 58, 60, and 63 years, respectively). However, the estimated BMD T-score at the age of 65 years was lowest in the early ASCVD group (median − 0.9, − 1.1, and − 0.5, respectively). Lower BMD was an independent predictor for early ASCVD (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.34 [1.08–1.67] per 1-SD decrease in T-score), but not for late ASCVD (0.88 [0.60–1.30]). The inverse trend between early ASCVD risk and BMD T-score was consistent regardless of the number of accompanied clinical risk factors. Thus, low BMD is an independent predictor for early ASCVD in women. BMD evaluation can provide prognostic benefit for risk stratification for early ASCVD.

Association between Bone Mineral Density and Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque According to Plaque Composition: Registry for the Women Health Cohort for Bone, Breast, and Coronary Artery Disease Study

Background

Although biological links are unclear, low bone density and atherosclerosis are inversely associated. This study evaluated the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) findings, including coronary artery calcification (CAC) score and the presence, extent, and composition of coronary atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) in asymptomatic women.

Methods

A symptomatic women aged ≥40 years (N=2, 100; median age, 52 years; range, 40–80 years) were selected from a retrospective observational cohort and stratified into normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis groups according to BMD T-score grades. We evaluated CAC score and assessed the presence, extent, and stenosis severity of CAP on CCTA. Additionally, CAP was categorized as calcified, mixed, or non-calcified according to calcified component valiums (>130 Hounsfield units).

Results

Osteopenia and osteoporosis were found in 28.8% and 5.3% of participants, respectively. CAC score and CAC severity significantly increased with decreased BMD grades (from normal to osteoporosis). The presence of CAP (overall, 15.6%; normal, 12.6%; osteopenia, 20.2%; osteoporosis, 28.8%; P<0.001) and number of segments with CAP significantly increased with decreased BMD grades. Furthermore, the number of segments with calcified or mixed plaques, excluding non-calcified plaques, increased with decreased BMD grades. Although most associations were attenuated or disappeared after adjusting for age and other covariates, calcified plaques showed a strong and age-independent association with BMD grades.

Conclusions

The presence and severity of CAC and CAP were significantly associated with BMD severity in asymptomatic women, particularly for the presence of calcified plaques. Further studies are required to determine the association between vascular calcification and bone health status.

The cross-talk between matrix metalloproteinase-9, RANKL/OPG system and cardiovascular risk factors in ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Epidemiology and pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and osteoporosis are strikingly overlapping. This study presents matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), as a simple molecular link more consistently associated with the pathophysiology of both osteoporosis and CVD risk factors. 40 adult female rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups [control sham-operated, untreated osteoporosis, carvedilol-treated osteoporosis and alendronate-treated osteoporosis]. After 8 weeks, blood samples were collected to estimate Lipid profile (Total cholesterol, HDL, Triglycerides), inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF alpha, CRP and NO), and Bone turnover markers (BTM) (Alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and pyridinoline). The tibias were dissected to estimate MMP-9 and NF-kB gene expression, OPG, RANKL levels and for histological examination. Induction of osteoporosis resulted in a significant elevation in BTM, inflammatory markers and dyslipidemia. MMP-9 was significantly elevated and positively correlated with BTM, inflammation and dyslipidemia markers. Carvedilol and alendronate exerted a bone preservative role and attenuated dyslipidaemia and inflammation in accordance with their respective effect on MMP-9.

Prognostic value of lower bone mineral density in predicting adverse cardiovascular disease in Asian women

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether the evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD) provides independent and incremental prognostic value for predicting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in women.

METHODS

A total of 12 681 women aged 50-80 years (mean, 63.0±7.8 years) who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were retrospectively analysed. We assessed the hazard ratio (HR) for ASCVD events (ASCVD death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke) according to the BMD or a clinical diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis, with adjustment for clinical risk factors, including age, body mass index, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, current smoking and previous fracture. We also evaluated whether the addition of BMD or a clinical diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis to clinical risk factors improved the prediction for ASCVD events.

RESULTS

In total, 468 women (3.7%) experienced ASCVD events during follow-up (median, 9.2 years). Lower BMD at the lumbar spine, femur neck and total hip was independently associated with higher risk for ASCVD events (adjusted HR per 1-standard deviation decrease in BMD: 1.16, p<0.001; 1.29, p<0.001; 1.38, p<0.001; respectively). A clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis was also independently associated with higher risk for ASCVD events (adjusted HR: 1.79, p<0.001). The addition of BMD or a clinical diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis to clinical risk factors demonstrated significant incremental value in discriminating ASCVD events (addition of total hip BMD, p for difference <0.001).

CONCLUSION

The evaluation of BMD provides independent and incremental prognostic value for ASCVD in women and thus may improve risk stratification in women.

Associations among Bone Mineral Density, Physical Activity and Nutritional Intake in Middle-Aged Women with High Levels of Arterial Stiffness: A Pilot Study

There is little consensus regarding the impacts of physical activity and nutrient intake on bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with high or low levels of arterial stiffness. This study was performed to investigate whether physical activity and nutrient intake are associated with BMD in middle-aged women with high levels of arterial stiffness. The study population consisted of middle-aged women aged 40–64 years (n = 22). BMD was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) was used as an indicator of arterial stiffness. Subjects were divided into two groups by median cf-PWV. Physical activity in free-living conditions was evaluated using a triaxial accelerometer. Nutrient intake was also measured using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. In the High-PWV group, BMD showed a significant negative correlation with age. Using a partial correlation model, BMD was associated with the number of steps and unsaturated fatty acid intake in the High-PWV group. These results suggest that BMD in middle-aged women with high levels of arterial stiffness may be associated with both the number of steps and nutritional intake. Recommendations of physical activity and nutritional intake for the prevention of osteopenia should include consideration of arterial stiffness.

A case of ischemic osteopathy in a hemodialysis patient with advanced peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) or arteriosclerosis obliterans is a lethal complication highly prevalent in pre-dialysis CKD and dialyzed patients. PAD is driven by atherosclerotic process and causes ischemia of the affected limb. Given that normal bone metabolism is based on sufficient blood supply and PAD decreases intraosseous blood flow of the affected limb, it is probable that PAD can directly cause ischemic osteopathy or osteoporosis in affected limbs. We herein present a 69-year-old female patient receiving 18 years of maintenance hemodialysis therapy was hospitalized for the treatment of bilateral PAD. Angiography showed a diffuse stenosis of the right superficial femoral artery and total occlusion of the left superficial femoral artery. Right ankle brachial index (ABI) was 0.83, whereas left ABI was unmeasurable. Notably, T score of the bone mineral density (BMD) in the right calcaneus measured by quantitative ultrasound was - 1.4, while that in the left calcaneus was - 2.2, showing a huge difference between BMD in the bilateral calcaneus. Metal stent was inserted to the right superficial femoral artery, whereas femoropopliteal bypass surgery was performed for the left limb. After the surgery, her right and left ABI were 0.96 and 0.92, respectively. Our case typically showed the clinical significance of sufficient blood supply to the bone for the normal bone metabolism and reminds us of the potential need to conduct further research on the association between PAD and ischemic osteopathy in patients with CKD.

Factors Influencing Serum Homocysteine Levels in Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Females - Comparison to Urinary Collagen Crosslinks

Purpose: The correlation between serum levels of homocysteine and bone mineral density remains controversial. The aim of this study was to identify the potential factors associated with the levels of serum total homocysteine (S-Hcy) and urinary N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (U-NTX) in female osteoporotic patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 163 female osteoporotic patients, aged between 48 and 91 years, who had never been treated with anti-osteoporosis therapy. Background data including spine and hip bone mineral density, ongoing therapy for the metabolic disease, aortic calcification score as evaluated by lateral lumbar X-ray film, and recent fragility fracture history were obtained. S-Hcy, U-NTX levels, and creatinine clearance were measured. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between S-Hcy levels and aortic calcification score (p = 0.022), creatinine clearance (p = 0.004), and recent fracture history (within 1 year after fracture) (p = 0.028); conversely, U-NTX levels correlated significantly with total hip bone mineral density (p < 0.0001) and recent fracture history (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: S-Hcy levels had no correlation with bone mineral density, but were associated with the degree of aortic calcification, renal function, and fracture events. These confounding factors should be taken into consideration when the relationship between S-Hcy and bone mineral density is discussed.

Distinct biomarkers for different bones in osteoporosis with rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known to cause secondary osteoporosis and fragility fractures. This study aimed to identify biomarkers predictive of bone mineral density (BMD) change at three anatomical sites in patients with RA.

Methods

We conducted a prospective longitudinal study in patients with RA. In 2012, we recruited 379 patients from an RA cohort, 329 of whom underwent evaluation of blood and urine biomarkers together with measurement of BMD in the lumbar spine, proximal femur, and distal forearm. The BMD in these three regions was reassessed in 2014. We performed multivariate linear regression analysis to identify those factors associated with BMD change.

Results

The averages of age, body mass index, and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) at baseline were 63.2 (minimum to maximum, 32–85), 21.3 (12.3–30.0), and 3.2 (0.1–5.9), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the annual BMD change was significantly associated with the use of steroid, bisphosphonate (BP) or vitamin D (VitD), and serum homocysteine in the lumber spine; DAS28, the use of BP or VitD, CRP, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) in the proximal femur; and the dosage of MTX, the use of BP or VitD, and serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) in the distal forearm, respectively.

Conclusions

Predictive biomarkers for BMD change in RA patients differ at each anatomical site. Practitioners should treat each anatomical site with different markers and prescribe osteoporosis drugs to prevent fractures for RA patients.

The associations of subclinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with hip fracture risk and bone mineral density in elderly adults

In the absence of clinically recognized cardiovascular disease, increased carotid artery intimal medial thickness was associated with higher hip fracture risk in older adults, despite its association with higher bone mineral density (BMD). Low ankle brachial index and aortic wall thickness were not associated with fracture risk or BMD.

INTRODUCTION

Clinically recognized cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with osteoporosis and hip fracture risk, but the relationship of subclinical atherosclerosis to bone health is not certain.

METHODS

We followed 3385 participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study (mean age 74.7 ± 5.3 years) with a median time to fracture of 12.1 years who underwent baseline carotid artery and aortic wall ultrasound scanning and ankle brachial blood pressure index (ABI) determinations. A subset underwent bone mineral density (BMD) testing.

RESULTS

There were 494 hip fractures during follow-up. Among persons without clinical CVD, an average standard-deviation increase in a composite score of maximal common and internal carotid artery intimal medial thickness (cIMT) was associated with increased risk of hip fracture [(HR 1.18 [1.04, 1.35]), even though cIMT was positively associated with BMD. Neither aortic wall thickness nor ABI were associated with hip fracture risk or BMD. Among participants with clinical CVD, cIMT and aortic wall thickness, but not ABI, were associated with increased hip fracture risk.

CONCLUSION

Subclinical cIMT is associated with an increased risk of hip fractures despite being associated with increased BMD. This finding suggests that vascular health, even in its early stages, is linked to bone health, by pathways other than BMD.

Peripheral artery disease and osteoporosis: Not only age‑related (Review)

Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis are two chronic degenerative diseases that share several biochemical pathways and risk factors. Previous studies have associated osteoporosis with carotid atherosclerosis, cardiovascular mortality and stroke, but data on the relationship with peripheral artery disease are few and conflicting. The OPG/RANK/RANKL system and Wnt/beta catenin signaling seem to be deeply involved in the pathogenesis of bone alterations and atherosclerotic processes also affect arteries of the lower extremities. Hypovitaminosis D could also play a role in the relationship of these two diseases. New and larger studies are necessary to shed light on this association and to design new drugs able to act in both these chronic degenerative diseases.

Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease: an update

Osteoporosis (OP) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most important causes of mortality and morbility in the elderly. Lots of studies showed a correlation between bone loss and cardiovascular risk mediated by the vascular calcification. The relationship between OP and CVD could be firstly explained by their common risk factors such as age, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and menopause. However, other different hypotheses were proposed to clarify this link. Multiple factors, for example bone morphogenetic proteins, osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand, parathyroid hormone, phosphate, oxidized lipids and vitamins D and K seemed to be involved in both conditions, indicating a possible common pathophysiologic mechanism. We review and discuss the available data describing this association. Further studies are necessary to better investigate similarities between OP and CVD.