Osteoporosis in men

Aging and Bone Metabolism

Changes in bone architecture and metabolism with aging increase the likelihood of osteoporosis and fracture. Age-onset osteoporosis is multifactorial, with contributory extrinsic and intrinsic factors including certain medical problems, specific prescription drugs, estrogen loss, secondary hyperparathyroidism, microenvironmental and cellular alterations in bone tissue, and mechanical unloading or immobilization. At the histological level, there are changes in trabecular and cortical bone as well as marrow cellularity, lineage switching of mesenchymal stem cells to an adipogenic fate, inadequate transduction of signals during skeletal loading, and predisposition toward senescent cell accumulation with production of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Cumulatively, these changes result in bone remodeling abnormalities that over time cause net bone loss typically seen in older adults. Age-related osteoporosis is a geriatric syndrome due to the multiple etiologies that converge upon the skeleton to produce the ultimate phenotypic changes that manifest as bone fragility. Bone tissue is dynamic but with tendencies toward poor osteoblastic bone formation and relative osteoclastic bone resorption with aging. Interactions with other aging physiologic systems, such as muscle, may also confer detrimental effects on the aging skeleton. Conversely, individuals who maintain their BMD experience a lower risk of fractures, disability, and mortality, suggesting that this phenotype may be a marker of successful aging. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4355-4386, 2023.

Sexual Health in the Elderly Population

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Among the growing elderly population, sexual health remains an important concern for individuals and couples. An understanding of the expected changes with aging and taking care of aging men and women is important for treating sexual dysfunction. Sexual health issues related to aging can be both linked between men and women and independent. The aim of this study is to determine the most important considerations that contribute to sexual satisfaction in men and women in this population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many factors contribute to the overall sexual health of men and women. Hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction both warrant thorough evaluation and consideration of treatment to improve sexual satisfaction. Underlying cardiovascular issues may be present in men presenting with these concerns. In addition to hormone replacement and traditional therapy for erectile dysfunction, therapeutic stem cell injection has shown some promise. Menopause, vaginal dryness, and dyspareunia play important roles in sexual satisfaction in women. Vaginal moisturizers, topical estrogen, and MonaLisa Touch laser therapy all may aid in improving these symptoms and ultimately sex lives. Studies have also demonstrated some benefit in populations with arousal disorders, which can be present in the elderly.

SUMMARY

Male patients often describe issues related to erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism, and issues with sexual drive. The pathophysiology is linked between these conditions and treatment of one component can provide symptom relief on a larger scale. A combination of testosterone therapy, lifestyle modifications, and therapy for erectile dysfunction relates to sexual satisfaction in men. In women, an understanding of the physiological process of menopause and offering therapy when indicated can improve the quality of sexual health and provide satisfaction to both patient and partner. While aging can diminish drive and desire, proper counseling and treatment may significantly benefit some patients. A multimodal approach involving the physician, patient, and partner will optimize care and may improve the quality of life in the elderly. This review outlines some normal changes due to aging and identifies some current treatment options for a population in which sexual health can be often ignored or dismissed. By understanding the available tools, a more comprehensive approach can be taken to achieve satisfaction in couples and individuals alike.

Referral pattern for DXA scanning in a tertiary care centre from southern India

Referral patterns for bone mineral density testing by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning are seldom studied. In our study, the overall proportion of referrals from specialties remained low. This highlights the need for adequate utilisation of DXA by specialties treating subjects at risk for osteoporosis.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

The knowledge of referral patterns for DXA scanning (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) for bone mineral density (BMD) measurement is relevant in a developing country like India. We studied the referral source and clinical and densitometric profile of patients referred for DXA scanning at a south Indian tertiary care centre.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study over 3 months and included subjects referred during this period for BMD assessment (lumbar spine and femoral neck) by DXA scan. Details regarding referring departments and reasons for referral were collected. The number of patients seen in individual departments was obtained during the study period and respective proportions of patients referred were calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 1932 subjects included in the study, we observed a definite female preponderance (90.2%), with a mean (SD) age of 51.6 (13.3) years. The greatest number of referrals came from the departments of rheumatology (37%; n = 724) and endocrinology (20%; n = 382). Overall, 36% were referred for inflammatory arthritis or systemic inflammatory disorders (n = 696) and 34% for postmenopausal state screening (n = 657). In relation to the individual outpatient strength, the departments who referred the highest proportion of their patients were rheumatology (6.8%), endocrinology (1.76%) and geriatrics (1.05%). A diagnosis of osteoporosis at any one site was made in 41% (448 of 1107) and the BMD was below the expected range for age in 37% (304 of 825) of the referrals.

CONCLUSION

Most referrals for DXA scanning were from rheumatology. Among the referred patients, about two fifth had osteoporosis and over one third had BMD below expected range for age. Although referrals by rheumatology were relatively higher, overall referrals from all departments remained low. This underscores the need for adequate utilisation of DXA by specialties treating subjects at risk for osteoporosis.

Amount of smoking, pulmonary function, and bone mineral density in middle-aged Korean men: KNHANES 2008-2011

Smoking induces bone loss; however, data on the relationship between smoking history and bone mineral density (BMD) are lacking. Age and pulmonary function can affect BMD. We investigated the relationships among pack-years (PYs) of smoking, pulmonary function, and BMD in middle-aged Korean men (50-64 years old). This cross-sectional study used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2008-2011. All participants underwent BMD measurements using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and pulmonary function tests using standardized spirometry. In total, 388 never-smokers and 1088 ever-smokers were analyzed. The number of PYs of smoking was negatively correlated with total hip BMD (r = -0.088; P = 0.004) after adjusting for age, height, and weight. Ever-smokers were classified into 3 groups according to PYs of smoking. The highest tertile (n = 482) exhibited significantly lower total hip bone mass than the lowest tertile (n = 214) after adjusting for confounding factors (age, height, weight, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), alcohol consumption, physical activity, and vitamin D levels) that could affect bone metabolism (P = 0.003). In conclusion, smoking for >30 PYs was significantly associated with low hip BMD after adjusting for pulmonary function in middle-aged Korean men. Long-term smoking may be a risk factor for bone loss in middle-aged men independent of age, height, weight, and pulmonary function.

Frailty and bone health in European men

Background

frailty is associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures. Less is known, however, about the association between frailty and bone health.

Methods

men aged 40-79 years were recruited from population registers in eight European centres for participation in the European Male Aging Study. Subjects completed a comprehensive assessment which included quantitative ultrasound (QUS) scan of the heel (Hologic-SAHARA) and in two centres, dual-energy bone densitometry (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, DXA). Frailty was defined based on an adaptation of Fried's phenotype criteria and a frailty index (FI) was constructed. The association between frailty and the QUS and DXA parameters was determined using linear regression, with adjustments for age, body mass index and centre.

Results

in total, 3,231 subjects contributed data to the analysis. Using the Fried categorisation of frailty, pre-frail and frail men had significantly lower speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and quantitative ultrasound index (QUI) compared to robust men (P< 0.05). Similar results were seen using the FI after categorisation into 'high', 'medium' and 'low' levels of frailty. Using the Fried categorisation, frail men had lower femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) compared to robust men (P < 0.05), but not lower lumbar spine BMD. Using the FI categorisation, a 'high' level of frailty (FI > 0.35) was associated with lower lumbar spine BMD (P < 0.05) when compared to those with low (FI < 0.2), but not lower femoral neck BMD. When analysed as a continuous variable, higher FI was linked with lower SOS, BUA and QUI (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

optimisation of bone health as well as prevention of falls should be considered as strategies to reduce fractures in frail older people.

Medical management of fragility fractures of the distal radius

Fragility fractures of the distal radius represent an opportunity to diagnose and treat osteoporosis before further fractures occur. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of prescriptions for calcium/vitamin D supplementation and the prevalence of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans in patients who sustained fragility fractures of the distal radius. A further goal was to determine the prevalence of patients who received prescriptions for the treatment of osteoporosis after DEXA scans. The authors performed a retrospective review of all patients 50 years and older who sustained a fragility fracture of the distal radius and were treated by the orthopedic surgery service at the authors' institution from 2004 to 2010. After a fragility fracture of the distal radius, fewer than 25% of previously unidentified at-risk patients received a prescription for vitamin supplementation and underwent a DEXA scan. Women were 7 times more likely than men to receive calcium/vitamin D supplementation, 14 times more likely to undergo a DEXA scan for the evaluation of osteoporosis, and 25 times more likely to receive a prescription for bisphosphonates. Patients who underwent a DEXA scan were 9 times more likely to receive pharmacologic treatment than those who did not undergo this scan. More than half of patients did not receive a prescription for calcium/vitamin D supplementation and did not undergo DEXA scanning as recommended by current National Osteoporosis Foundation guidelines. Most patients who received prescriptions or underwent DEXA scans did so before rather than after fracture, indicating poor compliance with National Osteoporosis Foundation guidelines.

Higher serum uric acid as a protective factor against incident osteoporotic fractures in Korean men: a longitudinal study using the National Claim Registry

In this large longitudinal study of 16,078 Korean men aged 50 years or older, we observed that baseline elevation of serum uric acid level significantly associated with a lower risk of incident fractures at osteoporosis-related sites during an average follow-up period of 3 years.

INTRODUCTION

Male osteoporosis and related fractures are becoming recognized as important public health concerns. Oxidative stress has detrimental effects on bone metabolism, and serum uric acid (UA) is known to be a strong endogenous antioxidant. In the present study, we performed a large longitudinal study with an average follow-up period of 3 years to clarify the role of UA on the risk of incident osteoporotic fractures (OFs).

METHODS

A total of 16,078 Korean men aged 50 years or older who had undergone comprehensive routine health examinations were enrolled. Incident fractures at osteoporosis-related sites (e.g., hip, spine, distal radius, and proximal humerus) that occurred after the baseline examinations were identified from the nationwide claims database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea by using selected International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes.

RESULTS

In total, 158 (1.0 %) men developed incident OFs. The event rate was 33.1 per 10,000 person-years. Subjects without incident OFs had 6.0 % higher serum UA levels than subjects with OFs (P = 0.001). Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard analyses adjusted for age, body mass index, glomerular filtration rate, lifestyle factors, medical and drug histories, and the presence of baseline radiological vertebral fractures revealed that the hazard ratio per standard deviation increase of baseline UA levels for the development of incident OFs was 0.829 (95 % CI = 0.695-0.989, P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide the epidemiological evidence that serum UA may act as a protective factor against the development of incident OFs in Korean men.

Association between metabolic syndrome and incident fractures in Korean men: a 3-year follow-up observational study using national health insurance claims data

CONTEXT

Although the prevalence of both metabolic syndrome (MetS) and fractures increases with advancing age, studies on possible associations between these conditions in men are limited and the results are inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to clarify the impact of MetS on the male risk of incident fractures.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This was a large, longitudinal study with an average 3-year follow-up period.

PARTICIPANTS

Korean men (n = 16 078) aged 50 years or older who had undergone comprehensive routine health examinations participated in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incident fractures found after baseline examinations were identified using selected International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision, codes in the nationwide claims database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea.

RESULTS

In total, 158 men (1.0%) developed incident fractures. The fracture event rates for subjects with and without MetS were 26.2 and 35.7 per 10 000 person-years, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, subjects with MetS had a much lower risk of incident fractures than subjects without MetS (hazard ratio 0.662, 95% confidence interval 0.445-0.986). Furthermore, subjects with three and four or more MetS components had a 49.4% and 50.4% lower risk, respectively, of incident fractures compared with the subjects without any MetS components. Importantly, additional adjustment for body mass index eliminated the statistical significance of these associations.

CONCLUSION

Our current results indicate that the beneficial effects of MetS in reducing fracture risk could be explained by the general obesity that accompanies MetS, although other related factors, such as greater padding effect, peripheral aromatization, or adipokine changes, may also contribute.

Consuming breakfast and exercising longer during high school increases bone mineral density in young adult men

We examined the bone mineral densities (BMDs) of young adult men and analyzed the factors associated with BMD differences. Between 1993 and 2002, all male freshmen in the Wakayama Medical University, Japan were recruited into the present study, which included a self-administrated questionnaire survey, anthropometric measurements, and BMD measurements of the spine and hip. Of a total of 387 freshmen, 382 (98.7 %; mean age, 20.3 years; age range, 18-29 years) completed the study. The mean BMDs of the spine (L2-4) and femoral neck (FN) were 1.21 (standard deviation, 0.13) g/cm(2) and 1.12 (0.14) g/cm(2), respectively. The L2-4 BMDs were not associated with age, while FN BMDs were significantly inversely associated with age. The BMDs at L2-4 and FN were significantly associated with body mass index (BMI). After adjustment for age and BMI, multivariate regression analysis indicated that BMDs at L2-4 and FN were associated with current longer exercise duration (L2-4, p = 0.024; FN, p = 0.001), those at L2-4 with milk intake (p = 0.024), and those at FN with consuming breakfast (p = 0.004). Similarly, habits of consuming breakfast and exercising longer (on a weekly basis) during high school were linked with significantly higher L2-4 and FN BMDs. High-impact activities during high school significantly influenced the later BMDs. In conclusion, to maximize peak bone mass, consuming breakfast and completing a longer duration of stronger exercise in the late high school years for at least 10 h per week is recommended.

Male osteoporosis: A review

Osteoporosis in men is a heterogeneous disease that has received little attention. However, one third of worldwide hip fractures occur in the male population. This problem is more prevalent in people over 70 years of age. The etiology can be idiopathic or secondary to hypogonadism, vitamin D deficiency and inadequate calcium intake, hormonal treatments for prostate cancer, use of toxic and every disease or drug use that alters bone metabolism.Risk factors such as a previous history of fragility fracture should be assessed for the diagnosis. However, risk factors in men are very heterogeneous. There are significant differences in the pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis between men and women fundamentally due to the level of evidence in published trials supporting each treatment. New treatments will offer new therapeutic prospects. The goal of this work is a revision of the present status knowledge about male osteoporosis.

Bone Micro-CT Assessments in an Orchidectomised Rat Model Supplemented with Eurycoma longifolia

Recent studies suggested that Eurycoma longifolia, a herbal plant, may have the potential to treat osteoporosis in elderly male. This study aimed to determine the effects of Eurycoma longifolia supplementation on the trabecular bone microarchitecture of orchidectomised rats (androgen-deficient osteoporosis model). Forty-eight-aged (10–12 months old) Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups of sham-operated (SHAM), orchidectomised control (ORX), orchidectomised + 7 mg/rat testosterone enanthate (TEN) and orchidectomised + Eurycoma longifolia 30 mg/kg (EL30), orchidectomised + Eurycoma longifolia 60 mg/kg (EL60), orchidectomised + Eurycoma longifolia 90 mg/kg (EL90). Rats were euthanized following six weeks of treatment. The left femora were used to measure the trabecular bone microarchitecture using micro-CT. Orchidectomy significantly decreased connectivity density, trabecular bone volume, and trabecular number compared to the SHAM group. Testosterone replacement reversed all the orchidectomy-induced changes in the micro-CT parameters. EL at 30 and 60 mg/kg rat worsened the trabecular bone connectivity density and trabecular separation parameters of orchidectomised rats. EL at 90 mg/kg rat preserved the bone volume. High dose of EL (90 mg/kg) may have potential in preserving the bone microarchitecture of orchidectomised rats, but lower doses may further worsen the osteoporotic changes.

Once-yearly zoledronic acid in older men compared with women with recent hip fracture

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of once-yearly zoledronic acid (ZOL) 5 mg in increasing bone mineral density (BMD) in men with a recent hip fracture participating in the Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once- Yearly Recurrent Fracture Trial and to compare the efficacy with that in women from the same study.

DESIGN

Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

SETTING

International multicenter.

PARTICIPANTS

Five hundred and eight men and 1,619 women within 90 days of surgical repair of low-trauma hip fracture in the same study (for comparison).

INTERVENTION

Once-yearly intravenous (IV) ZOL 5 mg (n = 248) or placebo (n = 260), loading dose of vitamin D, daily calcium, and vitamin D supplements.

MEASUREMENT

Changes in BMD.

RESULTS

Percentage change from baseline in total hip BMD at Months 12 and 24 was significantly higher with ZOL than with placebo (between-group difference, 2.0%, P = .003, and 3.8%, P = .002, respectively). Percentage change from baseline in femoral neck BMD at Month 24 was significantly higher with ZOL than with placebo (3.8%, P = .003). The BMD benefit was comparable with that observed in women in this study. New clinical fractures occurred in 36 (7.1%) participants (ZOL, n = 16; placebo, n = 20; P = .64). The ZOL safety profile was comparable with that of placebo, with no significant differences in cardiovascular or long-term renal function and a trend toward lower mortality in ZOL-treated men.

CONCLUSION

Once-yearly IV ZOL 5 mg increases bone mass at the hip and femoral neck in men within 90 days of repair of a low-trauma hip fracture. Increases were of a similar magnitude to those observed in women in the same study.

Management of age-related osteoporosis and prevention of associated fractures

Osteoporosis and related fractures are a significant concern for the global community. As the population continues to age, morbidity and mortality from fractures due to low bone mineral density (BMD) will likely continue to increase. Efforts should be made to screen those at risk for osteoporosis, identify and address various risk factors for falls and associated fractures, ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and institute pharmacological therapy to increase BMD when indicated. Agents which increase BMD and have been shown to decrease fractures, particularly at the hip, should be considered preferentially over those for which only BMD data are available. Drugs which have been shown to decrease the risk of age-related osteoporotic fractures include oral bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, and risedronate), intranasal calcitonin, estrogen receptor stimulators (eg, estrogen, selective estrogen receptor modulators [raloxifene]), parathyroid hormone (teriparatide), sodium fluoride, and strontium ranelate. Data are beginning to emerge supporting various combination therapies (eg, bisphosphonate plus an estrogen receptor stimulator), though more data are needed to identify combinations which are most effective and confer added fracture protection. In addition, further research is needed to identify ideal regimens in special populations such as nursing home patients and men.

What Do Israeli Osteoporotic Men Know and Do about Their Disease?

Aims. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the level of knowledge about osteoporosis among osteoporotic men and to assess the correlations with their health behaviors. Method. A convenience sample of 100 osteoporotic men (mean age 63) attending the bone and mineral clinic at a major medical center in Israel was recruited in 2004. Participants were interviewed by phone using an adapted version of the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz (FOOQ). Participants were also asked to report on their daily calcium intake and participation in physical activities. Results. The overall level of knowledge about the disease demonstrated by the participants was moderate. Higher education, older age, and fewer fractures were correlated with a higher level of knowledge. In addition, higher levels of education and knowledge were correlated with higher calcium intake. Lastly, a higher knowledge level, older age, and fewer fractures were correlated with higher participation in physical activities. Conclusions. Given the correlations between health behaviors and the level of knowledge among osteoporotic men, intervention programs should be used to evaluate and improve knowledge about osteoporosis, especially among less educated patients.

Capacity of endogenous sex steroids to predict bone loss in Japanese men: 10-year follow-up of the Taiji Cohort Study

This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the capacity of endogenous sex steroids to predict male osteoporosis (OP) among community-dwelling inhabitants. Among 1,028 male residents aged 40-79 years, 50 men belonging to each age stratum (200 in total) were randomly selected from a resident registration list. In the years 1993, 1996, 2000, and 2003, bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and proximal femur was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum total estradiol (E(2)) and free testosterone (FT) were measured using samples extracted in 1993. Among the 200 participants at baseline, 153 subjects completed 10-year follow-ups. Mean values of serum E(2) and FT were 22.4 and 9.4 pg/ml, respectively. Rates of change for BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck were 0.8% and 0.5% during the first 3 years, 0.0% and 0.5% during 7 years, and 0.8% and -0.3% over 10 years, respectively. According to multivariate regression analysis after adjusting for age and body mass index, mean values of FT were significantly related to the rate of change of BMD at the femoral neck at 3 years (beta = 0.21; r (2) = 0.05; P < 0.01), but not at 7 or 10 years. Serum FT level could offer a useful predictor of bone loss within 3 years.

The association between serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels and bone mineral density in healthy euthyroid men

OBJECTIVE

Although osteoporosis is increasingly shown to occur in a considerable proportion of men, data on risk factors for male osteoporosis are limited. In this study, we investigated the association between serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentration and bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy euthyroid men. Design A cross-sectional community (health promotion centre)-based survey.

SUBJECTS AND MEASUREMENTS

For 1478 apparently healthy euthyroid men who participated in a routine health screening examination, we measured BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and serum TSH concentrations using immunoluminometry.

RESULTS

Lumbar spine BMD linearly increased with TSH level after adjustment for age, weight and height (P for trend = 0.002), and statistical significance persisted after additional adjustment for smoking and drinking habits (P for trend = 0.010). When serum alkaline phosphatase was added as a confounding variable, the relationship was still significant (P for trend = 0.016). Femoral neck BMD also tended to increase in higher TSH concentration after adjustment for age, weight and height (P for trend = 0.042), but this association disappeared after additional adjustment for smoking and drinking habits. The odds of lower BMD (i.e. osteopaenia and osteoporosis combined) were significantly increased in subjects with low-normal TSH (i.e. 0.4-1.2 mU/l), when compared to high-normal TSH (i.e. 3.1-5.0 mU/l), after adjustment for confounding factors (odds ratio = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.02-2.10).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that a serum TSH concentration at the lower end of the reference range may be associated with low BMD in men.

Reduced proliferation and osteocalcin expression in osteoblasts of male idiopathic osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), resulting in increasing susceptibility to bone fractures. In men, it has been related to some diseases and toxic habits, but in some instances the cause of the primary--or idiopathic--osteoporosis is not apparent. In a previous study, our group compared histomorphometric measurements in cortical and cancellous bones from male idiopathic osteoporosis (MIO) patients to those of control subjects and found reduced bone formation without major differences in bone resorption. To confirm these results, this study analyzed the etiology of this pathology, examining the osteoblast behavior in vitro. We compared two parameters of osteoblast activity in MIO patients and controls: osteoblastic proliferation and gene expression of COL1A1 and osteocalcin, in basal conditions and with vitamin D(3) added. All these experiments were performed from a first-passage osteoblastic culture, obtained from osteoblasts that had migrated from the transiliac explants to the plate. The results suggested that the MIO osteoblast has a slower proliferation rate and decreased expression of genes related to matrix formation, probably due to a lesser or slower response to some stimulus. We concluded that, contrary to female osteoporosis, in which loss of BMD is predominantly due to increased resorption, low BMD in MIO seems to be due to an osteoblastic defect.

New Therapies for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a growing health concern in the United States, with an enormous impact on morbidity and mortality. Despite published guidelines to aid clinicians in its management, several controversies remain. Many trials evaluate surrogate measures of bone strength rather than more clinically relevant outcomes, including fracture. Furthermore, the role of combination and sequential therapy remains unclear. Limited data are available regarding appropriate duration of therapy, management of osteoporosis in men, and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. The development of unique therapeutic agents could potentially revolutionize the treatment of osteoporosis. Once yearly zoledronic acid may provide advantages over existing therapies. Because of limitations with existing selective estrogen receptor modulators, the search for agents with better efficacy and safety profiles has led to the development of several new medications within this class. Finally, denosumab, a monoclonal antibody to receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappa B ligand, also represents a novel therapeutic option for osteoporosis.

The relationship between body composition and bone mineral content: threshold effects in a racially and ethnically diverse group of men

We examined BMC and body composition in 1,209 black, Hispanic, and white men. Weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass were associated with BMC only up to certain thresholds, whereas lean mass exhibited more consistent associations. The protective influence of increased weight appears to be driven by lean mass.

INTRODUCTION

Reduced body size is associated with decreased bone mass and increased fracture risk, but associations in men and racially/ethnically diverse populations remain understudied. We examined bone mineral content (BMC) at the hip, spine, and forearm as a function of body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass (FM), and nonbone lean mass (LM).

METHODS

The design was cross-sectional; 363 non-Hispanic black, 397 Hispanic, and 449 non-Hispanic white residents of greater Boston participated (N = 1,209, ages 30-79 y). BMC, LM, and FM were measured by DXA. Multiple linear regression was used to describe associations.

RESULTS

Weight, BMI, waist circumference, and FM were associated with BMC only up to certain thresholds. LM, by contrast, displayed strong and consistent associations; in multivariate models, femoral neck BMC exhibited a 13% increase per 10 kg cross-sectional increase in LM. In models controlling for LM, positive associations between BMC and other body composition measures were eliminated. Results did not vary by race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective effect of increased body size in maintaining bone mass is likely due to the influence of lean tissue. These results suggest that maintenance of lean mass is the most promising strategy in maintaining bone health with advancing age.

Osteoporosis, falls and exercise

Osteoporosis, a manifestation of bone atrophy that leads to great susceptibility to fractures, is a very important public health problem today because of its great morbidity, mortality and important economic repercussions. It is a problem that will tend to become more serious with the increase in the number of elderly persons. Bone mass is gained during adolescence, reaches a plateau during the third decade and remains stable until approximately age 50, after which a progressively gradual loss is observed. There is no real cure for osteoporosis, but a series of strategies can be used to reduce bone loss and improve bone mass. Osteoporosis has been considered a disease that accompanies the process of ageing; however, this fatalistic attitude should be discarded, as it is possible to correct and decrease the risk factors. Intervention strategies are based on three pillars: nutrition, physical activity and pharmacological agents. Physical activities and exercise programmes are important because they not only can counter the loss of bone mass but also improve neuromuscular capacity, maintaining and increasing strength and muscle mass, which can help to avoid falls and reduce their impact and consequences. The general principles that apply to any exercise programme also apply to preventing bone mass loss. They also can be applied to persons with osteoporosis. However, to understand the peculiarities of these programmes, the propensity for suffering fractures of these former groups should be kept in mind. Special care should be taken to avoid falls and injuries. Weight-bearing exercise and resistance training are recommended for the prevention programmes. Other activities such as tai-chi, dancing, gymnastic or callisthenic exercises can help to improve balance, gait and muscle coordination and diminish the risk of falling. These programmes should be complemented with postural education and a series of safety precautions.

The microanatomy of trabecular bone in young normal and osteoporotic elderly males

Normally there is a gradual continual loss of cortical and trabecular bone in both men and women as they age. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are conditions in which the loss results in brittle bones that fracture easily. Males with low testosterone and hypogonadism are predisposed to osteoporosis and prevention tends to be overshadowed by the greater problem in postmenopausal women. The ability of the skeleton to resist external forces depends partly upon the amount of bone present and partly upon other factors including cancellous bone microarchitecture. This is examined in iliac crest bone biopsies from idiopathic osteoporotic men, mean age 60+/-12 SD years [n=16]. These were compared with a healthy control group (autopsy samples), mean age 30+/-8.9 years [n=28] with the aim of examining the pattern of cancellous atrophy in male idiopathic osteoporosis. Undecalcified specimens were embedded in methylmethacrylate and prepared for histomorphometry. Sections were analysed using an automated trabecular analysis system (TAS), whereby a binary image was created. Area measurements including the trabecular surface and distance measurements including the trabecular width were made. The binary image was thinned to its medial framework and the node and terminus number as indices of trabecular interconnection were recorded, together with the strut length. Results (median (range)) showed a lower percentage bone volume in the elderly osteoporotic male, 10.2% (5.4-23.1) compared to young normals 25.2% (14.6-43.9), p<0.001. The trabeculae tended to be thinner, 95.7 microm (66.7-170.7) c.f. 120.8 microm (75.8-208.6) and considerably fewer in number, 11.1 (2.1-31.4) c.f. 48.3 (25.4-66.9), p<0.001 per field and in particular the number of nodes, 2.1 (0.15-14) c.f. 40.6 (10.3-74.1) per field and the node: terminus ratio fell to 0.13 (0.01-1.19) c.f. controls 0.98 (0.24-6.69), p<0.001. It was concluded that the pattern of cancellous atrophy in male idiopathic osteoporosis differs from normal aging and resembles that in postmenopausal women. Results using the automated TAS confirm previous observations made manually.

Americans are not meeting current calcium recommendations

BACKGROUND

Recent research has raised doubts about the efficacy of calcium supplementation in preventing fractures; however, adequate calcium intake remains important.

OBJECTIVE

Using data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we assessed dietary and supplemental calcium consumption among US men and women according to risk of osteoporosis and stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

DESIGN

We categorized risk of osteoporosis as high (having an osteoporosis diagnosis or treatment), moderate (aged >50 y), or low (aged 19-50 y). Main study outcomes included milligrams of dietary and supplemental calcium intake, likelihood of meeting national calcium adequate intake (AI) levels, and likelihood of taking supplemental calcium.

RESULTS

Mean (95% CI) total calcium consumption was 944 (846, 1043) mg in the high-risk group, 821 (788, 854) mg in the moderate-risk group, and 846 (812, 871) mg in the low-risk group. Overall, 40% of the sample met the calcium AI amount and 48% reported taking supplemental calcium. After adjustment for daily caloric intake, the greater likelihood of meeting calcium AI levels was associated with [odds ratio (95% CI)] low [versus moderate, 1.5 (1.2, 1.7)] and high [versus moderate, 1.9 (1.3, 2.6)] osteoporosis risk, female sex [1.6 (1.3, 1.8)], non-Hispanic white ethnicity [versus nonwhite, 1.9 (1.7, 2.3)], and education beyond high school [versus less than high school, 1.5 (1.2, 1.9)]. These same factors were also associated with an increased likelihood of taking supplemental calcium, except for a consistent increase with higher osteoporosis risk.

CONCLUSION

Many Americans--particularly men, ethnic minorities, and the socially disadvantaged--are not meeting the current recommendations for adequate calcium intake through diet alone or with supplements.

Prevalence of Osteoporosis During Long-Term Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Patients with Prostate Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To know the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with prostate cancer according to the duration of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

METHODS

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, Ward's triangle, trochanter, and total hip in 390 patients free of bone metastases. Osteoporosis was diagnosed if a T-score of less than 2.5 was detected at any measurement site. A subset of 124 patients were hormone naive at BMD testing, and 112 had undergone ADT for 2 years, 61 for 4 years, 37 for 6 years, 35 for 8 years, and 21 for 10 years or longer.

RESULTS

The osteoporosis rate was 35.4% in hormone-naive patients, 42.9% after 2 years of ADT, 49.2% after 4 years, 59.5% after 6 years, 65.7% after 8 years, and 80.6% after 10 or more years. Conversely, the rate of normal BMD decreased from 19.4% in hormone-naive patients to 17.8% after 2 years of ADT, 16.4% after 4 years, 10.8% after 6 years, 5.7% after 8 years, and 0% after 10 or more years of ADT.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of osteoporosis seemed high in hormone-naive patients with prostate cancer, and it increased to more than 80% after 10 years of ADT. Because of the increased risk of bone fractures in those patients, clinicians should be aware of the impact of ADT on BMD to prevent bone mass loss.

Osteoporosis in men: are we referring enough for DXA and how?

The aim of the study is to determine the pattern of male referrals to an osteodensitometry unit in a tertiary hospital in UAE. In this study, we reviewed the records of male patients referred for dual X-ray absorptiometry over 9 months since the establishment of the unit. Indications for scanning were categorized into high and medium risk and infrequent causes of osteopenia/osteoporosis. They were ranked according to frequency. The outcome was documented by category and patients were considered normal when they have bone mineral densities (BMD) over 0.82 g/cm(2), osteopenia between 0.60 and 0.82 g/cm(2), and osteoporosis below 0.60 g/cm(2) for hips and lumbar spine. The site with the lowest value was taken as representative of the patient's BMD status. The ages of the patients ranged from 16 to 91 years (mean of 55.2 years). Male referrals made up 8.8% (71/805) over the 9-month period. The number of indications was 83 accounting for 1.16 per patient. Most common reasons were patients on corticosteroid therapy (20.5%), bone rarefaction on radiographs (13%), and fragility fractures (12%). Others included back pain, general aches and pains, querying osteoporosis, and miscellaneous causes that made up 8.5% each. These were followed by immobilization, (6%) arthropathies (6%), excess alcohol intake (3.5%), aging, (2.5%), and hepatorenal disorders (2.5%). A positive family history of osteoporosis, treatment for neoplasia, smoking, and chronic obstructive airway disease (1% each) were the least common reasons for referral. Thirty-five patients (49%) had osteopenia, 16 (22.5%) had osteoporosis, and 20 (28%) were normal. The low referral rate and relatively high normal outcome among men suggest that osteoporosis is still viewed as a disease of females. This aberrant referral pattern, when viewing the majority of indications, reflects an inability to prioritize the reasons for referral. It is prudent, therefore, to instill an awareness of the increasing importance of osteoporosis in men in the minds of the referring clinicians.

Association between level of frailty and bone mineral density in community-dwelling men

The goal of this study is to determine the associations between the components of a frailty definition and bone mineral density (BMD) in older men. A total of 392 community dwelling men (age range: 58-95 yr) with a mean age of 73+/-8 yr were evaluated. Femoral neck BMD T-scores ranged from -5.78 to +2.50, with 48.7% who had T-scores between -1 and -2.5 (low bone mass) and 8.7% who had T scores < or = -2.5 (osteoporosis). Participants were characterized as normal (39%), intermediate (55%), or frail (6%). Hand grip strength was 31.5+/-9.1 kg in those with normal BMD compared with 26.5+/-7.9 kg in those with osteoporotic BMD (p=0.0026). Walk speed (8 ft) was 2.32+/-0.49 s in those with normal BMD compared with 2.87+/-1.30 s with osteoporotic BMD (p=0.0015). Femoral neck T-score declined significantly with increasing level of frailty (p=0.014), but significance of decline was lost when corrected for age. Increasing frailty was associated with lower femoral neck BMD, although the association was not independent of age. Two components of the frailty model (i.e., hand grip strength and walking speed) were independently associated with lower femoral neck BMD, a finding that has not previously been reported in men.

Femoral bone mineral density in patients with heart failure

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure and osteoporosis are common conditions in older, frail individuals. It is important to investigate interactions of the common problems in the aging population to devise relevant interventions.

METHODS

Sixty individuals (43 men, mean age 77+/-9 years, and 17 women, mean age 78+/-12 years) with heart failure (HF) and 23 age- and gender-matched non-HF controls (15 men, eight women; mean age 77+/-9 years) underwent hip and bone mineral density (BMD) assessments; frailty assessment; physical performance assessment including 6-min walk, grip strength, and self-reported physical activity; and biochemical assessment including calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD), estradiol, creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen levels (BUN).

RESULTS

Significant differences between HF and control groups were found for BMD Z-scores of the femoral neck, total femur, and trochanteric region at the femur (p<.05). Further differences between groups included frailty score (p=.02), 6-min walking distance (p<.001), and self-reported physical activity (p=.001). In addition, several differences between groups were present for calcium (p=.054), PTH (p<.001), 25-OHD (p=.01), Cr (p=.04), and BUN (p=.01). In regression analysis, HF (defined as case, by ejection fraction, or by New York Heart Association class), frailty status, and vitamin D were significant predictors of lower bone mass at the femur.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with HF have lower BMD, in part related to lower vitamin D status and higher frailty rates. Interventions to optimize vitamin D and physical activity should be explored to prevent bone loss in individuals with heart failure.

Osteoporosis in men

Osteoporosis is a significant threat to aging bone in men. Thirty percent of hip fractures occur in men; during initial hospitalization and the first year after fracture, the mortality rate is twice that of women. Nevertheless, osteoporosis in men is grossly underdiagnosed and undertreated. The most frequent factors associated with osteoporosis in men are age >75 years, low baseline body mass index (<24 kg/m(2)), weight loss >5% over 4 years, current smoking, and physical inactivity. Osteoporosis in men is either secondary to a primary disease or is idiopathic. It exhibits a bimodal age distribution, with peaks at age 50 years (secondary disease) and at age 70 years (idiopathic). Prevention and early detection currently are the best forms of management. Alone or in combination, calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates, and human parathyroid hormone are all effective management options. In the acute setting of fragility fracture, the orthopaedic surgeon is key in identifying patients at risk because the surgeon provides primary care and may initiate prophylactic measures to prevent future fractures.

Estradiol, testosterone, and the risk for hip fractures in elderly men from the Framingham Study

BACKGROUND

Low serum estradiol has been more strongly associated with low bone mineral density in elderly men than has testosterone, but its association with incident hip fracture is unknown. We examined whether low estradiol increases the risk for future hip fracture among men and explored whether testosterone levels influence this risk.

METHODS

We examined 793 men (mean age = 71 years) evaluated between 1981 and 1983, who had estradiol measures and no history of hip fracture, and followed until the end of 1999. Total estradiol and testosterone were measured between 1981 and 1983. Hip fractures were identified and confirmed through medical records review through the end of 1999. We created 3 groups of men based on estradiol levels and performed a Cox-proportional hazards model to examine the risk for incident hip fracture, adjusted for age, body mass index, height, and smoking status. We performed similar analyses based on testosterone levels, and then based on both estradiol and testosterone levels together.

RESULTS

There were 39 men who sustained an atraumatic hip fracture over follow-up. Incidence rates for hip fracture (per 1000 person-years) were 11.0, 3.4, and 3.9 for the low (2.0-18.1 pg/mL [7-67 pmol/L]), middle (18.2-34.2 pg/mL [67-125 pmol/L]), and high (> or =34.3 pg/mL [> or =126 pmol/L]) estradiol groups, respectively. With adjustment for age, body mass index, height, and smoking status, the adjusted hazard ratios for men in the low and middle estradiol groups, relative to the high group, were 3.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-6.9) and 0.9 (95% CI, 0.4-2.0), respectively. In similar adjusted analyses evaluating men by their testosterone levels, we found no significant increased risk for hip fracture. However, in analyses in which we grouped men by both estradiol and testosterone levels, we found that men with both low estradiol and low testosterone levels had the greatest risk for hip fracture (adjusted hazard ratio: 6.5, 95% CI, 2.9-14.3).

CONCLUSION

Men with low estradiol levels are at an increased risk for future hip fracture. Men with both low estradiol and low testosterone levels seem to be at greatest risk for hip fracture.

Investigating the role of the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor (GH-IGF) axis as a determinant of male bone mineral density (BMD)

INTRODUCTION

The GH-IGF axis has profound effects on bone metabolism and may be important in the etiology of idiopathic osteoporosis. Serum IGF-I is often low in men with osteoporosis, which may be attributable to GH hypo-secretion or hepatic GH insensitivity. We studied the GH-IGF axis in depth to look for evidence to support these hypotheses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

28 healthy 60- to 70-year-old men with low, intermediate, or normal BMD were studied. GH secretion was measured by overnight urine collection. GH reserve was assessed by exercise and glucagon stimulation tests. Hepatic IGF-I production was investigated using a GH-IGF-I generation test. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, linear regression, and analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Serum IGF-I was reduced in subjects with low BMD (P = 0.009). There was no difference in GH secretion or reserve between the groups. Overall, GH reserve and IGF-I were positively related but this was attenuated in the low BMD group. However, no statistically significant difference in IGF-I generation capacity between BMD groups was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with reduced BMD have low IGF-I but normal GH secretion and reserve. Our data suggested, but could not confirm, hepatic resistance to GH as a mechanism for this association.

Underutilization of Calcium and Vitamin D by Older Adults in a Large General Internal Medicine Practice

The underutilization of calcium and vitamin D supplements in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is common among high-risk elders. Less is known about the prevalence and adequacy of calcium and vitamin D use by the general population of older adults. We performed a retrospective chart analysis of 617 women and 383 men over the age of 60 (mean age 73 +/- 9 years) seen at an internal medicine practice to establish the prevalence and evaluate the adequacy of calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Adequate supplementation was defined according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation guidelines and the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Panel on Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis or osteopenia was documented in 207 (33.6%) women and 21 (5.5%) men (P < 0.01). Of 383 men, 116 (30.3%) used calcium, 25 (6.5%) used adequate doses of calcium, 109 (28.5%) used vitamin D, and only 8 (2.1%) used adequate doses of vitamin D. Of 617 women, 415 (67.3%) used calcium, 199 (32.3%) used adequate doses of calcium, 347 (56.2%) used vitamin D, and 83 (21.7%) used adequate doses of vitamin D. When compared with women, men were less likely to be on calcium (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.16-0.28), on adequate calcium replacement (OR0.15, 95% CI 0.11-0.23), on vitamin D (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.25-0.42), and on adequate vitamin D replacement (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.07-0.26). Calcium and vitamin D were greatly underutilized among older patients in an internal medicine clinic. Inadequate replacement doses were common, and men were particularly susceptible to undertreatment.

Epidemiology of male osteoporosis and prostate cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we will discuss the increasing importance of male osteoporosis, risk factors for the disease, its relationship to prostate cancer and androgen deprivation treatment modalities for prostate cancer, and recent trials describing therapeutic intervention.

RECENT FINDINGS

Osteoporosis has become an increasingly important problem in men's health, accounting for significant morbidity in the aging United States male population. Hypogonadism is a major risk factor. Patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer are at risk for both hypogonadism and osteoporosis. These patients may suffer additional morbidity from decreased bone mineralization, such as skeletal fracture. There is a direct association with fracture and decreased quality of life and increased mortality.

SUMMARY

Male osteoporosis is an important clinical entity, particularly in aging men and in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy. No screening recommendations currently exist; however, patients at risk for decreased bone mineralization should be screened and treated to prevent consequent fractures.

Racial differences in bone mineral density in older men

Studies have examined factors related to BMD in older white, but not black, men. We measured BMD in older white and black men and examined factors related to racial differences in BMD. Black men had significantly higher adjusted BMD at all sites. These results may explain, in part, the lower incidence of fractures in older black men.

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have examined factors associated with bone mineral density (BMD)in older men. None, however, have had sufficient numbers of black men to allow for meaningful comparisons by race.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 503 white and 191 black men aged 65 and older(75.1 +/- 5.8 and 72.2 +/- 5.7 years, respectively) were recruited from the Baltimore metropolitan area. All men completed a battery of self-administered questionnaires, underwent a standardized examination, and had BMD measured at the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total body. Data were analyzed using multiple variable linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounding variables; two-way interactions with main effects were included in models where appropriate.

RESULTS

Black men had significantly higher adjusted BMD at the femoral neck (difference 0.09 [95% CI: 0.07, 0.12] mg/cm2), lumbar spine (0.07 [0.04, 0.10] mg/cm2), and total body (0.06 [0.03, 0.08] mg/cm2) than white men.

CONCLUSIONS

Older black men have significantly higher BMD than older white men, even after adjustment for factors associated with BMD. These differences, especially at the femoral neck, may explain the reduced incidence of hip fracture in black compared with white men.

Male osteoporosis: epidemiology and pathophysiology

In men, osteoporosis is a prevalent problem that is under-recognized and undertreated. Men 50 years and older have a 13% lifetime risk for fracture. Hip and vertebral fractures are associated with significant functional impairment and increased mortality in men. The morbidity and mortality following a fracture is also greater in men than it is in women. By improving our knowledge on the pathophysiology of osteoporosis in men, better management strategies for this condition may be developed. In recent years, there has been greater awareness of the biomechanic factors that contribute to bone strength, which may explain some of the differences in fracture incidence between men and women. There is also growing evidence to support the key role of estrogens in maintaining bone health in older men, similar to women. This review highlights our current understandings on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of male osteoporosis and its related fractures, with particular focus on the determinants of bone strength and the role of sex hormones on bone metabolism in men.

Osteoporosis in elderly: prevention and treatment

Osteoporosis is a major clinical problem in older women and men. Almost any bone can fracture as a result of the increased bone fragility of osteoporosis. These fractures are associated with higher health care costs, physical disability, impaired quality of life, and increased mortality. Because the incidence of osteoporotic fracture increases with advancing age, measures to diagnose and prevent osteoporosis and its complications assume a major public health concern. BMD is a valuable tool to identify patients at risk for fracture, to make therapeutic decisions, and to monitor therapy. Several other modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for osteoporosis have also been identified. Treatment of potentially modifiable risk factors along with exercise and calcium and vitamin D supplementation forms an important adjunct to pharmacologic management of osteoporosis. Improved household safety can reduce the risk of falls. Hip protectors have been found to be effective in nursing home population. The pharmacologic options include bisphosphonates, HRT, SERMs and calcitonin. PTH had received FDA advisory committee approval. Alendronate has been approved for treatment of osteoporosis in men, and other treatments for men are under evaluation.