Low fatness, reduced fat intake and adequate plasmatic concentrations of LDL-cholesterol are associated with high bone mineral density in women: a cross-sectional study with control group

Effects of Taurine and Vitamin D on Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Lipids Profiles in Rats Fed Diet Deficient Calcium

Calcium deficiency is a worldwide problem affecting both developed and developing countries. The deficiency in calcium leads to a marked decrease of superoxide dismutase. It is known that vitamin D protects cells against oxidative damages while taurine plays an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role. In this study, we examined whether vitamin D and taurine supplementation had a protective effect on oxidative stress in rats fed calcium deficient diet. Female SD rats (mean weight 60 ∼ 70 g) were divided into four groups; control, taurine, vitamin D, taurine + vitamin D for 6 weeks (taurine: 2 g/100 g diet, vitamin D: 0.5 mg/100 g diet). We then analyzed the level of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) in serum and level of TC, TG in liver. We investigated antioxidative enzyme activities such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). We observed that weight gain was not significantly different in the experimental groups. Food efficiency ratio (FER) was significantly higher in the normal control group than the taurine and vitamin D groups (p < 0.05). The level of liver TC was significantly lower in taurine, vitamin D, taurine + vitamin D groups than control group (p < 0.05). The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly lower in the taurine group than the control group. The activity of SOD was higher in taurine group than other experimental groups (p < 0.05), but GSH-Px and CAT were not significantly different. In conclusion, taurine has a positive effect on SOD activity but not on vitamin D. Also taurine and vitamin D have a protective effect as observed in liver TC in rats fed with a diet which lacks calcium.

Association between Serum Cholesterol Level and Osteoporotic Fractures

OBJECTIVE

Previous epidemiological studies have found an association between serum cholesterol level and bone mineral density. However, epidemiological studies evaluating the association between serum cholesterol level and the incidence of osteoporotic fracture are scant. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether serum cholesterol levels in Chinese participants aged 55 years or older was associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study, including 1,791 participants (62.1% postmenopausal women and 213 fractures). Standardized self-administered questionnaires, physical examination, laboratory tests, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry examination were performed. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between serum cholesterol [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C)] levels and the osteoporotic fracture risk.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounding factors, there were no associations between per SD increase in TC and LDL level and an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture in total participants, and in men and women as individual groups. There was a significant association between per SD increase in HDL-C level and an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture in total participants [odds ratios (OR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.40, P = 0.023] and in women (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12, 1.68, P = 0.003), whereas no association was observed in men (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.73, 1.40, P = 0.951). Additionally, we found a significant association between per SD increase in TG level and an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture in total participants (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04, 1.38, P = 0.015). In women, a nonlinear relationship was observed between per SD increase in TG level and an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture. The risk of osteoporotic fracture in women increased with TG level >1.64 mmol/L (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.24, 3.00, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Among Chinese older adults, serum HDL-C level is significantly associated with a risk of osteoporotic fractures in women, and serum TG level is significantly associated with a risk of osteoporotic fractures in total participants and in women with TG >1.64 mmol/L.

Optimal serum cholesterol concentrations are associated with accelerated bone loss in African ancestry men

We tested if serum lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol levels are associated with longitudinal measures of bone mineral density (BMD) in 1289 African ancestry men. After 6 years of mean follow-up, men with clinically optimal levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or triglycerides at baseline experienced the greatest BMD loss, independent of potential confounding factors (all p < 0.05).

INTRODUCTION

Studies of lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol associations with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone loss have been inconclusive, and longitudinal data are sparse. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test if fasting serum lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol levels are associated with areal and volumetric BMD and BMD change.

METHODS

We determined the association of serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations with cross-sectional and longitudinal (mean follow-up, 6.1 years) measures of BMD in a cohort of 1289 in African ancestry men (mean age, 56.4 years). Fasting serum triglycerides, HDL, and LDL were measured at baseline concurrent with BMD assessments. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to quantify integral hip BMD, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography at the radius and tibia was used to quantify volumetric BMD. Men were categorized as optimal, borderline, or high risk for triglyceride, HDL, and LDL concentrations based on Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines.

RESULTS

Lower serum triglyceride or LDL and higher HDL concentrations were associated with lower trabecular BMD at baseline (all p < 0.05). Similarly, men classified as having optimal levels of LDL, HDL, or triglycerides at baseline experienced the greatest integral BMD loss at the hip and trabecular BMD loss at the tibia (all p < 0.05), independent of potential confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that clinically optimal serum lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were associated with accelerated bone loss among Afro-Caribbean men. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved and potential clinical significance of these findings.

Association between nutritional screening via the Controlling Nutritional Status index and bone mineral density in chronic liver disease of various etiologies

AIM

Bone density disorders are prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), who commonly present with hepatic osteodystrophy. However, the relationship between nutritional status and bone mineral density (BMD) has been scarcely studied in CLD.

METHODS

This single-center, cross-sectional study included outpatients consecutively diagnosed with CLD during a 1.5-year period. The nutritional status was assessed with the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) index; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and parameters of bone mineral metabolism were carried out. Bone fracture risk was estimated with the World Health Organization FRAX tool.

RESULTS

Among the 126 patients recruited (58.7% male), osteopenia and osteoporosis were present in 31.1% and 10.7%, respectively. The 10-year fracture risk was significantly higher among women. Malnutrition estimated with the CONUT index was present in 29.9% of patients and was significantly more frequent in cirrhotic patients, 63.4% of whom were malnourished. Malnutrition stage directly correlated with hepatic function as expressed by the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease index. A non-significant relationship between CONUT-assessed nutritional status and BMD was documented. 25-Hydroxyvitamin-D3 (25[OH]-D3) and fracture risk correlated positively with the CONUT stage, and total cholesterol had an inverse relationship with BMD.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition assessed by the CONUT was very frequent in patients with liver cirrhosis. The CONUT score inversely correlated with liver function, while malnutrition stage directly correlated with BMD, fracture risk and 25(OH)-D3. Total cholesterol showed a negative association with BMD in this population.

Bone mineral density, adiposity, and cognitive functions

Cognitive decline and dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been associated with genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. A number of potentially modifiable risk factors should be taken into account when preventive or ameliorative interventions targeting dementia and its preclinical stages are investigated. Bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition are two such potentially modifiable risk factors, and their association with cognitive decline was investigated in this study. 164 participants, aged 34–87 years old (62.78 ± 9.27), were recruited for this longitudinal study and underwent cognitive and clinical examinations at baseline and after 3 years. Blood samples were collected for apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was conducted at the same day as cognitive assessment. Using hierarchical regression analysis, we found that BMD and lean body mass, as measured using DXA were significant predictors of episodic memory. Age, gender, APOE status, and premorbid IQ were controlled for. Specifically, the List A learning from California Verbal Learning Test was significantly associated with BMD and lean mass both at baseline and at follow up assessment. Our findings indicate that there is a significant association between BMD and lean body mass and episodic verbal learning. While the involvement of modifiable lifestyle factors in human cognitive function has been examined in different studies, there is a need for further research to understand the potential underlying mechanisms.

Prevalence and possible risk factors of low bone mineral density in untreated female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation. Different studies have shown decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with SLE. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors of low BMD in untreated female patients with SLE in Chinese population. A total of 119 untreated female patients with SLE were included. BMD was measured at lumbar spine and at total hip by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The associations between decreased BMD and demographic variables, clinical variables, and bone metabolism variables were analyzed. These SLE patients had the following characteristics: mean age was 32.6 ± 11.9 years, mean disease duration was 22.1 ± 34.5 months, and mean SLEDAI was 11.4 ± 5.4. Osteopenia was present in 31.1% of the patients and osteoporosis in 8.5%. A significant negative association between low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and BMD at the lumbar spine (correlation coefficient = −0.242; P = 0.023) and total hip (correlation coefficient = −0.259; P = 0.019) was shown. These results seem to indicate that increased LDL-c may be an important risk factor for low BMD at lumbar spine and total hip in untreated female SLE patients.

Increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is associated with non-vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women

Although a high serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level is an established risk factor for atherosclerosis, it is unclear whether it is associated with osteoporosis. In this study, the associations between the serum LDL-C level and bone mineral density (BMD), bone metabolic markers, and the presence of prevalent vertebral or non-vertebral fractures were examined. A total of 211 healthy postmenopausal women (age range, 46-80 years) who visited a community health center were recruited consecutively. Their radiographic and biochemical characteristics were collected. Prevalent vertebral and non-vertebral fractures were found in 49 (23.2%) and 36 (17.1%) subjects, respectively. Simple regression analyses showed that the serum LDL-C level was not significantly correlated with lumbar or femoral BMD or serum levels of total amino-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP) or carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX). Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and BMI showed that the increased serum LDL-C level was selected as an index affecting the presence of prevalent non-vertebral fractures, but not vertebral fractures. This result was still significant after additional adjustments for years since menopause, physical activity, previous cardiovascular events, bone markers, BMD, serum Ca, P, Cr, 25(OH)D, grip strength, tandem gait test, and use of drugs for hyperlipidemia [odds ratio 1.76 (1.13-2.73), p=0.012]. These findings suggest that a high serum LDL-C level may be a risk factor for prevalent non-vertebral fragility fractures independent of bone turnover, bone mass, vitamin D insufficiency, or frail status in postmenopausal women, and that it may be detrimental to bone, as well as blood vessels.

Twelve-month consumption of a polyphenol extract from olive (Olea europaea) in a double blind, randomized trial increases serum total osteocalcin levels and improves serum lipid profiles in postmenopausal women with osteopenia

OBJECTIVES

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by impaired bone turnover and compromised bone strength, thereby predisposing to increased risk of fracture. Preclinical research has shown that compounds produced by the olive tree (Olea europaea), may protect from bone loss, by increasing osteoblast activity at the expense of adipocyte formation. The aim of this exploratory study was to obtain a first insight on the effect of intake of an olive extract on bone turnover in postmenopausal women with decreased bone mass (osteopenia).

DESIGN AND SETTING

For that, a double blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in which participants were randomly allocated to either treatment or placebo groups.

PARTICIPANTS

64 osteopenic patients, with a mean bone mineral density (BMD) T-score between -1.5 and -2.5 in the lumbar spine (L2-L4) were included in the study.

INTERVENTION AND MEASUREMENTS

PARTICIPANTS received for 12 months daily either 250 mg/day of olive extract and 1000 mg Ca (treatment) or 1000 mg Ca alone (placebo). Primary endpoints consisted of evaluation of bone turnover markers. Secondary endpoints included BMD measurements and blood lipid profiles.

RESULTS

After 12 months, the levels of the pro-osteoblastic marker osteocalcin were found to significantly increase in the treatment group as compared to placebo. Simultaneously, BMD decreased in the placebo group, while remaining stable in the treatment group. In addition, improved lipid profiles were observed, with significant decrease in total- and LDL-cholesterol in the treatment group.

CONCLUSION

This exploratory study supports preclinical observations and warrants further research by showing that a specific olive polyphenol extract (Bonolive®) affects serum osteocalcin levels and may stabilize lumbar spine BMD. Moreover, the improved blood lipid profiles suggest additional health benefits associated to the intake of the olive polyphenol extract.

Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid status is associated with bone strength estimated by calcaneal ultrasonography in Inuit women from Nunavik (Canada): a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the status in selected saturated (SFAs) and monounsaturated (MUFAs) fatty acids and the Stiffness Index (SI) in Inuit women from Nunavik (Northern Quebec, Canada).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional descriptive study.

SETTING

Inuit population from 14 communities who participated to Qanuippitaa? How are we? Nunavik Inuit Health Survey in 2004.

PARTICIPANTS

187 Inuit women aged 35-72 years.

MEASUREMENTS

SI was determined by ultrasonography (Achilles InSight device) at the right calcaneus of participants. SFAs and MUFAs contents of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids were measured after transmethylation by gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector. Several factors known to be associated with bone strength were concomitantly recorded. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate relations between selected SFAs, MUFAs and SI, taking into consideration several potential confounders and covariates.

RESULTS

Total SFAs, in particular behenic acid, and cis-vaccenic acid among MUFAs were negatively associated with SI (β = -0.028, SE = 0.011, p = 0.0084; β = -0.060, SE = 0.023, p = 0.0093 and β = -0.087, SE = 0.019, p <0.0001, respectively), whereas total cis-MUFAs and specifically oleic acid were positively associated with SI (β = 0.036, SE = 0.011, p = 0.0008; β = 0.037, SE = 0.011, p = 0.0014, respectively) after adjustment for several covariates.

CONCLUSION

Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid status is associated with bone strength estimated by calcaneal SI values in Inuit women from Nunavik.

Relationship between self-reported high-heeled shoe use and bone mineral density using quantitative ultrasound at a community health fair

This is the first known study to examine the relationship between high-heel use and bone mineral density (BMD). Because women are disproportionately affected by osteoporosis, it is important to identify possible modifiable behaviors of women that may adversely affect bone health. Many studies have shown changes in body mechanics when wearing high-heeled shoes in comparison to normal gait. Because the composition of bone changes according to mechanical load and muscle activity, this study investigates whether wearing high heels may alter BMD. Two hundred and twenty-one participants at a community health fair in Lansing, Michigan, were surveyed on high-heel use and bone health risk (gender, thin/small frame, fair skin, family history of fracture, smoking history, walking, dairy consumption, and early menopause or oopherectomy at <45 years old). Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the heel by Hologic's Sahara Sonometer was used to measure BMD. The mean age was 45.2 (SD 13.7) years, and the majority of participants were female (208, 94 %). A significant difference between mean BMD and high-heel use was not found. Independent correlations existed between fair skinned/sunburn easily and BMD, r(212) = -0.14, p = 0.038, as well as history of smoking and BMD, r(212) = -0.14, p = 0.042. Bone health risk score was strongly correlated with heel use binary variable "yes/no," r(210) = 0.21, p = 0.003. Our study suggests that wearing high-heeled shoes does not lead to appreciable differences in BMD among community health fair participants as assessed by QUS.