Association of Sex Hormones and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Levels With Bone Mineral Density in Adolescents Aged 12-19 Years

Association between dietary riboflavin intake and cognitive decline in older adults: a cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

Research exploring the link between dietary riboflavin intake and cognitive decline in this demographic is limited. Our aim was to examine the association between riboflavin intake levels and cognitive decline.

METHODS

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2014 were utilized in this cross-sectional analysis. The Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease test Word Learning delayed recall trial (DR), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Animal Fluency Test(AFT) and Z test were used to evaluate cognitive performance. Multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic spline and subgroup analysis were performed to evaluate the associations between riboflavin intake and cognitive decline.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 2255 patients, with 47.9% being male. The incidence of cognitive decline was 23.8%. After adjusting for all selected covariates, we found that high riboflavin intake was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment in adults in the United States. When riboflavin intake was used as a Categorical variable, compared to those with the lowest intake, the odds ratio (OR) of individuals with the highest riboflavin intake for DR test, AFT test, DSST test and Z test were 0.73 (95% CI: 0.53~1), 0.68(95% CI: 0.49-0.96),0.53(95% CI: 0.37-0.77) and 0.56(95% CI: 0.39-0.8). The study also found an L-shaped association between riboflavin intake and cognitive decline, with an inflection point at approximately 2.984 mg/d.

CONCLUSIONS

Our cross-sectional study in a nationwide sample of American old adults suggests that dietary riboflavin intake was negative associated with cognitive decline.

Assessing the Efficacy of Acanthoic Acid Isolated from Acanthopanax koreanum Nakai in Male Infertility: An In Vivo and In Silico Approach

Acanthoic acid, a diterpene isolated from the root bark of Acanthopanax koreanum Nakai, possesses diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, gastrointestinal protection, and cardiovascular protection. This study is the first to investigate the egg-hatching rates of Drosophila melanogaster affected by acanthoic acid. Notably, male flies supplemented with 10 μM acanthoic acid exhibited a strong increase in hatching rates compared with controls under adverse temperature conditions, suggesting a potential protective effect against environmental stressors. Molecular docking simulations revealed the binding affinities and specific interactions between acanthoic acid and proteins related to male infertility, including SHBG, ADAM17, and DNase I, with binding affinity values of -10.2, -6.8, and -5.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Following the docking studies, molecular dynamic simulations were conducted for a duration of 100 ns to examine the stability of these interactions. Additionally, a total binding energy analysis and decomposition analysis offered insights into the underlying energetic components and identified key contributing residues.

Association between Volatile Organic Compound Exposure and Sex Hormones in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Serum Albumin

The associations between VOCs and sex hormones in adolescents remain unclear, and the role of serum albumin in these associations deserves to be explored. We conducted cross-sectional analyses using generalized linear models (GLMs), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and mediation analysis, based on data from 584 adolescents from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The GLM analyses revealed that seven kinds of mVOCs potentially affected sex hormone levels. According to the WQS regression results, 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (ATCA) was the major contributor to the significant associations of mixed mVOC exposure with testosterone, estradiol, and free androgen index in males; N-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)-L-cysteine (AMCC) was the major contributor to the significant associations of mixed mVOC exposure with sex hormone-binding globulin in males; and N-acetyl-S-(benzyl)-L-cysteine (BMA) was the major contributor to the significant associations of mixed mVOC exposure with the ratio of testosterone to estradiol in females. Moreover, serum albumin could mediate up to 9.2% of the associations between mixed exposure to mVOCs and sex hormones. Our findings could provide a reference for studies on the mechanisms underlying the effects of VOCs on sex hormones in adolescents and emphasize the necessity of reducing exposure to ATCA, AMCC, BMA, and their parent compounds.

Causality between Sex Hormones and Bone Mineral Density in Childhood: Age- and Tanner-Stage-Matched Sex Hormone Level May Be an Early Indicator of Pediatric Bone Fragility

This study aimed to investigate the impact of hypogonadism on bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents with chronic diseases to determine the relationship between sex hormones and BMD. This retrospective study included 672 children and adolescents with chronic diseases such as hemato-oncologic, rheumatoid, gastrointestinal, and endocrinologic diseases. The relationship between the sex- and Tanner-stage-matched Z-scores for sex hormones and the sex- and age-matched lumbar spine BMD (LSBMD) Z-scores was evaluated. Adjustments were made for confounders such as underlying diseases, age at diagnosis, and age- and sex-matched body mass index Z-scores. Patients had a mean LSBMD Z-score of -0.55 ± 1.31. In the multivariate regression analysis, male testosterone showed a positive association with the LSBMD Z-score (p < 0.001), whereas female estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and follicular-stimulating hormone showed no significant association with the LSBMD Z-scores. In the male group, the testosterone level was associated with LSBMD Z-scores > -1.0 (p < 0.001), > -2.0 (p < 0.001), and > -3.0 (p = 0.002), while the estradiol level was associated with LSBMD Z-scores > -2.0 (p = 0.001) and > -3.0 (p = 0.002) in the female group. In conclusion, sex hormones are associated with BMD in children and adolescents with chronic diseases. Therefore, various measures may be necessary to predict future skeletal problems and improve bone health in these patients.

Exposure to Trihalomethanes and Bone Mineral Density in US Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study (NHANES)

Animal and human studies have suggested that trihalomethane (THM) has toxicity to bone. In this study, we included adolescents from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who had quantified blood and tap water THM concentrations [chloroform (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM), and bromoform (TBM)] and lumbar spine or total body less head (TBLH) bone mineral density (BMD). A 2.7-fold increase in concentrations of blood TCM, DBCM, chlorinated THMs (the sum of TCM, BDCM, and DBCM), and total THMs (the sum of 4 THMs) was associated with lower lumbar spine BMD z-scores by -0.06 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.12, -0.01], -0.06 (95% CI: -0.11, -0.003), -0.08 (95% CI: -0.14, -0.02), and -0.07 (95% CI: -0.13, -0.003), respectively, in adjusted models. Similarly, a 2.7-fold increase in blood BDCM, DBCM, and chlorinated THM concentrations was associated with lower TBLH BMD z-scores by -0.10 (95% CI: -0.17, -0.02), -0.10 (95% CI: -0.17, -0.03), and -0.11 (95% CI: -0.20, -0.01), respectively. Low-to-moderate predictive power was attained when tap water THM concentrations were used to predict blood THM measurements. Notably, the inverse associations for blood THMs persisted exclusively between water concentrations of DBCM and Br-THMs and the TBLH BMD z-scores. Our findings suggest that exposure to THMs may adversely affect the adolescent BMD.

The effect of sex steroid hormones on the ecology of in vitro oral biofilms

Sex steroid hormones (SSH) such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone are cholesterol derived molecules that regulate various physiological processes. They are present in both blood and saliva, where they come in contact with oral tissues and oral microorganisms. Several studies have confirmed the effect of these hormones on different periodontal-disease-associated bacteria, using single-species models. Bacteria can metabolize SSH, use them as alternative for vitamin K and also use them to induce the expression of virulence factors. However, it is still unclear what the effects of SSH are on the oral microbiome. In this study, we investigated the effects of four SSH on commensal in vitro oral biofilms. Saliva-derived oral biofilms were grown in Mc Bain medium without serum or menadione using the Amsterdam Active-Attachment model. After initial attachment in absence of SSH, the biofilms were grown in medium containing either oestradiol, oestriol, progesterone or testosterone at a 100-fold physiological concentration. Menadione or ethanol were included as positive control and negative control, respectively. After 12 days with daily medium refreshments, biofilm formation, biofilm red fluorescence and microbial composition were determined. The supernatants were tested for proteolytic activity using the Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Analysis (FRET). No significant differences were found in biofilm formation, red fluorescence or microbial composition in any of the tested groups. Samples grown in presence of progesterone and oestradiol showed proteolytic activity comparable to biofilms supplemented with menadione. In contrast, testosterone and oestriol showed a decreased proteolytic activity compared to biofilms grown in presence of menadione. None of the tested SSH had large effects on the ecology of in vitro oral biofilms, therefore a direct translation of our results into in vivo effects is not possible. Future experiments should include other host factors such as oral tissues, immune cells and combinations of SSH as present in saliva, in order to have a more accurate picture of the phenomena taking place in both males and females.

Risk factor analysis for tibial tubercle avulsion fractures in children

PURPOSE

Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures (TTAFs) are rare in children, particularly bilateral TTAFs. This study aimed to elucidate the associating factors of TTAF, and compare the risk factor profiles of unilateral and bilateral injuries, thus provide clinical theoretical basis for reducing the occurrence of TTAFs.

METHODS

TTAF paediatric patients who were hospitalized between April 2017 and November 2022 were retrospectively analysed. Children who presented for physical examination during the same period were randomly selected, and were age- and sex-matched as controls. A subgroup analysis based on endocrine function was also performed. A risk factor analysis for bilateral TTAF was performed as well. Data were collected via medical records and a questionnaire. All variables were assessed for association with TTAF using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 64 TTAF patients and controls were respectively included. Multivariate analysis demonstrated BMI (P = 0.000，OR = 3.172), glucose (P = 0.016，OR = 20.878), and calcium (P = 0.034，OR = 0.000) as independent associating factors of TTAF. Subgroup analysis showed significant differences in oestradiol (P = 0.014), progesterone (P = 0.006) and insulin levels (P = 0.005) between the TTAF and control groups. Bilateral TTAF was found to significantly associate with a history of knee joint pain (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

High BMI, hyperglycaemia, and low calcium levels were found as independent risk factors for TTAF in children. In addition, decreased oestradiol, elevated progesterone, and insulin resistance were identified as potential risk factors for TTAF. A history of knee pain may be suggestive of bilateral TTAF.

Association between creatine phosphokinase level within normal range and bone mineral density in adolescents

Currently, it is unclear whether creatine phosphokinase (CPK) affects bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents. We sought to clarify the relationship between CPK and total BMD in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years within normal values by conducting this study. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2011 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey data to examine 1188 males (average age, 15.2 years) and 1629 females (average age, 15.4 years). In this study, CPK was the independent variable and total BMD was the outcome variable. In addition to using multivariate linear regression models, subgroup analyses were also conducted in order to examine the relationship between CPK levels and total BMD within normal ranges. Significant positive association was observed between the CPK levels and total BMD in adolescents (model 1: 0.0003 [0.0002, 0.0004], model 2: 0.0004 [0.0003, 0.0005] and model 3: 0.0004 [0.0003, 0.0004]). After adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, body mass index, dietary protein intake, dietary protein intake, dietary fiber intake, poverty to income ratio, physical activities, total cholesterol, total protein, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorus, and serum calcium, CPK levels remained significantly associated with BMD (regression coefficients for quartiles 2 to 4 vs quartile1 were 0.0002, 0.0072, and 0.0154, respectively; P for trend <.001). The association was positive even when stratified by age, gender, and race. Further, adolescents aged 16 to 19 years were more likely to report positive relationships than adolescents aged 12 to 15 years. And the phase relationship between total BMD and CPK was further enhanced in boys. The results of our study show that CPK levels within the normal range are positively associated with total BMD in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Additionally, CPK may be a potential biomarker of bone health among adolescents.

The correlation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and bone mineral density in adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Recent studies have shown a correlation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and bone mineral density (BMD) in adults, but their relationship is unclear in adolescents. This study aimed to explore whether a correlation existed between them among adolescents aged 12-19. Data analyzed in our study was fetched from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database 2011-2018. The relationship between HDL-C level and total BMD value was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression models, fitted smoothing curves, and generalized additive models. 3770 participants participated in this analysis. After adjusting for all relevant covariates involved in this study, we found a negative correlation between HDL-C levels and total bone density in male adolescents.Furthermore, the stratified analysis showed that all covariables-adjusted models retained the negative correlation excepting female, black, or Mexican American subgroups. An inverted U-shaped curve represented the correlation of HDL-C and total BMD among adolescents aged 16 to 19, and the turning point was 1.06 mmol/L. After adjusting for all relevant covariates involved in this study, the study found a negative correlation between HDL-C levels and total BMD in male adolescents aged 12 to 19, particularly among those of races other than Black and Mexican. There was a saturation effect between HDL-C level and total BMD in 16-19-year-old adolescents. The turning point was 1.06 mmol/L. Therefore, HDL-C might be a biomarker to detect bone health and further perform a more detailed examination.

Association of blood mercury levels with bone mineral density in adolescents aged 12-19

Bone mass increases rapidly in adolescence, and achieving higher bone mineral density (BMD) during this period can help prevent osteoporosis. However, the effects of metallic mercury on bone health remain controversial. Previous studies have discussed perimenopausal women and older adults, while the association of blood mercury with BMD in adolescents is yet to be studied. Date was collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018. Weighted multiple linear regression models were used to explore the association of blood mercury levels with BMD in adolescents, while smooth curve fittings and weighted generalized additive models were used to identify the potential nonlinear association. We found that blood mercury levels were negatively associated with BMD in adolescents, though not significantly, based on the results of statistical analyses of 2818 participants. Additionally, the trend in BMD with changes in blood mercury was different in male and female adolescents. We also found an inverted U-shaped association between blood mercury and BMD in male and Mexican-American adolescents. This suggests that increased blood mercury levels within a range may benefit bone health in male adolescents (inflection point: 5.44 nmol/L) and Mexican-American adolescents (inflection point: 5.49 nmol/L), while higher blood mercury levels may harm bone health. More prospective research is needed to confirm our findings.

Association between mixed aldehydes and bone mineral density based on four statistical models

Aldehydes as an environmental pollutant may lead to oxidative stress, which is an important mechanism in the development of osteoporosis. This suggests a possible link between aldehyde exposure and osteoporosis. Considering the mixed nature of aldehyde exposure and the interactions between different aldehydes, we explored for the first time the associations between mixed six aldehydes (benzaldehyde, butyraldehyde, heptanal, hexanal, isovaleraldehyde, and propionaldehyde) and BMD in three populations (men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women) by applying four statistical models: quantile g-computation (qgcomp) model, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model, generalized linear regression model (GLM), and generalized additive model (GAM), based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014. We found that mixed aldehydes could significantly reduce BMD in men, with hexanaldehyde and propanaldehyde having the greatest negative qgcomp model and BKMR model weights, also confirmed by GLM. The associations between isopentanaldehyde and propanaldehyde and femoral BMD in men were non-linear and had threshold effects as derived from the BKMR model and GAM. The associations turned positive when the concentrations of isopentanaldehyde and propanaldehyde exceeded their respective inflection points. To conclude, our study might provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and hexanaldehyde and propanaldehyde should be more regulated to prevent osteoporosis.