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Al Refaie A, Baldassini L, Mondillo C, De Vita M, Giglio E, Tarquini R, Gonnelli S, Caffarelli C. Vitamin D and Dyslipidemia: Is There Really a Link? A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:1144. [PMID: 38674837 PMCID: PMC11053479 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the interest in the extraskeletal effects of vitamin D is growing. In the literature, its several possible actions have been confirmed. Vitamin D seems to have a regulatory role in many different fields-inflammation, immunity, and the endocrine system-and many studies would demonstrate a possible correlation between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease. In this paper, we deepened the relationship between vitamin D and dyslipidemia by reviewing the available literature. The results are not entirely clear-cut: on the one hand, numerous observational studies suggest a link between higher serum vitamin D levels and a beneficial lipid profile, while on the other hand, interventional studies do not demonstrate a significant effect. Understanding the possible relationship between vitamin D and dyslipidemia may represent a turning point: another link between vitamin D and the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Al Refaie
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy (S.G.)
- Division of Internal Medicine I, San Giuseppe Hospital, 50053 Tuscany, Italy
| | - Leonardo Baldassini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy (S.G.)
| | - Caterina Mondillo
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy (S.G.)
| | - Michela De Vita
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy (S.G.)
| | - Elisa Giglio
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy (S.G.)
| | - Roberto Tarquini
- Division of Internal Medicine I, San Giuseppe Hospital, 50053 Tuscany, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy (S.G.)
| | - Carla Caffarelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy (S.G.)
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Caffarelli C, Al Refaie A, Mondillo C, Manasse G, Versienti A, Tomai Pitinca MD, Conticini E, Frediani B, Gonnelli S. The Advantages of Radiofrequency Echographic MultiSpectrometry in the Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in a Population with Osteoarthritis at the Lumbar Spine. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:523. [PMID: 38472995 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) in the lumbar spine can potentially lead to an overestimation of bone mineral density (BMD), and this can be a challenge in accurately diagnosing conditions like osteoporosis, where precise measurement of BMD is crucial. Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) is being recognized as an innovative diagnostic tool for assessing bone status. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the use of REMS may enhance the identification of osteoporosis in patients with osteoarthritis. METHODS A cohort of 500 patients (mean age: 63.9 ± 11.2 years) diagnosed with osteoarthritis and having a medical prescription for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were recruited for the study. All patients underwent BMD measurements at lumbar spine and femoral sites by both DXA and REMS techniques. RESULTS The T-score values for BMD at the lumbar spine (BMD-LS) by DXA were significantly higher with respect to BMD-LS by REMS across all OA severity scores, and the differences were more pronounced in patients with a higher degree of OA severity (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the percentage of subjects classified as "osteoporotic", on the basis of BMD by REMS was markedly higher than those classified by DXA, both when considering all skeletal sites (39.4% vs. 15.1%, respectively) and the lumbar spine alone (30.5% vs. 6.0%, respectively). A similar pattern was observed when OA patients were grouped according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading score. CONCLUSIONS The findings from our study indicate that, in a population with varying severity levels of osteoarthritis, REMS demonstrated a higher capability to diagnose osteoporosis compared to DXA, and this could lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for patients with bone fragility, reducing the likelihood of fractures and associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Mondillo
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuditta Manasse
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Versienti
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Edoardo Conticini
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Bruno Frediani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Caffarelli C, Cameli P, Al Refaie A, Mondillo C, Versienti A, Manasse G, Bargagli E, Gonnelli S. Osteoporosis and major fragility fractures (MOF) in sarcoidosis patients: association with disease severity. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:3015-3022. [PMID: 37924469 PMCID: PMC10721684 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02589-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reports on bone mineral loss or major osteoporosis fracture (MOF) in sarcoidosis are scarce and have conflicting outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of MOF in sarcoidosis patients. METHODS In a single-center cohort of 382 patients with sarcoidosis (55.8 ± 11.6 years) we evaluated bone mineral density at lumbar spine, at femoral neck and at total hip and the presence of MOF. Lung function measurements including diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were assessed. Chest X-rays were performed and radiological staging was done by Scadding score. RESULTS Ninety patients (23.6%) with sarcoidosis have history of a MOF. BMD T-scores were lower in sarcoidosis with MOF with respect to those without MOF, but the difference was statistically significant only for BMD at femoral neck (p < 0.05). Moreover, BMD values at total hip was positively correlated with DLCO (%) (p < 0.001). Prevalence of MOF was higher in patients with sarcoidosis with lung parenchymal involvement (radiological stages 2-4) than in patients with sarcoidosis in chest X-ray stages 0 and 1 (28.3 vs 19.2% respectively, p < 0.05). Moreover, multiple regression analyses showed that X-ray Scadding score was positively associated with MOF. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that MOF represent a common and important complication in patients with moderate/severe sarcoidosis. The chest X-ray evaluation and the pulmonary function test could allow to define the risk of MOF in sarcoidosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Paolo Cameli
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Mondillo
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Versienti
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuditta Manasse
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Bargagli
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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Caffarelli C, Al Refaie A, Mondillo C, De Vita M, Baldassini L, Valacchi G, Gonnelli S. Bone Fracture in Rett Syndrome: Mechanisms and Prevention Strategies. Children (Basel) 2023; 10:1861. [PMID: 38136063 PMCID: PMC10741854 DOI: 10.3390/children10121861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the burden and management of fragility fractures in subjects with Rett syndrome. We searched all relevant medical literature from 1 January 1986 to 30 June 2023 for studies under the search term "Rett syndrome and fracture". The fracture frequency ranges from a minimum of 13.9% to a maximum of 36.1%. The majority of such fractures occur in lower limb bones and are associated with low bone mineral density. Anticonvulsant use, joint contractures, immobilization, low physical activity, poor nutrition, the genotype, and lower calcium and vitamin D intakes all significantly impair skeletal maturation and bone mass accrual in Rett syndrome patients, making them more susceptible to fragility fractures. This review summarizes the knowledge on risk factors for fragility fracture in patients with Rett syndrome and suggests a possible diagnostic and therapeutic care pathway for improving low bone mineral density and reducing the risk of fragility fractures. The optimization of physical activity, along with adequate nutrition and the intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements, should be recommended. In addition, subjects with Rett syndrome and a history of fracture should consider using bisphosphonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Caterina Mondillo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Michela De Vita
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Leonardo Baldassini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Animal Science Department, Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina Research Campus, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC 27695, USA
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (M.D.V.); (L.B.); (S.G.)
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Caffarelli C, Al Refaie A, Mondillo C, Versienti A, Baldassini L, De Vita M, Tomai Pitinca MD, Gonnelli S. Radiofrequency Echographic Multispectrometry (REMS): A New Option in the Assessment Bone Status in Adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. J Imaging 2023; 9:210. [PMID: 37888317 PMCID: PMC10607336 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging9100210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the utility of the Radiofrequency Echographic Multispectrometry (REMS) approach in the assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). In 41 subjects (40.5 ± 18.7 years) with OI and in 36 healthy controls, we measured BMD at the lumbar spine (LS-BMD), femoral neck (FN-BMD) and total hip (TH-BMD), employing a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry tool. Additionally, REMS scans were also performed at the lumbar and femoral sites. The presence and number of reported fractures were assessed in the study population. Patients characterized by a history of fragility fractures represented 84.5% of the study population. OI subjects showed significantly reduced BMD values both at the level of the lumbar spine and the femoral subregions (p < 0.01) compared to healthy controls when performed using both the DXA and the REMS method. Dividing OI patients on the basis of the Sillence classification, no differences were found between the LS-BMD values carried out using the DXA technique between the OI type I group and OI Type III and IV groups. On the contrary, the OI Type III and IV groups presented significantly lower values of both Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and LS-BMD through REMS with respect to OI type I patients (p < 0.05). Based on the data of this study, it is possible to conclude that even the new REMS assessment, which does not use ionizing radiation, represents an excellent method for studying the bone status in subjects affected by OI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (L.B.); (M.D.T.P.); (S.G.)
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Al Refaie A, Baldassini L, Mondillo C, Giglio E, De Vita M, Tomai Pitinca MD, Gonnelli S, Caffarelli C. Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (R.E.M.S.): New Frontiers for Ultrasound Use in the Assessment of Bone Status-A Current Picture. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13101666. [PMID: 37238151 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13101666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a frequently occurring skeletal disease, and osteoporosis-related fractures represent a significant burden for healthcare systems. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the most commonly used method for assessing bone mineral density (BMD). Today, particular attention is being directed towards new technologies, especially those that do not use radiation, for the early diagnosis of altered bone status. Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) is a non-ionizing technology that evaluates the bone status at axial skeletal sites by analyzing raw ultrasound signals. In this review, we evaluated the data on the REMS technique present in the literature. The literature data confirmed diagnostic concordance between BMD values obtained using DXA and REMS. Furthermore, REMS has adequate precision and repeatability characteristics, is able to predict the risk of fragility fractures, and may be able to overcome some of the limitations of DXA. In conclusion, REMS could become the method of choice for the assessment of bone status in children, in women of childbearing age or who are pregnant, and in several secondary osteoporosis conditions due to its good precision and replicability, its transportability, and the absence of ionizing radiation. Finally, REMS may allow qualitative and not just quantitative assessments of bone status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Al Refaie
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Baldassini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Mondillo
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Elisa Giglio
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Michela De Vita
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Carla Caffarelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Caffarelli C, Al Refaie A, Baldassini L, Carrai P, Pondrelli CR, Gonnelli S. Bone fragility, sarcopenia and cardiac calcifications in an elderly population: a preliminary study. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:1097-1105. [PMID: 36988828 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02393-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and sarcopenia are very common age-related conditions. This study aimed at investigating the relationships of cardiac calcifications, as assessed by using GCCS with BMD, fragility fractures and sarcopenia in elderly subjects. METHODS In a cohort of 106 subjects (age 70.4 ± 5.8 yrs) we measured lumbar (BMD-LS), femoral BMD (femoral neck: BMD-FN, total femur: BMD-TH) and body composition (BMD-WB) with Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) method. We also evaluated the presence of sarcopenia on the basis of the EWGSOP Consensus. All subjects, simultaneously, underwent to a transthoracic color doppler echocardiography exam to assess the presence of cardiac calcifications. The degree of non coronaric cardiac calcifications was evaluated using the Global Cardiac Calcium Score (GCCS). RESULTS The degree of cardiac calcification assessed by GCCS was significantly higher in osteoporotic patients (p < 0.001). Furthermore, an inverse correlation emerged between BMD and GCCS, statistical significance was found at lumbar spine and femoral sub-regions in female population (p < 0.01). Moreover by dividing population according to the presence of fragility fractures, we observed that GCCS values were significantly higher in subjects with fractures in respect of non-fractured ones (p < 0.05). Multiple regression models showed that BMD-LS and BMD-FT were independently associated with cardiac calcification. GCCS values were significantly associated with BMI and ASMM in women (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and with handgrip strength in men (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm the presence of a relationship between cardiac calcifications and decreased BMD values. It's also the first study that relates sarcopenia and valvular calcifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Baldassini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo Carrai
- Internal Medicine, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Carlo Renato Pondrelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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Caffarelli C, Al Refaie A, De Vita M, Tomai Pitinca MD, Goracci A, Fagiolini A, Gonnelli S. Radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS): an innovative technique for the assessment of bone status in young women with anorexia nervosa. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:3207-3213. [PMID: 35896857 PMCID: PMC9803747 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01450-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increase risk of fragility fracture are common complication of anorexia nervosa (AN). BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) present several limits in subjects with AN. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the new Radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS) technique in the assessment of bone status in young women with AN. METHODS In a cohort of 50 subjects with restrictive AN and in 30 healthy controls, we measured BMD at the lumbar spine (LS-BMD), at femoral neck (FN-BMD) and total hip (TH-BMD) using both DXA and REMS technique. RESULTS BMD evaluated by DXA and REMS technique at all measurement sites were all significantly (p < 0.01) lower in subjects suffering from AN subjects than in controls. Good correlations were detected between BMD by DXA and BMD by REMS measurements at LS (r = 0.64, p < 0.01) at FN (r = 0.86, p < 0.01) and at TH (r = 0.84, p < 0.01) in subjects suffering from AN. Moreover, Bland-Altman analysis confirmed the good agreement between the two techniques. The subjects suffering from AN with previous vertebral fragility fractures presented lower values of both BMD-LS and BMD-TH by DXA and by REMS with respect to those without fractures; however, the difference was significant only for BMD-TH by REMS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that REMS technique due to its characteristic of precision and reproducibility may represent an important tool for the evaluation of the changes in bone status in AN young women, especially during the fertile age and in case of pregnancy and breastfeeding. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level of evidence: level III cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Michela De Vita
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Arianna Goracci
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Fagiolini
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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Caffarelli C, Cameli P, Al Refaie A, Giglio E, Manzana G, Mondillo C, Noacco Y, Olivieri C, Bargagli E, Gonnelli S. Bone fragility and sarcoidosis: An underestimated relationship. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1026028. [PMID: 36465894 PMCID: PMC9714273 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1026028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disease which may affect any organ. Also bone can be involved both directly and indirectly. Data on BMD values and fragility fractures in sarcoidosis patients are few and heterogeneous. This study aimed to characterized the presence of fracture and the relative risk factors in patients with sarcoidosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this single center cross-sectional study we evaluated 252 sarcoidosis patients (54.7 ± 12.1 years) compared to sex-and age matched healthy controls. We measured BMD at lumbar spine, at femoral neck and at total hip. Moreover, the presence of fragility fractures was collected during osteoporosis visit and all radiological images were examined for the presence of any vertebral fracture according to Genant's method's. Lung function measurements, including forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were assessed. RESULTS Bone Mineral Density T-scores were lower in patients affected by sarcoidosis with respect to those obtained in healthy controls, but the difference was statistically significant only for BMD-LS (p < 0.01) and BMD-TH (p < 0.05). Moreover, BMD values at all skeletal sites were significantly associated with DLCO (%) (p < 0.05). The prevalence of fragility fracture was higher in patients with sarcoidosis than in healthy controls (30.6 vs. 12.3%). The patients with ≥3 vertebral fracture had lower values of FVC (%), FEV1 (%), and DLCO (%). Multiple regression analyses showed that BMI was positively associated with fragility fracture, while BMD-TH, DLCO(%) and therapy use was negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS Vertebral fractures represent a frequent complication in patients with sarcoidosis. Furthermore, the number of vertebral fractures was linked with a worsening in pulmonary functional tests. Therefore, the degree of severity of the sarcoidosis disease appears to be the main determinant of bone fragility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo Cameli
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elisa Giglio
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulio Manzana
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Mondillo
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Yari Noacco
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Carmela Olivieri
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Bargagli
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Caffarelli C, Tomai Pitinca MD, Al Refaie A, De Vita M, Catapano S, Gonnelli S. Could radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS) overcome the overestimation in BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the lumbar spine? BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:469. [PMID: 35590362 PMCID: PMC9118880 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) and vertebral fractures at the lumbar spine lead to an overestimation of bone mineral density (BMD). Recently, a new approach for osteoporosis diagnosis, defined as radiofrequency echographic multi-spectrometry (REMS), represents an innovative diagnostic tool that seems to be able to investigate bone quality and provide an estimation of fracture risk independent of BMD. The aim of this paper was to evaluate whether the use of REMS technology can favor the diagnosis of osteoporosis in subjects with an apparent increase in BMD. METHODS In a cohort of 159 postmenopausal (66.2 ± 11.6 yrs) women with overestimated BMD by DXA at the lumbar spine, we performed an echographic scan with the REMS technique. RESULTS The mean values of BMD at different skeletal sites obtained by the DXA and REMS techniques showed that the BMD T-scores by REMS were significantly lower than those obtained by the DXA technique both at the lumbar spine (p < 0.01) and at all femoral subregions (p < 0.05). In OA subjects, the percentage of women classified as "osteoporotic" on the basis of BMD by REMS was markedly higher with respect to those classified by DXA (35.1% vs 9.3%, respectively). Similarly, the REMS allows a greater number of fractured patients to be classified as osteoporotic than DXA (58.7% vs 23.3%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS REMS technology by the analysis of native raw unfiltered ultrasound signals appears to be able to overcome the most common artifacts, such as OA and vertebral fracture of the lumbar spine, which affect the value of BMD by DXA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Michela De Vita
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Catapano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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Caffarelli C, Tomai Pitinca MD, Al Refaie A, Ceccarelli E, Gonnelli S. Ability of radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry to identify osteoporosis status in elderly women with type 2 diabetes. Aging Clin Exp Res 2022; 34:121-127. [PMID: 34050917 PMCID: PMC8795029 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-021-01889-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have an increased or normal BMD; however fragility fractures represent one of the most important complications of T2DM. AIMS This study aimed to evaluate whether the use of the Radiofrequency Echographic multi spectrometry (REMS) technique may improve the identification of osteoporosis in T2DM patients. METHODS In a cohort of 90 consecutive postmenopausal elderly (70.5 ± 7.6 years) women with T2DM and in 90 healthy controls we measured BMD at the lumbar spine (LS-BMD), at femoral neck (FN-BMD) and total hip (TH-BMD) using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device; moreover, REMS scans were also carried out at the same axial sites. RESULTS DXA measurements were all higher in T2DM than in non-T2DM women; instead, all REMS measurements were lower in T2DM than in non T2DM women. Moreover, the percentage of T2DM women classified as "osteoporotic", on the basis of BMD by REMS was markedly higher with respect to those classified by DXA (47.0% vs 28.0%, respectively). On the contrary, the percentage of T2DM women classified as osteopenic or normal by DXA was higher with respect to that by REMS (48.8% and 23.2% vs 38.6% and 14.5%, respectively). T2DM women with fragility fractures presented lower values of both BMD-LS by DXA and BMD-LS by REMS with respect to those without fractures; however, the difference was significant only for BMD-LS by REMS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that REMS technology may represent a useful approach to enhance the diagnosis of osteoporosis in patients with T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Ceccarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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Al Refaie A, Baldassini L, De Vita M, Gonnelli S, Caffarelli C. Vitamin D and adrenal gland: Myth or reality? A systematic review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1001065. [PMID: 36313775 PMCID: PMC9606701 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1001065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, vitamin D has become the protagonist in many studies. From cardiology to oncology the spotlight was on this vitamin. While in the past it was considered for its important role in phospho-calcium metabolism and skeletal disorders; today by studying it better, thousands of scenarios and facets have opened up on this vitamin which is actually a hormone in all respects. There are authoritative studies that demonstrate its activity in vitro and in vivo on: carcinogenesis, inflammation, autoimmunity and endocrinopathies. Its role has been studied in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, in Hashimoto or Graves' thyroiditis and even in adrenal gland diseases. In fact, there are several studies that demonstrate the possible correlations between vitamin D and: Addison's disease, Cushing disease, hyperaldosteronism or adrenocortical tumors. Moreover, this fascinating hormone and adrenal gland even seem to be deeply connected by common genetic pathways. This review aimed to analyze the works that have tried to study the possible influence of vitamin D on adrenal diseases. In this review we analyze the works that have tried to study the possible influence of vita-min D on adrenal disease.
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Caffarelli C, Gonnelli S, Pitinca MDT, Camarri S, Al Refaie A, Hayek J, Nuti R. Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) mutation type is associated with bone disease severity in Rett syndrome. BMC Med Genet 2020; 21:21. [PMID: 32005172 PMCID: PMC6995101 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-020-0960-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background More than 95% of individuals with RTT have mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), whose protein product modulates gene transcription. The disorder is caused by mutations in a single gene and the disease severity in affected individuals can be quite variable. Specific MECP2 mutations may lead phenotypic variability and different degrees of disease severity. It is known that low bone mass is a frequent and early complication of subjects with Rett syndrome. As a consequence of the low bone mass Rett girls are at an increased risk of fragility fractures. This study aimed to investigate if specific MECP2 mutations may affects the degree of involvement of the bone status in Rett subjects. Methods In 232 women with Rett syndrome (mean age 13.8 ± 8.3 yrs) we measured bone mineral density at whole body and at femur (BMD-FN and BMD-TH) by using a DXA machine (Hologic QDR 4500). QUS parameters were assessed at phalanxes by Bone Profiler-IGEA (amplitude dependent speed of sound: AD-SoS and bone transmission time: BTT). Moreover, ambulation capacity (independent or assisted), fracture history and presence of scoliosis were assessed. We divided the subjects with the most common point mutations in two group based on genotype-phenotype severity; in particular, there has been consensus in recognising that the mutations R106T, R168X, R255X, R270X are considered more severe. Results As aspect, BMD-WB, BMD-FN and BMD-TH were lower in subjects with Rett syndrome that present the most severe mutations with respect to subjects with Rett syndrome with less severe mutations, but the difference was statistically significant only for BMD-FN and BMD-TH (p < 0.05). Also both AD-SoS and BTT values were lower in subjects that present the most severe mutations with respect to less severe mutations but the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, subjects with Rett syndrome with more severe mutations present a higher prevalence of scoliosis (p < 0.05) and of inability to walk (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study confirms that MECP2 mutation type is a strong predictor of disease severity in subjects with Rett syndrome. In particular, the subjects with more severe mutation present a greater deterioration of bone status, and a higher prevalence of scoliosis and inability to walk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Camarri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Joussef Hayek
- Paediatrics Neuropsychiatry Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Ranuccio Nuti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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