Statins have additive effects to vertebral bone mineral density in combination with risedronate in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggest that statins used in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia decrease fracture risk. In this study, we aimed to investigate prospectively whether statins have an additive effect to bisphosphonates (risedronate) according to the primary hypothesis that the addition of atorvastatin to risedronate would produce an increase, from baseline, in lumbar vertebrae and total hip BMD that was greater than that observed with risedronate alone. METHODS: A total of 120 hypercholesterolaemic postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia were randomized to receive risedronate (5 mg/day) or risedronate (5 mg/day) plus atorvastatin (20 mg/day). Changes in bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and hip, and serum lipid and glucose metabolism changes were assessed. RESULTS: Compared with risedronate alone, at 6 months, risedronate plus atorvastatin produced significantly greater increases in the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (1.58% versus 0.75%, p < 0.05). We found no difference after therapy in BMD of the total hip (1.2% versus 1.1%). Risedronate plus atorvastatin therapy had favorable effects on the serum lipid profile: LDL and total cholesterol. Serum fasting glucose and HbA1c levels were not affected during the treatments. CONCLUSION: Statins have modest additive effects to bisphosphonates in improving lumbar spine bone mineral density in hypercholesterolaemic postmenopausal women with established osteoporosis-osteopenia. A long-term study with adequate sample size is necessary to assess the effects of statins -- in combination or alone -- on the bones and prevention of fractures.     

Bone density effects of continuous estrone sulfate and varying doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate. Ogen/Provera Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the optimum oral daily dose of medroxyprogesterone acetate with estrone sulfate for 2 years to maintain bone density. METHODS: A multicenter, double-blind study involved 568 postmenopausal women given estrone sulfate, 1.25 mg, and randomized to receive 2.5, 5, or 10 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate. Bone density analyses of the lumbar spine and femoral neck were done at baseline and 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: There was a significant increase from baseline to 24 months in mean lumbar spine (4.0% +/- 0.27%) and femoral neck (3.2% +/- 0.28%) bone density, with no significant differences between the treatment groups. Factors most influencing bone density changes were baseline bone density and treatment duration. Significant increases were seen in the spine over 2 years; in the hip, those occurred in the first 12 months only. In both sites, lower baseline bone density resulted in greater increases. In the spine only, no previous hormone replacement therapy, higher body mass index, more than 2 years postmenopause, and nonsmoking resulted in greater gains. Once those covariates and center-to-center variations were corrected for, in the spine, the 10-mg group had smaller increases than the other groups. Changes were unrelated to age, parity, calcium, and alcohol intakes in either site. CONCLUSION: Daily estrone sulfate, 1.25 mg, with 2.5, 5, or 10 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate was effective for preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women.     

A randomized trial of oral contraceptive and hormone replacement therapy on bone mineral density and coronary heart disease risk factors in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of oral contraceptive (OC) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on bone mineral density and coronary heart disease risk factors in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Eighty healthy postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a cyclic regimen of OC containing 30 microg of ethinyl estradiol and 150 microg of desogestrel or HRT containing 0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogens 21 days per cycle and 5 mg of medrogestone 10 days per cycle for 12 months. Bone mineral density of lumbar spine and hip, biochemical markers of bone turnover, lipid-lipoprotein profiles, coagulation profiles, fasting plasma glucose, and blood pressure were evaluated. RESULTS: Both regimens caused significant increase in bone mineral density of lumbar spine, trochanter, intertrochanteric region, total hip, and Ward triangle. Only OC therapy was associated with a significant increase in femoral neck bone mineral density (mean score +/- standard error 2.5% +/- 0.7%, P < .01). Biochemical markers of bone turnover, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in both groups. Posttreatment levels of those bone markers and lipid-lipoprotein were significantly lower after OC therapy than HRT. Fasting plasma glucose and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in both groups; however, only the OC group showed a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Both OC and HRT increased bone mineral density of lumbar spine and hip, but OC suppressed bone turnover more than HRT. Both methods favorably affected lipid-lipoprotein metabolism, fasting plasma glucose, and blood pressure during the 12 months of treatment.     

雌激素受体基因与女性骨密度的关系

目的观察雌激素受体基因型与妇女骨密度的关系。方法采用双能X线吸收骨密度仪测量78例绝经后妇女、23例围绝经期妇女和52例25～35岁妇女的骨密度,用聚合酶链反应限制性片段长度多态（PCR-RFLPs）方法分析雌激素受体基因型。结果在78例绝经后妇女中,各种基因型的骨密度差异无显著性（P>0.05）。在52例年轻妇女中,仅在Ward三角,pp型的骨密度（0.823±0.095）g/cm2,较PP型的（0.665±0.071）g/cm2高（P=0.037）,其他部位各基因型间的骨密度差异无显著性（P>0.05）;联合分析PvuⅡ和XbaⅠ位点,xxpp型的全身、腰椎、大转子、髋部和Ward三角的骨密度比其他几种组合基因型的骨密度高（P均<0.05）;在绝经后妇女中,各种组合基因型的骨密度差异无显著性（P均>0.05）。结论基因型xxpp型可能提示腰椎、大转子、髋部和Ward三角的峰值骨密度较高,但雌激素受体基因型与绝经后妇女的骨密度无相关性。     

Correlations of serum prolidase activity between bone turnover markers and mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporosis

Prolidase is a specific imidodipeptidase involved in collagen degradation. The increase in the enzyme activity is believed to be correlated with the increased intensity of collagen degradation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum prolidase activity and its relationship between bone turnover markers and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal osteoporosis. The study included 45 postmenopausal osteoporotic, 55 postmenopausal nonosteoporotic and 38 premenopausal healthy women. BMD was measured at the femoral neck and lumbar spine with DEXA. T score was more than 2.5 SD below the normal at the lumbar spine or femoral neck in postmenopausal osteoporotic patients. Serum levels of prolidase, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (C-telopeptide), total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), urinary deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) and urinary creatinine were also assayed. C-telopeptide, total ALP, OC, urinary Dpd levels were significantly higher in postmenopausal osteoporotic group compared with premenopausal women. However, there was no statistical difference in serum prolidase activity between the three groups. There were also no significant correlations between serum prolidase and any biomarkers of bone turnover as well as BMD. To conclude, in postmenopausal osteoporotic women with increased bone turnover, serum prolidase concentration was not correlated with the biomarkers of bone formation or bone resorption and with BMD.     

影响绝经后妇女骨密度变化的候选基因研究

目的探讨有关候选基因对绝经后妇女骨密度变化的影响。方法对205例绝经后妇女,应用双能X线骨密度仪测定腰椎和股骨颈骨密度。采用PCR测序法,检测护骨素基因多态性;采用PCR-限制性片段长度多态性方法,检测甲状旁腺激素、降钙素受体、骨钙素及瘦素受体基因多态性;采用PCR-琼脂糖凝胶电泳法,检测瘦素基因多态性。结果在护骨素基因第1外显子中,发现1个G-1181C单核苷酸多态性。在校正年龄及体重指数对骨密度的影响后,携带护骨素基因CC型及甲状旁腺激素基因bb型妇女的腰椎骨密度较高,分别为(1.042±0.142)g/cm2及(1.196±0.133)g/cm2。降钙素受体、骨钙素、瘦素及瘦素受体基因与骨密度之间无相关关系。经多元逐步回归分析,护骨素、甲状旁腺激素及骨钙素基因与腰椎骨密度变异有关,甲状旁腺激素基因与股骨颈骨密度的变异有关。结论护骨素及甲状旁腺激素基因与绝经后妇女骨量变异有一定关系,降钙素受体、骨钙素、瘦素及瘦素受体基因与绝经后妇女骨密度变异无关。护骨素基因可能是绝经后妇女发生骨量减少的遗传性标记。     

Comparison of bone mineral density and its variables between premenopausal and postmenopausal women

Objectives

To compare the bone mineral density (BMD) and its variables in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods

In this cross sectional study, 62 premenopausal and 62 postmenopausal apparently healthy women were evaluated by a questionnaire. The dietary intake of calcium was evaluated by 24 hours recall method and using table for proximate principle of common Indian food by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). BMD at lumbar spine, femoral neck and Ward’s triangle were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A correlation between BMD and various variables were calculated for each of the two groups.

Results

The mean age of premenopausal and postmenopausal women was 32.46±7.8 and 51.74±7.1 years respectively. The body mass index (BMI), height and weight were comparable in both the groups. The daily intake of calcium was significantly higher in premenopausal women (p<0.01). Approximately, 17% of the postmenopausal women and 9.6% of the premenopausal women were having osteoporosis; 28.56% of the postmenopausal women and 43.54% of the premenopausal women were having osteopenia at the lumbar spine. The BMD at lumber spine was found to be statistically significantly higher in premenopausal women than that in postmenopausal women (p=0.03). BMD at lumbar spine, femoral neck and Ward’s triangle were positively correlated with height, weight, BMI in premenopausal as well in postmenopausal women.

Conclusion

A significant number of women had osteopenia during premenopausal period and osteoporosis in postmenopausal phase. By increasing awareness towards bone health in second and third decade, morbidity of osteoporosis can be reduced.     

Therapeutic equivalence of alendronate 35 milligrams once weekly and 5 milligrams daily in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alendronate 35 mg once weekly compared with alendronate 5 mg daily in the prevention of osteoporosis. METHODS: We compared the efficacy and safety of treatment with alendronate 35 mg once weekly (n = 362) and alendronate 5 mg daily (n = 361) in a 1-year, double-blind, multicenter study of postmenopausal women (6 months or greater), aged 40-70 years, with lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density T-scores between -2.5 and 1. The primary efficacy end point was the comparability of lumbar spine bone mineral density increases, defined by strict prespecified criteria. RESULTS: Mean increases in lumbar spine bone mineral density at 12 months were equivalent (difference between the alendronate 35-mg once-weekly group and the alendronate 5-mg daily group [90% confidence interval] at month 12 was -0.3% [-0.6, 0.1], well within the prespecified bounds of +/-1.0%). Bone mineral density increases at other skeletal sites and effects on bone turnover were also virtually identical for the two dosing regimens. Both treatment regimens were well tolerated, and the larger weekly unit dose was not associated with an increased frequency of upper gastrointestinal events. CONCLUSION: Alendronate 35 mg once weekly is therapeutically equivalent to alendronate 5 mg daily and provides patients with greater dosing convenience, in addition to the proven efficacy of alendronate and good tolerability.     

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of tibolone on bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic women with and without previous fractures.

A 2-year placebo-controlled, randomized, two-center prospective study was carried out to assess the effects of tibolone (Org OD14, Livial) on trabecular and cortical bone mass and bone biochemistry parameters in elderly postmenopausal women with and without previous fractures. In total, 107 subjects, 71 with fractures and 36 without fractures, were randomized to tibolone (n = 64) or placebo (n = 43). Their mean age was 63.1 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) (g/cm2) was assessed at baseline and every 6 months for 2 years by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Mean baseline values were 0.79 and 0.80 for the lumbar spine in the tibolone and placebo groups, respectively, and for the femoral neck 0.64 in both groups. Serum and urinary bone biochemistry parameters were measured concurrently. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) model including center and group was applied. The completers' group was the primary subset for the analysis; the intention-to-treat (ITT) group was also analyzed. Results are expressed as the percentage change at 24 months and the annual rate of change percentage year. The tibolone group showed an overall mean increase (vs. placebo) in BMD at the lumbar spine of 7.2% (p < 0.001) and for the femoral neck 2.6% (p < 0.001). In subjects with previous fractures increases were 6.0% and 4.0% for the lumbar spine and femoral neck, while in those with no fractures, respective changes were 8.9% and 1.1%. Overall changes in the placebo group were 0.9% and -1.6% for the lumbar spine and femoral neck, respectively. A significant fall in bone biochemistry parameters showed that tibolone inhibits osteoclastic activity. In conclusion we have found that tibolone 2.5 mg induces significant increases of trabecular and cortical bone mass in elderly postmenopausal osteoporotic women with and without previous fractures.     

雷洛昔芬对绝经后妇女骨密度、骨代谢生化指标和血脂影响的随机对照研究

目的　确定盐酸雷洛昔芬 (RLX)对中国绝经后妇女骨密度、骨代谢生化指标及血脂的影响。方法　将来自 3所医院的 2 0 4例绝经后妇女 [平均年龄 (6 0± 5 )岁 ,平均体重 (6 3± 9)kg]随机分组 ,进行双盲安慰剂对照的临床研究 ,受试者每天接受RLX 6 0mg(n =10 2 ,RLX组 )或安慰剂 (n =10 2 ,安慰剂组 )治疗 12个月 ,并于服药前及服药 12个月后各进行一次骨密度、骨代谢生化指标及血脂的测定。结果　与安慰剂相比 ,RLX使腰椎和髋部骨密度显著升高 ,RLX组腰椎的骨密度增加2 30 % ,而安慰剂组降低 0 0 8% ,两组比较 ,差异有极显著性 (P <0 0 0 1) ;RLX组髋部骨密度增加2 4 6 % ,安慰剂组增加 1 0 7% ,两组比较 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5 )。RLX组骨代谢生化指标血清骨钙素和血清C端交联肽分别降低 2 7 6 %和 2 4 0 % ,而安慰剂组则分别降低 10 6 %和升高 15 8% ,两组比较 ,差异有极显著性 (P <0 0 0 1)。RLX组总胆固醇和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇分别降低 6 4 %和34 6 % ,而安慰剂组则分别升高 1 4 %和降低 19 1% ,两组比较 ,差异有极显著性 (P <0 0 0 1)。两组间高密度脂蛋白胆固醇和甘油三酯水平未见差异。仅有 5例因不良事件而提前退出研究 (RLX组 3例 ,安慰剂组 2例 )。结论　RLX能增加绝经后中国妇女     

经皮用雌二醇凝胶预防绝经早期骨丢失的三年探索性观察

目的 探索经皮用雌二醇（E2）凝胶在中国妇女中预防绝经早期骨丢失的用法。方法 将60例身体健康、绝经1－5年的妇女,开放随机分为4组,每组15例,采用周期联合方法分别予含0．75或1．5mgE2的经皮17β-E2凝胶（E2凝胶）与100mg微粉化天然黄体酮（MP）或2mg醋甲羟孕酮（MPA）口服,每日睡前应用,每月连用25d,停药5d。用单光子吸收法测前臂皮质骨骨密度;定量CT法测腰椎松质骨骨密度;双能X线吸收法测腰椎与髋部骨密度。在治疗0、6、12、18、24与36个月时分别测量骨密度、骨代谢生化指标,行绝经症状评分。结果 59例（98％）完成1年;56例（93％）完成2年,51例（85％）完成3年。治疗6个月时,4个组症状缓解率平均约80％;2年时腰椎松质骨骨密度升高平均为4．3％－7．5％;3年时第2－4腰椎骨密度升高4．2％－6．2％;股骨颈骨密度升高1．6％－3．8％。与治疗前相比,差异均有显著性（P＜0．05）;4组间比较,骨密度的改善差异无显著性（P＞0．05）。阴道出血率1．5mgE2凝胶＋2mgMPA治疗者、0．75mgE2凝胶＋2mgMPA治疗者较高,其他两组较低。结论 每日0．75mg与1．5mgE2凝胶可有效缓解绝经相关症状,预防绝经早期骨丢失。雌孕激素补充治疗3年,可连续增加腰椎骨密度,增加并维持股骨上端骨密度。     

Decreased bone mineral density in patients with prolonged thyrotoxicosis before and after treatment.

To investigate the effects of prolonged thyrotoxicosis, we measured the bone mineral densities (BMD) of 24 untreated patients who had suffered from symptoms of thyrotoxicosis for at least 1 year. We also recruited 116 healthy Chinese women residing in the Taipei area as normal controls. The BMDs of these 24 patients for the whole body skeleton, lumbar spine, femoral neck, greater trochanter and Ward's triangle were all significantly lower than those of normal controls (one sample t-test, two-tailed alternative). Older patients had lower absolute values and a trend towards more severe bone loss, which was most significant at the femoral trochanter and Ward's triangle (p less than or equal to 0.05). The decrease in BMD was more pronounced in the vertebral bodies than in the proximal femur for all patients, implying predominantly trabecular bone loss in this disease. The BMDs of 10 patients were reevaluated 1 year after successful medical treatment. These 10 patients had remained euthyroid for 1 year with antithyroid drugs and showed a small, but significant, improvement in their BMDs at the lumbar spine and the proximal femur on reevaluation. However, the recovery was far from complete. Our findings suggest that thyrotoxicosis causes a remarkable loss of bone mineral, which cannot be compensated for after 1 year of successful treatment. Thus, early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are important for preventing osteoporotic fractures, especially in elderly patients.     

长沙地区正常女性骨密度的双能X线吸收测量及其意义

目的 确立长沙地区正常女性骨密度的正常参考值范围。方法 应用Ｈｏｌｏｇｉｃ ＱＤＲ４５００Ａ型双能Ｘ线吸收测量（ＤＥＸＡ）仪对长沙地区１２５７例１５￣９６岁的女性进行腰椎（正位及侧位）、左侧髋部及前臂骨密度测量。结果 （１）Ｗａｒｄ三角区、大转子的骨密度峰值出现最早,为２０￣２４岁,前臂中远１／３处出现最晚,为４０￣４４岁。（２）４５岁前腰椎侧位、Ｗａｒｄ三角区已有明显的骨丢失（分别为６．４％和１     

Bone remodeling and bone mineral density during pregnancy

INTRODUCTION. The effect of pregnancy upon the maternal skeleton is not fully understood. The information that has been gathered by recent studies is conflicting with regard to overall loss or gain of bone during pregnancy. The aim of the present longitudinal, controlled study, therefore, was to investigate the effect of pregnancy on lumbar spine, wrist, and hip bone mineral density, and to describe bone remodeling during pregnancy as indicated by biochemical markers of both bone resorption and formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Thirty healthy women (15 subjects seeking pregnancy and 15 non-pregnant controls) were studied. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry before conception and within 2 weeks after parturition. Markers of bone resorption (urinary cross-linked type I collagen N-telopeptides, serum type I collagen C-telopeptides) and bone formation (total and bone specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin), and total serum calcium were analyzed before, during (once in each trimester), and after pregnancy. RESULTS. During pregnancy, BMD decreased significantly by 3.4+/-4.1% at the lumbar spine and 4.3+/-3.9% at the trochanter, while there was a slight but significant increase in BMD at the proximal 1/3 of the forearm (1.3+/-1.9%). Total hip and femoral neck BMD did not change significantly, nor did total and ultradistal forearm BMD. Bone resorption increased during pregnancy with peak levels in the third trimester (N-telopeptides) or post partum (C-telopeptides), respectively. The increase in bone resorption was accompanied by a significant decrease in serum calcium in the third trimester. Markers of bone formation showed a biphasic pattern with decreases from baseline to the first (total and bone specific alkaline phosphatase) or second trimester (osteocalcin), respectively, followed by a significant increase in the third trimester and post partum. There was no change in any parameter in the control group throughout the study. CONCLUSION. In conclusion, pregnancy is characterized by high bone turnover with resorption preceding formation. During the first and second trimester bone remodeling is uncoupled. Serum calcium decreases as bone resorption peaks in late pregnancy. There are significant decreases in bone mineral density at sites rich in trabecular bone, such as the lumbar spine and the trochanter.     

Predictive value of total body bone mineral density for vertebral fractures in elderly women. Geriatric Study Group.

In a general population-based geriatric disease survey in Taipei City, the bone mineral density (BMD) of 58 women over 65 years of age was measured for the whole body, lumbar spine (L2-L4), and proximal femurs using a 153Gd based dual photon absorptiometer. These women were found to have at least one vertebral fracture. The results showed that the BMD readings of both the lumbar spine (L2-L4) (mean Z score +/- SEM = 0.05 +/- 0.12) and the femoral neck (mean Z score +/- SEM = -0.20 +/- 0.10) were not statistically different from those of age-matched controls. However, the total body BMD in these 58 patients was significantly lower than in the normal controls (mean Z score +/- SEM = -1.07 +/- 0.10, p < 0.0001). In the normal control group (N = 69, age 50-85), there was a significant linear correlation between the total body and lumbar BMD (r = 0.81, p < 0.0001). This correlation was not found in the 58 women with vertebral fractures (r = 0.14, NS). Our results suggest that geriatric women with vertebral fractures are more osteoporotic than normal aged women, even though they have a relatively mild degree of spinal osteoporosis. But, because of age-associated degenerative changes or other factors, conventional anteroposterior lumbar BMD measurements cannot detect the difference. The total body BMD readings, but not the lumbar or femoral neck BMD readings, seem to be less affected by these local changes and may provide a better discriminative or predictive value for vertebral fracture in this particular age group.     

绝经后不同时期骨丢失的初步探讨

目的探讨妇女绝经后早期与晚期的骨丢失特点及骨转换规律,评价生化指标对预测骨丢失的意义。方法对３２例绝经１～３年（绝经早期组）妇女及３３例绝经１５～３０年（绝经晚期组）妇女,在试验初始（０个月）、６、１２个月分别测定骨密度、血总碱性磷酸酶、骨钙素、骨碱性磷酸酶、尿钙／尿肌酐、尿吡啶啉。结果绝经早期组妇女６、１２个月脊柱平均骨丢失率为１．３％、２．６％;股骨部位骨丢失不明显;腰椎骨丢失率＞３％（快速丢失）的１５例,＜３％（慢速丢失）的１７例。绝经晚期组６、１２个月股骨颈,Ｗａｒｄ＇ｓ三角骨丢失率分别为１．３％、１．９％,５．３％、４．６％,腰椎骨丢失不明显。两组尿吡啶啉随时间呈上升趋势,血骨钙素、骨碱性磷酸酶水平随时间变化趋势相似。生化指标与腰椎骨丢失率之间无相关性。结论绝经早期妇女骨丢失以腰椎部位敏感,快速与慢速骨丢失者约各占一半。绝经晚期妇女骨丢失以股骨颈、Ｗａｒｄ＇ｓ三角区显著,以慢速骨丢失者为主。两组妇女骨转换均增强     

Physical activity, physical fitness, and osteopenia in postmenopausal Taiwanese women.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether physical activity level and physical fitness parameters differ between postmenopausal Taiwanese women with normal and subnormal bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: Seventy-six postmenopausal women aged from 42 to 65 years participated in this study. Women taking medication that might influence BMD measurements were not included. The BMDs of the lumbar spine (L2-4) and right femoral neck were measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Thirty-one women with both BMD values within the normal ranges (1.055 +/- 0.092 g/cm2 for the spine and 0.845 +/- 0.088 g/cm2 for the right femoral neck) of premenopausal Chinese women served as the normal density group. Another 43 women with both BMD values more than one standard deviation below the normal value (0.760 +/- 0.089 g/cm2 for the spine and 0.656 +/- 0.052 g/cm2 for the femoral neck) were recruited as the osteopenic group. Physical activity level was assessed with a 7-day recall questionnaire. Physical fitness assessment included tests of flexibility, muscular strength, endurance, body composition, and cardiopulmonary fitness. A multiple linear regression model adjusted for age, body weight, height, and years since menopause was used. RESULTS: The results revealed that energy expenditure and maximal oxygen consumption were significantly lower in the osteopenic group than in the non-osteopenic group (p < 0.05), while flexibility, body composition, muscle strength and muscular endurance did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that physical activity may play a major role in BMD levels in postmenopausal women in Taiwan. Future studies should emphasize the effect of physical exercise training on BMD in postmenopausal women.     

Comparison of the effects of raloxifene and low-dose hormone replacement therapy on bone mineral density and bone turnover in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of raloxifene and low-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. METHODS: Forty-two postmenopausal osteoporotic women, who were randomized to receive raloxifene 60 mg or estradiol 1 mg/norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg daily for 1 year, were studied. All women received calcium 600 mg/day and vitamin D 400 IU/day. BMD and markers of bone turnover were measured at baseline and at 12 months. RESULTS: After 12 months of treatment, there were statistically significant increases in BMD in both groups at all sites (all p < 0.05). For the lumbar spine, the increase in BMD was 2.3% for raloxifene compared with 5.8% for low-dose HRT and corresponding values for total body BMD were 2.9% for raloxifene and 4.6% for low-dose HRT; the increases being significantly greater in the low-dose HRT group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). Although the increase in BMD at the hip was significant for both raloxifene (2.1%) and low-dose HRT (3.2%) compared with baseline, the difference between the two regimens did not reach statistical significance. The decrease in serum C-terminal telopeptide fragment of type I collagen and serum osteocalcin levels for the low-dose HRT group (-53% and -47%, respectively) was significantly greater than for the raloxifene group (-23% and -27%, respectively; both p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, low-dose HRT produced significantly greater increases in BMD of the lumbar spine and total body and greater decreases in bone turnover than raloxifene at 12 months.     

Effect of Teriparatide on Subsequent Fracture and Bone Mineral Density in 47 Women with Pregnancy- and Lactation-associated Osteoporosis and Vertebral Fractures

Introduction Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) with predominantly vertebral fractures is a rare but severe disease which can occur in the last trimester of pregnancy or postpartum. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of teriparatide on subsequent fractures and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with PLO. Materials and Methods A total of 47 patients with PLO and postpartum spinal fractures (mean: 4 fractures) undergoing treatment with teriparatide were investigated. The data collection period was set between 2006 and 2018. All patients received a subcutaneous injection of 20 µg teriparatide once a day for 24 months as well as individually adapted vitamin D supplementation. After 24 months of treatment, all women received no further treatment and either had regular menstrual cycles or took oral contraceptives. Fractures were confirmed by X-ray or MRI. Changes in BMD from baseline were examined using serial DXA measurements. Results After 24 months of teriparatide treatment, we could demonstrate an increase in BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip of + 30.1%, + 11.7% and + 12.2% respectively (p < 0.001 for all). At 12 months after cessation of treatment, BMD remained stable compared to the 24-month measurements at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip which showed non-significant changes of + 1.4%, + 2.6% and + 4.1% respectively. Out of the 47 patients with PLO with a mean of 4 existing fractures, 4 patients (7.8%) sustained a subsequent fracture, two after 3 – 5 months of treatment and two at > 6 months of treatment. Conclusion 24 months of treatment with teriparatide in women with PLO and multiple vertebral fractures significantly increased BMD, predominantly BMD of the spine. As patients were premenopausal, there was no significant decrease in BMD in the following 12 months after cessation of treatment. Key words: fracture osteoporosis, teriparatide, pregnancy, lactation     

The effects of plasma estradiol levels on increases in vertebral and femoral bone density following therapy with estradiol and estradiol with testosterone implants.

Percutaneous estradiol (E2) implants effectively preserve bone density in postmenopausal women. However, these implants are often given with testosterone, which may itself have an anabolic effect on bone. To determine whether testosterone confers any additional bone-sparing effect, we studied 50 postmenopausal women randomly allocated to receive E2 (75 mg) alone or with testosterone (100 mg) every 6 months for 1 year. Women with an intact uterus received cyclic norethindrone (5 mg) for 10 days of each calendar month. Twenty-five untreated women were recruited to act as a reference group. Bone density was measured at the lumbar spine and proximal femur by dual x-ray densitometry. By 1 year, bone density at the lumbar spine had fallen by 1.8% in the reference group. In the women treated with E2 alone, it increased significantly by 7.8% (P less than .0001) and in those receiving E2 with testosterone, it increased by 6.3% (P less than .0001). At the femoral neck, bone density decreased by 3% in the controls and increased by approximately 4% in both treated groups (P less than .0001). The increase in bone density at these sites was unrelated to the woman's chronological age, menopausal age, or initial bone density. However, it correlated significantly with the serum E2 levels attained after 1 year of therapy. In no treated patients did bone density decrease significantly. These data show that testosterone confers no additional bone-sparing effect in postmenopausal women.