Effect of pamidronate administration on markers of bone turnover and disease activity in multiple myeloma

AIM: Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of osteoclastic activity and are used in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) in combination with chemotherapy. The effect of pamidronate on markers of bone resorption [cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (NTx)], markers of bone formation [serum alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and osteocalcin (OSC)], interleukin-6 (IL-6), beta2-microglobulin, CRP, paraprotein and disease-related pain and skeletal events has been evaluated in 62 newly diagnosed patients with MM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the first included 32 patients under chemotherapy and pamidronate (group I) and the second 30 patients on chemotherapy only (group II). Pamidronate was administered at a monthly dose of 90 mg iv, and the above parameters were evaluated at the beginning of this study and after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 14 months of treatment. RESULTS: The addition of pamidronate to chemotherapy resulted in a significant reduction of NTx, IL-6 and paraprotein from the 3rd month and of beta2-microglobulin, CRP and pain from the 6th month of treatment. No changes of NTx, IL-6, beta2-microglobulin, CRP or skeletal events were observed in patients of group II, while paraprotein was significantly reduced after 6 months of treatment. The differences in NTx, IL-6, paraprotein and beta2-microglobulin were statistically significant between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between changes of NTx, changes of IL-6 in both groups and reduction of pain and paraprotein in group I. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that pamidronate may have a synergistic action with chemotherapy in decreasing osteoclastic activity, in reducing markers of myeloma activity and myeloma related pain and in improving the quality of life in patients with MM.     

Unusual Association between Increased Bone Resorption and Presence of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Phenotype in Multiple Myeloma

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) clones deficient in glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored molecules, including CD55 and CD59, have been previously described in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between existence of the PNH phenotype and myeloma bone disease. Forty-three patients with newly diagnosed MM were the subjects of the study. Radiographic evaluation of the skeleton was performed in all patients at diagnosis. The following biochemical markers were measured: bone resorption markers (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b [TRACP-5b]and N-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type-I collagen [NTX]), bone formation markers (bone alkaline phosphatase [bALP] and osteocalcin [OC]), osteoprotegerin (OPG), soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor KB ligand (sRANKL), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Detection of CD55- and/or CD59-deficient red cell populations was performed after diagnosis. Patients with MM had elevated mean baseline NTX, TRACP-5b, sRANKL, and IL-6 levels compared with controls, whereas the mean values of bALP, OC, and OPG were significantly decreased. Four patients had no osteolytic lesions, whereas 8 patients had 1 to 3 lytic lesions, and 31 patients had more than 3 lytic lesions and/or pathologic fractures in the skeletal survey. CD55- and/or CD59-deficient red cell populations were observed in 56% of patients with MM. There was a strong correlation between the presence of PNH-like erythrocytes and increased bone resorption, as measured by NTX, TRACP-5b, and sRANKL/OPG ratio (P < .03, P < .02, and P < .02, respectively). There was also a significant correlation between PNH phenotype and severe bone disease (P < .02). These results suggest that there is a possible link between PNH phenotype and increased osteoclastic activity in MM owing to a potential effect of myeloma microenvironment on a preexisting PNH clone. Further studies are required for clarifying this phenomenon and investigating possible mechanisms of this unusual association.     

Pamidronate is an effective treatment for osteoporosis in patients with beta-thalassaemia

Osteoporosis in beta-thalassaemia is multifactorial; increased osteoclast function seems to play an important role in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pamidronate on the osteoporosis of thalassaemia. To this effect we studied 26 patients who received this drug in doses of 30 or 60 mg i.v. once a month over 12 months. The effects were monitored by measuring bone mineral density (BMD) in association with markers of osteoclast function [soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (sRANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG)] and of bone remodelling [N-telopeptide of collagen type-I (NTX), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform-5b (TRACP-5b), bone-alkaline phosphatase (bALP), and osteocalcin (OC)]. Thirty healthy individuals were also studied, as controls. NTX, TRACP-5b, bALP and OC levels were significantly higher in thalassaemic patients compared with controls; in contrast, OPG levels were significantly lower, while the levels of sRANKL varied within normal limits. Administration of pamidronate was followed by a clear decrease of NTX, TRACP-5b, OPG, and OC, and by a significant increase in the BMD of the lumbar spine, which was similar in patients of both treatment groups. These data suggest that pamidronate, at a monthly dose of 30 mg, is an effective treatment for thalassaemic osteoporosis.     

Role of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin and macrophage protein 1-alpha (MIP-1a) in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of markers of bone remodelling, and osteoclast activation/function in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). We have measured serum levels of soluble RANKL (sRANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), markers of bone resorption [N-telopeptide of collagen type-I (NTX), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform-5b (TRACP-5b)] and bone formation [bone-alkaline phosphatase (bALP)] in 40 MGUS patients. These parameters were compared with those of 42 newly diagnosed myeloma patients, and 45 healthy, gender- and age-matched controls. MGUS patients had elevated levels of NTX, sRANKL, and sRANKL/OPG ratio compared with controls (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, TRACP-5b, MIP-1alpha and NTX were decreased in patients with MGUS compared with myeloma patients (P < 0.001), while OPG and bALP were increased (P < 0.001). Serum levels of MIP-1alpha, as well as TRACP-5b, and sRANKL/OPG ratio were reduced, while bALP was increased in MGUS patients, even when compared with myeloma patients who had stage I/II disease. These results demonstrate that increased osteoclastogenesis leading to increased bone resorption is present in MGUS but seems to be compensated for by normal bone formation, which is absent in MM. Furthermore MIP-1alpha, bALP, and sRANKL/OPG may be useful tools for distinguishing between cases of MGUS and early myeloma.     

Pamidronate induces bone formation in patients with smouldering or indolent myeloma,with no significant anti-tumour effect

Twelve patients with smouldering or indolent multiple myeloma (MM) received 12 courses of intravenous pamidronate as a single agent to evaluate both the antitumour and bone metabolism effects. One patient achieved minor response, eight had stable disease, and three - all indolent MM - showed disease progression. Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1beta and Oncostatin-M remained stable throughout the study, while tumour necrosis factor-alpha increased. Bone density significantly increased after four and 12 courses compared with baseline. Markers for bone resorption and bone formation decreased with treatment. These results suggest that pamidronate treatment reduces bone turnover in smouldering or indolent MM, but has no significant antitumour effect.     

英夫利西单抗对类风湿关节炎患者血清抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶5b的影响

目的 观察英夫利西单抗治疗活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者前后血清抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶5b(TRACP-5b)水平,并分析其与RA患者各项活动性指标及疗效的相关性,比较不同抗RA药物对骨侵蚀的影响并阐明可能的机制.方法 36例RA患者随机分为2组,英夫利西单抗治疗组16例,甲氨蝶呤(MTX)治疗组20例,记录所有患者24周的临床及实验室指标.对比2组间及组内血清TRACP-5b水平的差异,并分析其与RA各项活动性指标及疗效的相关性.计量资料组间比较采用秩和检验、成组设计和配对设计的t检验,计数资料采用x2检验,相关分析采用Spearman、Pearson相关分析.结果 基线X线表现为Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ期的RA患者血清TRACP-5b水平分别为(1.69±0.48)、(2.64±1.13)、(3.34±1.07)、(4.05±0.25)U/L,Ⅲ、Ⅳ期TRACP-5b水平与Ⅰ期比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).治疗24周后,英夫利西单抗治疗组血清TRACP-5b水平为(2.16±1.09)U/L,较MTX治疗组[(3.05±0.93)U/L ]低,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);较英夫利西单抗组治疗前血清TRACP-5b水平[(3.07±1.32)U/L]低,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).活动性RA血清中TRACP-5b基线水平与病程、健康评价呈正相关(r=0.313,P=0.043;r=0.443,P=0.007).结论 TRACP-5b血清水平随RA关节X分期增加而升高;血清TRACP-5b的治疗变化可能反映了英夫利西单抗对RA骨破坏的抑制作用.治疗24周后,英夫利西单抗治疗组血清TRACP-5b水平较甲氨蝶呤治疗组明显低,提示英夫利西单抗对破骨细胞的抑制作用可能优于MTX.

Abstract：

Objective To detect the serum level of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP5b) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before and after infliximab treatment and analyze the relevance between TRACP-5b and activity indexes of RA.The effect of different medicines on bony erosion in RA and its possible mechanism were explored.Methods Patients were divided into two groups:16 patients were treated with inffiximab for 24 weeks (group 1 ),25 patients were treated with MTX for 24 weeks (group 2).The core indicators of RA activity were evaluated.Ranked test,grouped design and matched t test was used to examine the quantity data between groups,while numerate data was analyzed with qui-square test.Correlation between data was tested by Spearmen's and Pearson's tests.RestltsThe levels of TRACP-5b in patients with X-ray stagesⅠ ,Ⅱ ,Ⅲ ,Ⅳ were elevated at the baseline.The levels of TRACP-5b in phase Ⅲ and Ⅳ were [(3.34±1.07) U/L] and[(4.05±0.25) U/L] respectively,higher (P＜0.05) than those in phase Ⅰ[(1.69±0.48) U/L].At week 0,week 12,and week 24,the serum levels of TRACP-5b in group 1 were(3.07±1.32),(2.72±1.18),(2.16±1.09) U/L respectively,while the levels in week 12,and 24 were significantly lower than those of week 0(P＜0.05).A significant decrease of serum TRACP-5b level in group 1[(2.16±1.09 ) U/L]when compared to group two[ (3.05±0.93) U/L] after 24 weeks.TRACP=5b level was positively correlated with the course of disease (r=0.313,P=0.043 ),HAQ(r=0.443,P=0.007).Conclusion Infliximab can reduce TRACP-5b level in RA and inhibit inflammatory bone loss.TRACP-5b can be used to evaluate the efficacy of biological agents in treating RA.     

Bisphosphonates in the treatment of osteoporosis

Bisphosphonates are compounds derived from pyrophosphate, a byproduct of cellular cleavage of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and are resistant to alkaline phosphatase by virtue of replacement of oxygen by carbon. The high affinity of the P-C-P structure for hydroxyapatite accounts for deposition in bone. Modification of the two side chains of carbon alters the potency of the drugs. Of those that have either completed or are undergoing clinical trials, the order of increasing potency for inhibition of bone resorption is etidronate, clodronate, tiludronate, pamidronate, alendronate, residronate and ibandronate (potency range: 1 to 10,000). Less than 5% of bisphosphonates are absorbed and the half life is a few hours. The drugs must be given on an empty stomach because food and beverages interfere with gastrointestinal absorption. Of the absorbed fraction, as much as 60% is taken up by the skeleton and the remainder is excreted un changed in the urine. Etidronate, tiludronate, residronate, and alendronate are given orally, clodronate intravenously, and pamidronate and ibandronate by either route. At lower concentrations, bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclatic bone resorption, whereas at higher concentrations they may inhibit mineralization and cause osteomalacia. Inhibition of mineralization diminishes with increasing potency. In postmenopausal women, etidronate and alendronate for 3 yr were shown to inhibit bone resorption, increase bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and hip, and prevent fractures without producing osteomalacia. Bone formation also is reduced as a consequence of diminished bone resorption but reduction is less than the reduction of bone resorption. In higher doses bisphosphonates may cause upper gastrointestinal disturbances but in recommended doses they generally are well tolerated and have an excellent safety profile.     

Influence of cyclic intravenous pamidronate on proinflammatory monocytic cytokine profiles and bone density in rheumatoid arthritis treated with low dose prednisolone and methotrexate

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to evaluate in a randomised double-blind prospective study the effect of pamidronate on intracellular monocytic cytokine profiles (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha) and bone density in rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHODS: Twenty rheumatoid arthritis patients were treated for one year with methotrexate and a low dose of prednisolone. Double blind randomisation was performed for either i.v. pamidronate (at 3-month intervals) or placebo. The effect of pamidronate was evaluated on intracellular cytokine profiles (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha), disease activity and bone mass measurements. The human monocytic cell line THP-1 was used to evaluate in vitro apoptosis by pamidronate. RESULTS: Spontaneous production of interleukin-1 beta by patient blood monocytes was lower in the pamidronate group and was associated with an increase in bone density of the spine after 12 months of therapy. In vitro a dose-related increase in pamidronate induced apoptosis was found in THP-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective double-blind randomised study demonstrated that pamidronate therapy resulted in an increase of bone density despite treatment with steroids. This rise is associated with a suppression of interleukin-1 beta production in monocytes of patients treated with pamidronate. Our in vitro experiments suggest that this anti-inflammatory effect could be due to an increase in the apoptosis of monocytic cells.     

多发性骨髓瘤骨病患者骨代谢及调节因子水平及其意义

目的 研究多发性骨髓瘤(MM)患者血清Dickkopf-1(DKK-1)、可溶性核因子κB配体受体激活剂(sRANKL)、护骨素(OPG)和骨代谢因子[碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(TRACP-5b)]水平及其与MM分期、溶骨性病变的关系,探讨骨代谢及调节因子DKK-1和sRANKL在MM骨病中的临床意义.方法 采用双抗体夹心ELISA检测30例初诊MM患者和20例健康人血清DKK-1、sRANKL、OPG、ALP、TRACP-5b等骨代谢因子及调节因子的水平.结果 MM患者血清DKK-1、sRANKL、OPG和TRACP水平均显著高于健康人,分别为42.96μg/L比5.33 μg/L,1.83pmol/L比0.79 pmol/L,1799.30 pmol/L比822.40 pmol/L,5.81 U/L比0.28 U/L,P值均＜0.05.国际分期系统(ISS)分期Ⅲ期患者血清DKK-1水平(46.33 μg/L)和sRANKL(2.26 pmol/L)水平显著高于Ⅰ/Ⅱ期患者(37.91μgL和1.19 pmol/L,P值均＜0.05).3处以上与1～3处溶骨病变患者相比,血清DKK-1、sRANKL和TRACP-5b水平显著升高(46.30μg/L比31.98μg/L,2.18 pmol/L比0.69 pmol/L,6.02 U/L比5.13 U/L,P值均＜0.05).结论 MM患者血清DKK-1、sRANKL、OPG和TRACP-5b水平均显著高于健康人;血清DKK-1、sRANKL水平与MM分期及溶骨病变程度相关.

Abstract：

Objective To detect serum concentrations of Dickkopf-1(DKK-1) and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (sRANKL) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and to investigate its clinical significance. Methods Serum DKK-1, sRANKL, osteoporotegerin(OPG) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) levels were quantified in 30 newly diagnosed MM patients and 20 healthy control subjects by using sandwich ELISA. Results The serum DKK-1, sRANKL,OPG and TRACP-5b levels were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls (42.96 μg/L vs 5.33 μg/L, 1.83 pmol/Lvs 0. 79 pmol/L, 1799. 30 pmol/L vs 822.40 pmol/L, 5.81 U/L vs 0. 28 U/L, respectively; all P＜0. 05). Serum levels of DKK-1 were positively correlated with sRANKL and TRACP-5b, respectively.Serum concentrations of DKK-1 and sRANKL were significantly elevated in stage Ⅲvs stages Ⅰ and Ⅱaccording to International Staging System (ISS) (46. 33 μg/L vs 37.91 μg/L, 2.26 pmol/L vs 1.19pmol/L, respectively, all P ＜0.05). Serum concentrations of DKK-1 , sRANKL and TRACP-5b were significantly higher in patients with more than 3 lytic bone lesions than those with only 1-3 lytic bone lesions (46. 30 μg/L vs 31.98 μg/L, 2. 18 pmol/L vs 0. 69 pmol/L, 6.02 U/L vs 5. 13 U/L, all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions MM patients have increased serum DKK-1, sRANKL, OPG and TRACP-5b levels as compared with the healthy controls. Serum concentrations of DKK-1 and sRANKL have close relationship with MM stage and lytic bone disease.     

Elevated serum concentration of hepatocyte growth factor in patients with multiple myeloma: correlation with markers of disease activity

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to be involved in angiogenesis, epithelial cell proliferation, and osteoclast activation. HGF and its receptor are expressed on myeloma cell lines and could be involved in the pathogenesis of bone destruction in multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of this study was to examine serum levels of HGF in untreated MM patients and its correlation with bone turnover indices and markers of disease activity. Forty-seven newly diagnosed MM patients and 25 controls were included: 12 patients were of stage I, 13 of stage II, and 22 of stage III (Durie-Salmon classification). Bone lesions were scored from 0 to 3, according to X-ray findings. Serum osteocalcin (OC), interleukin-6 (IL-6), TNF-alpha, beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)M), CRP, calcium, and 24-hr urine N-telopeptide cross-links of collagen breakdown (NTx) were determined. HGF levels were significantly higher at stage III compared to stages II and I (medians: 1,990.4 vs. 1,743.8 and 1,432.4 pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). Similarly, NTx, IL-6, TNF-alpha, CRP, beta(2)M, and calcium increased significantly with advancing stage (P < 0.01). OC was higher at stage I in comparison to stages II and III (P < 0.01). All parameters were significantly higher in patients than controls. HGF showed a strong correlation with IL-6 and TNF-alpha and less with beta(2)M, CRP, NTx, and OC. We conclude that serum HGF levels are increased in advanced stages of MM disease and extended bone lesions. HGF correlates with IL-6 and TNF-alpha, which are cytokines involved in osteoclast stimulation in MM. However, an independent association of HGF with bone turnover markers was not shown in this study, thus its role in MM bone disease needs to be further clarified.     

Stimulation of gammadelta T cells by aminobisphosphonates and induction of antiplasma cell activity in multiple myeloma

Bisphosphonates are well-known inhibitors of osteoclastic bone resorption, but recent clinical reports support the possibility of direct or indirect antitumor effects by these compounds. Because bisphosphonates share structural homologies with recently identified gamma delta T-cell ligands, we examined the stimulatory capacity of bisphosphonates to gamma delta T cells and determined whether gamma delta T-cell stimulation by bisphosphonates could be exploited to generate antiplasma cell activity in multiple myeloma (MM). All tested aminobisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, and pamidronate) induced significant expansion of gamma delta T cells (V gamma 9V delta 2++ subset) in peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures of healthy donors at clinically relevant concentrations (half-maximal activity, 0.9-4 mcmol/L). The proliferative response of gamma delta T cells to aminobisphosphonates was IL-2 dependent, whereas activation of gamma delta T cells (up-regulation of CD25 and CD69) occurred in the absence of exogenous cytokines. Pamidronate-activated gamma delta T cells produced cytokines (ie, interferon [IFN]-gamma) and exhibited specific cytotoxicity against lymphoma (Daudi) and myeloma cell lines (RPMI 8226, U266). Pamidronate-treated bone marrow (BM) cultures of 24 patients with MM showed significantly reduced plasma cell survival compared with untreated cultures, especially in cultures in which activation of BM-gamma delta T cells was evident (14 of 24 patients with MM). gamma delta T-cell depletion from BM cultures completely abrogated the cytoreductive effect on myeloma cells in 2 of 3 tested patients with MM. These results show that aminobisphosphonates stimulating gamma delta T cells have pronounced effects on the immune system, which might contribute to the antitumor effects of these drugs. (Blood. 2000;96:384-392)     

Aminobisphosphonate inhibition of interleukin-1-induced bone resorption in mouse calvariae

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is probably an important lymphokine mediator of inflammation and bone resorption. IL-1 derived from mononuclear cells, a melanoma cell line (MM96 cells), and recombinant human IL-1 (rHuIL-1 beta) increased in vitro bone resorption, as measured by the release of 45Ca from cultured mouse calvariae. The 50% maximum active resorption was observed with 0.125 ng/ml or approximately 10(-11) M rHuIL-1 beta. The resorptive action of IL-1 was not entirely dependent on prostaglandin mediation, since its effect was evident when prostaglandin synthesis was inhibited in the cultures by indomethacin. IL-1-induced resorption has been shown to be inhibited by 10(-5) M 3-amino-1-hydroxypropylidene-1-1-bisphosphonate (APD). This inhibition was partially reversed by increasing doses of IL-1. In vitro toxicity studies showed that at concentrations of 10(-4) M, APD inhibited the growth of cultured MM96, murine myelomonocytic P388D1, and rat osteosarcoma UMR 106 cells, but not other mast and lymphoid cell lines. These in vitro observations may have relevance to the use of APD in bone and joint diseases in which inflammation and bone resorption are prominent.     

Increased bone resorption is implicated in the pathogenesis of bone loss in hemophiliacs: correlations with hemophilic arthropathy and HIV infection

Osteoporosis has been recently recognized as a severe comorbidity factor in hemophilia. However, its pathogenesis is still obscure. We evaluated the incidence of osteoporosis in 90 hemophilia patients and investigated possible correlations with clinical and laboratory data. Out of the 90 patients, 80 (89%) had severe hemophilia, and 35 (38.9%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive. Hemophilic arthropahty was assessed using World Federation of Hemophilia clinical score and Petterson radiological score. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absortiometry. Bone turnover was evaluated by the measurement of: (1) bone resorption markers [N-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of collagen type I (NTX), C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of collagen type I (CTX), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform-5b (TRACP-5b)], (2) bone formation markers [bone-alkaline phosphatase (bALP) and osteocalcin], and (3) osteoclast stimulators (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, osteoprotegerin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Osteopenia or osteoporosis was observed in 86% and 65% of the patients in FN and LS, respectively. Osteoporosis was more common among HIV-positive patients in both FN (65.3% vs 41.6%; p = 0.007) and LS (17.86% vs 5.41%, p = 0.004). The severity of osteoporosis in FN correlated with the patients' total clinical and radiological score (p = 0.001). Hemophilia patients showed increased osteoclastic activity (significant increase of TRACP-5b, NTX, and CTX), which was not accompanied by a comparable increased bone formation (reduced osteocalcin and borderline increase of bALP). In multivariate analysis, HIV infection (p = 0.05) and total clinical score (p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for osteoporosis development. We conclude that there is a high prevalence of osteoporosis among hemophiliacs, which is related to the severity of arthropathy and is enhanced by HIV infection. We report for the first time a high bone resorption that seems not to be balanced by a comparable bone formation.     

Effects of alendronate on metacarpal and lumbar bone mineral density,bone resorption,and chronic back pain in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of alendronate on metacarpal and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD), bone resorption, and chronic back pain in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Eighty postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, 59–88 years of age, were divided into two groups of 40 each according to the site of BMD measurement: the metacarpus (M) and the lumbar spine (L). All of them were treated with alendronate (5 mg/day) for 12 months. Metacarpal or lumbar BMD was measured by computed X-ray densitometry or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in the M or the L group, respectively, at baseline and every 6 months. Urinary cross-linked N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and chronic back pain was evaluated by face scale score at baseline and every 6 months in both groups. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, including age, body mass index, years since menopause, urinary NTX level, face scale score, or number of prevalent vertebral fractures per patient between the two groups. Urinary NTX level was reduced and chronic back pain was improved similarly in both groups. Whereas metacarpal BMD did not significantly change in the M group (0.20% increase), lumbar BMD increased by 8.15% in the L group. These results suggest that although alendronate increases BMD of the lumbar spine, which is rich in cancellous bone, and improves chronic back pain, with suppression of bone resorption in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, it may fail to increase cortical BMD of the metacarpus, a distal site of the upper extremity.Abbreviations ALP Alkaline phosphatase - BMD Bone mineral density - DXA Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry - NTX Cross-linked N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen     

First-line therapy with thalidomide, dexamethasone and zoledronic acid decreases bone resorption markers in patients with multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND: Bone involvement is frequently observed in multiple myeloma (MM) patients both at diagnosis and during the course of the disease. The evaluation of biochemical markers of bone turnover could allow a dynamic evaluation of the effects of a given therapy on bone metabolism. METHODS: In the present study, markers of bone resorption [urinary free pyridinoline (PYD), deoxypyridinoline (DPYD), N-terminal telopeptide of collagen I (NTX) and C-terminal telopeptide (serum crosslaps)] and of bone formation [bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and osteocalcin] were evaluated at diagnosis and after induction therapy in 40 patients (23M, 17F, median age = 53.5 yr) enrolled in the 'Bologna 2002' clinical trial. By study design, all patients received 4 months of combined thalidomide (100 mg/d for 2 wk then 200 mg/d), dexamethasone (40 mg/d on days 1-4, 9-12, 17-20/28 on odd cycles and on days 1-4 on even cycles) and zoledronic acid (4 mg/28 d). RESULTS: At diagnosis, although bone resorption markers were increased in more than 40% of the patients, only NTX (P = 0.029) and crosslaps (P = 0.000) were significantly related to the extent of skeletal lesions, as assessed by X-ray. After 4 months of therapy, a significant decrease in mean (+/-SE) urinary NTX (52.7 +/-6.9 nmol/mmol creatinine +/-6.9 vs. 14 +/- 1.42 nmol/mmol creatinine, P = 0.000) and serum crosslaps (6242.4 +/-945 pmol/L vs. 1414.9 +/- 173.8 pmol/L, P = 0.000) was observed in patients obtaining > or =partial response, at variance to what has been detected in patients showing 相似文献   

Effect of calcitriol and pamidronate in multiple myeloma.

Addition of bisphosphonates to standard treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) decreases bone pain and skeletal events without influencing bone healing. Calcitriol, besides its established effects on bone remodeling and calcium metabolism, has both immunoregulatory and cell differentiating effects in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, low serum calcitriol has been reported in MM. We tested the effects of supportive treatment with calcitriol and pamidronate on bone disease in two stage-III-B MM patients with diffuse bone involvement, normal serum calcium, and low serum calcitriol. Complete blood counts, serum calcium, creatinine, quantitative serum and urine immunoglobulins, and biochemical indices of bone turnover, serum calcidiol, calcitriol, parathyroid hormone, skeletal radiographs, and bone mineral density by dual x-ray absorbtiometry were measured every 1-6 months for 16 months in the first patient and 7 months in the second patient. Both patients showed a dramatic improvement of MM activity and in bone disease documented by serial radiographs in the first patient and by increased bone mineral density (approximately 15%) in the second. The reduced serum calcitriol in both patients and the elevated parathyroid hormone observed in the first patient before treatment returned to normal. Supportive treatment with pamidronate does not induce bone healing in MM. Therefore, the results observed with the addition of calcitriol suggest that this hormone may have contributed to the apparent arrest of the progression of MM and caused stimulation of bone healing.     

乙型肝炎肝硬化骨代谢异常的临床研究

目的探讨乙型肝炎肝硬化患者骨代谢异常的发病机制。方法用NM-300单光子骨密度测量系统检测61例乙型肝炎肝硬化患者的骨密度，空腹抽血检测血清钙调节激素：1，25二羟维生素D3[1，25（OH）2D3]、甲状旁腺素（PTH）、降钙素（CT）、骨钙素（BGP），白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）、白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF α）、尿骨胶原交联（Corsslaps），并与30名健康者对照。结果肝硬化组尺骨密度、桡骨密度、尺桡密度均较对照组明显降低。肝硬化组血清1，25（OH）2D3、BGP水平较对照组明显降低，其中骨质疏松（OP）组较无骨质疏松（NOP）组降低更明显，尿Crosslaps水平肝硬化组较对照组明显升高，其中OP组较NOP升高更明显。血清1，25（OH）2D3、BGP水平与尺桡密度呈正相关。OP组尿Crosslaps水平与尺桡密度呈负相关，而NOP组尿Crosslaps水平与尺桡密度无相关关系。肝硬化组血清IL-1β、IL-6、TNF α水平较对照组明显升高。血清IL-1β、IL-6、TNF α水平肝硬化OP组较NOP组显著升高。肝硬化组IL-1β、IL-6、TNF α水平与尺桡密度呈负相关，其中OP组较NOP组相关性更明显。结论乙型肝炎肝硬化患者存在着骨形成减少和骨破坏过多两种因素，从而引起肝性骨病，在骨形成减弱的过程中1，25（OH）2D3起了主要作用，在骨吸收增强的过程中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF α起到了重要的作用。     

C-reactive protein and beta-2 microglobulin produce a simple and powerful myeloma staging system.

Multiple myeloma (MM) staging procedures are still inadequate for detection of the optimal therapeutic procedure for an individual patient. The Durie & Salmon staging system and serum beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) are used worldwide because of their easy clinical application. Other prognostic parameters, such as myeloma cell proliferative activity, are of exceeding importance, but are not as simple as standard methods. Recently, interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been shown to be a major growth factor for MM. IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine acting on several cell lineages, and, at the hepatocyte level, stimulates the synthesis of acute phase proteins, such as the well known C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Serum CRP concentration actually reflects the IL-6 activity. A survival analysis carried out in 162 MM patients at diagnosis showed that serum CRP level is a highly significant prognostic factor. Moreover, serum CRP was independent of serum beta 2M. This feature allowed stratification of MM patients into 3 groups according to CRP and beta 2M serum levels: (1) low risk group, CRP and beta 2M less than 6 mg/L (50% of patients); (2) intermediate risk group, CRP or beta 2M greater than or equal to 6 mg/L (35% of patients); (3) high risk group, CRP and beta 2M greater than or equal to 6 mg/L (15% of patients). Survival was 54, 27, and 6 months, respectively (P less than .0001). We thus propose a new and powerful myeloma staging system based on simple and reliable laboratory evaluations.     

Utility of serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP5b) as a bone resorption marker in patients with chronic kidney disease: independence from renal dysfunction

Background  Serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) 5b levels were assessed in predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of the study was to establish the usefulness of a new assay for TRACP5b in assessing bone turnover in these patients.
Methods  Serum concentrations of two bone resorption markers, TRACP5b and N-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX); two bone formation markers, bone specific alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP) and intact osteocalcin (OC[1–49]); and PTH were measured in 98 predialysis CKD patients.
Results  Log serum TRACP5b and other bone markers were significantly negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and positively correlated with log serum PTH, suggesting an increase in serum bone markers with development of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Multiple regression analysis including age, gender, BMI, the presence of diabetes, GFR and log serum PTH showed an association of log serum PTH with log serum TRACP5b and other bone markers. GFR was associated with log serum NTX and log OC[1–49], but not with log serum TRACP5b or log bone ALP. These data show that renal dysfunction does not influence serum TRACP5b and bone ALP, but has an influence on NTX and OC[1–49].
Conclusion  Serum TRACP5b may be a good marker for serum bone resorption in predialysis CKD patients, as it is not affected by renal dysfunction.     

Monitoring of alendronate treatment and prediction of effect on bone mass by biochemical markers in the early postmenopausal intervention cohort study.

To establish whether biochemical markers could be used to monitor alendronate (ALN) treatment and predict long-term response in bone mass, we used results from an ongoing, randomized trial of ALN treatment for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis (n = 1202). In women treated with ALN (5 mg), change from baseline at month 6 in urine N-telopeptide cross-links of type I collagen (NTX) and osteocalcin (OC) correlated with change from baseline at month 24 in spine, hip, and total body bone mineral density (BMD) [r = -0.28 to -0.31 (NTX) and r = -0.16 to -0.25 (OC), P<0.001]. This corresponded to a 4- to 5-fold greater increase at month 24 in BMD in the tertiles, with the greatest decrease at month 6 in NTX or OC. In women treated with ALN (5 mg) who had a change at month 24 in spine BMD of at least 0%, 86% (NTX) and 79% (OC) had a decrease at month 6 of at least 40% (NTX) or 20% (OC) (sensitivity). The corresponding specificities were 48% (NTX) and 53% (OC). In conclusion, change at month 6 in NTX and OC, in groups of women treated with ALN, indicated the numeric long-term response in BMD within these groups. In individual women, a decrease at month 6, in NTX or OC below the cut-point, validly identified women who responded, on ALN treatment, with a stabilization or an increase in bone mass. However, lack of decrease below the cut-point in NTX or OC could not be used to identify women with a bone loss during ALN treatment.