Regulation of Bone Mineral Density in Morbidly Obese Women: A Cross-sectional Study in Two Cohorts Before and After Bypass Surgery

Background  The mechanisms by which increased body weight influence bone mass density (BMD) are still unknown. The aim of our study was to analyze the relationship between anthropometric and body composition variables, insulin growth factor-I (IGF-I), adiponectin and soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptors (sTNFR) 1 and 2 with BMD in two cohorts of morbid obese patients, before and after bypass surgery. Methods  The first cohort included 25 women aged 48 ± 7.6 years studied before bypass surgery. The second included 41 women aged 46 ± 9.2 years, 12 months after surgery. We studied anthropometric variables obtained from whole body DEXA composition analysis. Serum IGF-I, intact serum parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxivitamin D₃, plasma adiponectin concentrations, sTNFR1, sTNFR2 concentrations were measured. Results  In the first cohort, the BMI was 44.5 ± 3.6 kg/m², parathyroid hormone, IGF-I, and adiponectin concentrations were lower, and sTNFR1 concentrations were higher than in the second cohort. In the multiple regression analysis, BMD remained significantly associated with body fat percentage (β −0.154, p = 0.01), lean mass (β 0.057, p = 0.016) and phosphate concentration (β 0.225, p = 0.05). In the second cohort, BMI was 31 ± 5.1 kg/m². In the multiple regression analysis, BMD remained significantly associated with lean mass (β 0.006, p = 0.03). Conclusion  The inverse correlation found between body fat and BMD in the first cohort indicates morbid obesity increases the risk of osteoporosis and we found a positive correlation with lean and fat mass before bariatric surgery and with lean mass after bypass surgery.     

Effect of Roux-en Y Gastric Bypass on Bone Metabolism in Patients with Morbid Obesity: Mansoura Experiences

Background  Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) has been found to be the most efficient way to lose weight and maintain the weight loss in morbid obesity. However, with the formation of a new stomach and the modification of intestinal anatomy, there are significant changes on bone metabolism. The objectives of this study were to evaluate effects of weight loss on bone metabolism after Roux-en Y gastric bypass in patients with morbid obesity. Methods  Our study included 70 patients with morbid obesity; RYGB was done for all patients. Daily postoperative oral supplementation with 1,000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D was done for each patient. Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), total body fat, total lean tissue mass, bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), total bone area (TBA; using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), serum calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-OH vitamin D, 24-h urinary calcium, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) were assessed preoperatively and 1 year after surgery. Results  In our study, females comprised 70% of cases. The mean age was 35 ± 8.8 years. One year after RYGB, BW decreased significantly from 132.8 ± 26.5 to 90.3 ± 17.3 kg (p = 0.001). BMI decreased significantly from 48 ± 7.3 to 32.6 ± 4.1 kg/m² (p = 0.001). BMC decreased significantly from 2,968.6 ± 71.4 to 2,700.8 ± 45.4 g (p = 0.001). BMD decreased significantly from 1.026 ± 0.03 to 1.22 ± 0.015 g/cm² (p = 0.001). TBA decreased significantly from 2,356.2 ± 35.4 to 2,216.3 ± 43.5 cm² (p = 0.001). Serum calcium, 24-h urinary calcium, and BSAP were not significantly decreased while 25-OH vitamin D and PTH were not significantly increased after surgery. Conclusions  From this study, it is shown that RYGBP operation gives very good results as regards reduction of body weight in morbidly obese patients. Postoperative supplementation with calcium and vitamin D partially corrects osteoporosis. Thus, these patients need periodic follow-up for BMD, PTH, calcium, serum vitamin D, and markers of bone resorption and formation specially postmenopausal female.     

Morbid Obesity and Inflammation: A Prospective Study After Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery

Background  Inflammatory status underlying obesity seems to be implicated in several aspects of metabolic syndrome. Objective  This study aimed to investigate the association between weight loss achieved by laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB) surgery, chronic inflammatory markers, and nutritional state. Methods  Thirty-two morbid obese females were enrolled in the study and evaluated at baseline, 1 and 18 months after LAGB surgery. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgM, C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin, alpha-1 antitrypsin, total proteins, albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, ferritin, and transferrin soluble receptor were evaluated. In addition, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose were also evaluated. Results  In average, patients presented 18.7% and 63.2% excess body weight loss 1 and 18 months after LAGB, respectively (p < 0.01). CRP and total cholesterol mean levels were elevated (1.03 ± 1.11 mg dL⁻¹ and 2.02 ± 0.41 g L⁻¹) at the presurgery study. CRP mean levels were significantly reduced when compared to reference range (p < 0.01) 18 months after the LAGB surgery. Prealbumin as well as serum total protein mean levels decreased 1 month after surgery (p < 0.01) and values returned to normal at 18 months after surgery. Albumin mean levels showed an increase during the postsurgery evaluations. Serum IgA and IgM concentrations were significantly increased at 1 month after surgery compared to baseline (p < 0.01, both cases). Conclusions  Our results indicate that amelioration of inflammatory markers after LAGB does not seem to negatively impact nutritional status following weight reduction surgery. However, careful attention should be driven to serum IgA. Adequacy of nutritional intake and complete serial laboratory measurements should be always included in the required life-long follow-up of patients surgically treated for morbid obesity.     

Bisphosphonates in children with hypercalciuria and reduced bone mineral density

Previous studies have demonstrated reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical changes of excessive bone resorption in some patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH). Consequently, bisphosphonates have been successfully employed in research animals and adults with IH and reduced BMD. We evaluated the effect of treatment with bisphosphonates in seven patients ages 10–16 years with persistent IH and reduced BMD. In five children, preceding traditional therapy failed. All children received oral alendronate and one also IV Zoledronic acid for 6–18 (median 9.0, mean 10.7) months. With treatment, BMD Z scores in the lumbar spine improved from −2.0 ± 0.3 to −0.8 ± 0.8 (p = 0.002) and in the femoral neck from −1.8 ± 0.4 to −0.7 ± 0.9 (p = 0.01); urine N-telopeptides/creatinine decreased from 372 ± 289 to 72 ± 39 nmol/mmol (p = 0.05) and calcium/creatinine from 0.29 ± 0.12 to 0.13 ± 0.06 mg/mg (p = 0.009). Height Z scores, normal at baseline in all, remained unaffected, and no new stones or fractures were documented throughout the treatment period. Serum creatinine, electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone remained normal as well. In summary, in children with IH and decreased BMD, treatment with bisphosphonates normalized urine calcium excretion, eliminated urinary symptoms, and significantly improved reduced BMD. These short-term beneficial effects indicate the need for larger prospective studies on the potential of bisphosphonates to serve as a new tool in treating children with IH and reduced BMD.     

Effects of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Resting Energy Expenditure in Women

Background  Bariatric surgery is the gold standard treatment for morbid obesity, but little is known about its effects on resting energy expenditure. Method  Twenty-one women underwent anthropometric and resting energy expenditure (REE) measurements before and 3 months after bariatric surgery using the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) technique developed by Capella. Results  The patients experienced a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The cardiopulmonary variables oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, non-protein respiratory quotient, and heart rate all decreased, whereas oxygen pulse did not change significantly. Absolute REE showed a significant reduction 3 months postoperatively (2006.7 ± 376.4 kcal/day to 1763.3 ± 310.5 kcal/day), but no significant difference was found compared with REE relative to body weight (0.71 ± 0.15 kcal kg⁻¹h⁻¹ to 0.75 ± 0.12 kcal kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) or as percent of Harris-Benedict predicted REE (106.2 ± 21.0% to 103.3 ± 15.1%). Conclusion  In this study, bariatric surgery using the RYGBP technique (Capella) led to a significant decrease of body weight that decreased resting energy expenditure proportional to this weight loss, and to an increase in the utilization of fat as an energy substrate. It can be concluded that after 3 months, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery may provide significant metabolic benefits to morbidly obese women.     

Bone Mineral Density in Sixty Adult Patients with Marfan Syndrome

Sixty adult patients (40 women, 20 men) with Marfan syndrome (MFS) according to the Berlin criteria had a full clinical examination and bone mineral density (BMD) measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the hip and nondominant forearm. BMD was expressed as a Z-score and compared with the reference population of the Hologic database. In MFS men, BMD (g/cm²) was compared with the BMD of 45 normal tall Caucasian adults. Osteocalcin was measured by radioimmunoassay. In patients with MFS, BMD was compared between patients with and without previous fractures and according to the phenotypic severity of MFS. The mean age of the patients was 32.9 ± 9.3 years (women 32.5 ± 9.7, men 33.4 ± 8.6), mean height was 180.3 ± 10.3 cm (women 176.3 ± 9.2, men 188.1 ± 7.5) and mean body mass index 20.9 ± 3.6 kg/m² (women 20.8 ± 3.4, men 20.95 ± 3.97). Hyperlaxity score (Beighton criteria) was 6.9 ± 1.1. Six patients (10%) had a previous fracture. Thirty per cent of patients had had at least one previous operation for scoliosis, aortic dilatation or eye problems. BMD values in the 60 patients were as follows: Z-score of the hip, −1.26 ± 0.93, p<10⁻⁹ (neck, −0.93 ± 1.09, p<10⁻⁹; trochanter, −1.31 ± 0.85, p<10⁻⁹; intertrochanter, −1.39 ± 0.99, p<10⁻⁹; Ward’s triangle, −0.93 ± 1.88, p<10⁻⁹); Z-score of the radius: −1.6 ± 1.06, p<10⁻⁹ (1/3 proximal, −1.29 ± 1.03; mid-radius, −1.94 ± 1.04; ultradistal, −0.68 ± 1.1, p<10⁻⁹). The decrease in BMD was similar in men and women at both the hip and the radius. BMD in MFS patients was significantly decreased at cortical compared with trabecular sites (radius 1/3 proximal vs ultradistal, p<0.0001; total femur vs Ward’s triangle, p<0.0005). No difference in BMD was found between MFS patients with or without previous fractures and those with severe or less severe phenotypic expression of MFS. An influence of height and weight in MFS on BMD is suspected. Osteocalcin was not increased in our group of MFS patients. Thus both men and women with MFS have a significant deficit of BMD at the hip and radius. The decrease in BMD is present equally in both sexes and is more pronounced at predominantly cortical sites. In our group of patients we found no increase in fractures and no relation between decreased BMD and phenotypic expression of the syndrome. Received: 30 October 1998 / Accepted: 26 May 1999     

Gastric Bypass Does Not Influence Olfactory Function in Obese Patients

Morbidly obese individuals have altered sense of taste and smell. Gastric bypass (GBP) alters taste but olfactory function has not been evaluated. Changes in these senses may influence dietary preferences following GBP. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of abdominal operation, specifically GBP, and weight loss on olfactory function. Fifty-five persons undergoing GBP and cholecystectomy and 40 persons undergoing cholecystectomy (CC) alone were administered the Cross Cultural Smell Identification Test (CC-SIT) preoperatively and 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Patients undergoing GBP underwent further tests at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Body mass index (BMI) was also assessed. Mean BMI was significantly greater preoperatively in the GBP group (50.6 ± 8.0 vs. 30.6 ± 7.3 kg/m², p < 0.05). Significantly more GBP patients had abnormal CC-SIT results preoperatively (12.7% vs. 5.0%). There were no significant differences in percentage of abnormal tests at 2 and 6 weeks within groups but remained lower in CC patients (2 weeks, GBP 6.2% vs. CC 5.7%; 6 weeks, GBP 9.8% vs. CC 3.2%, p < .05). BMI decreased in the GBP group at 12 months (50.6 ± 8.0 preoperatively to 31.9 ± 6.9 p < 0.05). Absolute olfactory dysfunction (AOD) was present at each interval up to 12 months after GBP. Only 22% of patients with AOD remained obese. GBP does not appear to influence olfactory function. AOD present in morbidly obese persons is not affected by weight loss. These findings support that olfactory dysfunction may be a contributing factor to the development of obesity.     

Persistent Correlation of Ghrelin Plasma Levels with Body Mass Index Both in Stable Weight Conditions and during Gastric-bypass-induced Weight Loss

Background  Studies done on serial changes in plasma ghrelin levels after gastric bypass (GBP) have yielded contrasting results since decreased, unchanged, or increased levels have been reported in the literature. This study investigates whether or not GBP has an inhibitory effect on fasting ghrelin levels independently of weight loss. Methods  Fasting ghrelin levels were measured in 115 stable body weight females, classified as normal body weight (NW; body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m²), overweight (OW; BMI 25–30 kg/m²), and obese subjects, divided in three subgroups with increasing BMI (BMI 30–40 kg/m²; BMI 40–50 kg/m²; BMI >50 kg/m²). Results  Each obese subgroup showed significantly lower ghrelin levels as compared to both NW (p < 0.0001) and OW subjects (p < 0.05 or 0.005); however, no significant differences were observed within the three obese subgroups. Forty-nine obese patients underwent a GBP. Plasma ghrelin, measured at 3, 6, and 12 months after GBP, significantly increased from the sixth month on (p < 0.0001). When patients were classified, at each postoperative time point, according to their actual BMI, ghrelin was significantly (p = 0.0002) related to postoperative BMI and not significantly different from ghrelin measured in stable body weight conditions. Conclusions  Fasting ghrelin displays an inversely significant correlation with BMI in both stable body weight conditions and after GBP. No evidence was found that GBP had an effect on fasting ghrelin levels, independent of weight loss.     

LCT 13910 C/T polymorphism, serum calcium, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

Summary  LCT 13910 CC genotype is associated with lactose intolerance, a condition often resulting in reduced milk intake. Women with the CC genotype were found to have decreased serum calcium and reduced bone mineral density. Introduction  The CC genotype of the 13910 C/T polymorphism of the LCT gene is linked to lactose intolerance and low calcium intake. Methods  We studied 595 postmenopausal women, including 267 osteoporotic, 200 osteopenic, and 128 healthy subjects. Genotyping, osteodensitometry, and laboratory measurements were carried out. Results  Frequency of aversion to milk consumption was 20% for CC genotype and 10% for TT + TC genotypes (p = 0.03). The albumin-adjusted serum calcium was 2.325 ± 0.09 mmol/L for CC genotype and 2.360 ± 0.16 mmol/L for TT + TC genotypes (p = 0.031). Bone mineral density (BMD; Z score) was lower in the CC than TT + TC genotypes, respectively, at the radius (0.105 ± 1.42 vs 0.406 ± 1.32; p = 0.038), at the total hip (−0.471 ± 1.08 vs −0.170 ± 1.09; p = 0.041), and at the Ward’s triangle (−0.334 ± 0.87 vs −0.123 ± 0.82; p = 0.044). Conclusion  LCT 13910 C/T polymorphism is associated with decreased serum calcium level and lower BMD in postmenopausal women. Péter Lakatos and Gábor Speer contributed equally to this work.     

Longitudinal study of bone mineral density in children with idiopathic hypercalciuria

Children with idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH) may have a reduced bone mineral density (BMD), which could impact on bone health in adulthood. There is currently no strong evidence for a preferred treatment of such children. The aim of our study was to evaluate the BMD z-score before and after treating children and adolescents with IH with potassium citrate and thiazides. The study consisted of a historical cohort of 80 pediatric patients who were evaluated between October 1989 and November 2010. Bone scanning and densitometry measurements were made with dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry. Lumbar-spine BMD (g/cm²) and BMD z-score were evaluated before and after treatment. The t test and Mann–Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Forty-three boys and 37 girls were followed for a median time of 6.0 years. Median calcium excretion before and after treatment was 5.0 and 2.6 mg/kg/24 h, respectively. The BMD z-score changed significantly from −0.763 ± 0.954 (mean ± SD) to −0.537 ± 0.898 (p < 0.0001) before and after treatment, respectively. The BMD z-score of the patients improved with treatment, suggesting a beneficial effect and potential need for treatment. However, the lack of a control group points to the need for future studies to corroborate this outcome.     

Differences in Salivary Habituation to a Taste Stimulus in Bariatric Surgery Candidates and Normal-Weight Controls

Background  Previous studies show that slower habituation to taste stimuli is associated with reduced rates of satiation and greater energy intake. This study compared rates of salivary habituation to gustatory presentations of lemon juice in 34 severely obese bariatric surgery candidates [48.8 ± 7.9 years, 85% female, body mass index (BMI) = 47.4 ± 7.5 kg/m²] and 18 normal-weight controls (48.4 ± 9.5 years, 88.9% female, BMI = 22.7 ± 1.2 kg/m²). Methods  Parotid saliva was collected from cotton rolls positioned in the oral cavity during two baseline water trials and ten lemon juice trials. Data were condensed into trial blocks, representing mean values for the two baseline water trials and each of five pairs of lemon juice trials (i.e., blocks 1–5). Salivary change across lemon juice trials was calculated by subtracting values for blocks 1 through 5 from baseline. Results  A significant interaction of group (bariatric surgery candidates/normal-weight controls) by blocked trials [F (4, 200) = 3.0; p < 0.05] indicated that the groups differed in their pattern of salivary responding, with bariatric surgery candidates’ salivation (grams) failing to decrease significantly over the five blocked trials (−0.47 ± 0.18, p = 0.12), unlike that of the normal-weight controls (−1.30 ± 0.25, p < 0.001). Conclusion  These findings suggest that severely obese participants’ rate of salivary habituation to a taste stimulus is delayed compared to normal-weight controls. This provides support that satiation in bariatric surgery candidates is impaired, possibly leading to increased energy intake and positive energy balance.     

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Morbid Obesity: The Effect of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition in obesity. The impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) on GERD is poorly known. We studied the effect of the RYGBP on GERD in patients with morbid obesity (MO). Methods  Twenty consecutive patients with MO (BMI > 40 kg/m²) were studied before and 6 months after RYGBP. GERD symptoms were evaluated with Carlsson–Dent questionnaire (CDQ). All the patients underwent esophageal manometry and ambulatory 24-h pH-metry. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables, and Wilcoxon test was used for numerical variables. A p value under 0.05 was considered significant. Results  There were 16 women (80%) and 4 men (20%) with mean age 38.9 ± 6.9 years included in this study. BMI was 48.5 ± 6.2 kg/m² and 33.2 ± 4.5 kg/m² before and after RYGBP, respectively. Mean weight reduction was 42.5 ± 9.7 kg (p < 0.001). Reflux symptoms measured by CDQ and esophageal acid exposure improved significantly after RYGBP. The percentage of time of pH < 4 was 10.7 ± 6.7 before and 1.6 ± 1.2 after the surgical procedure (p < 0.001). LES basal pressure before and after the RYGBP was 18 ± 11 and 20.1 ± 5.6 mmHg (p = 0.372), and the esophageal body amplitude was 104.2 ± 47.2 and 75.1 ± 36.2 mmHg, respectively (p = 0.005). Conclusion  RYGBP improves GERD symptoms and reduces esophageal acid exposure in patients with MO.     

Bone density and fragility fractures in patients with developmental disabilities

Summary  We investigated prior fractures, osteoporosis risk factors, and bone mineral density (BMD) in 107 institutionalized adults with developmental disabilities. We found a very high prevalence of BMD in the osteoporotic range and a significant correlation between lower BMD and prior fragility fractures. Introduction  The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to osteoporosis and fragility fractures among developmentally disabled adults. Methods  Adults from a residential center participated in a prospective study in which bone mineral density (BMD) at the forearm and heel were measured with a portable X-ray densitometer. Prior fragility fractures were identified from chart review. Results  Among 107 participants, 84 (78.5%) had a measurement within the osteoporotic range. The heel was more severely abnormal (mean T-score −3.1 ± 1.5) than the forearm (−1.6 ± 1.3, p < .0.0001). Radiographically confirmed prior fragility fractures (17 [16.3%]) were associated with lower heel (p = 0.0155) and forearm (p = 0.0172) T-scores. In multiple regression analysis, there were independent associations between forearm BMD and prior fragility fractures (p = 0.0126) and between heel BMD and prior fragility fractures (p = 0.0291). The odds ratio for prior fracture increased by 2.02 (95% CI 1.12–3.64) for each standard deviation (SD) decrease in heel T-score and by 2.39 (95% CI 1.08–5.32) for each SD decrease in forearm T-score. Conclusions  We found a very high prevalence of osteoporotic BMD measurements in institutionalized adults with developmental disabilities. Lower heel and forearm BMD measurements were significantly and independently associated with prior fragility fractures in this population.     

Increased Expression and Activity of Hepatic Lipase in the Liver of Morbidly Obese Adult Patients in Relation to Lipid Content

Background  The types and sources of lipid deposition in the liver of most patients with morbid obesity, as well as the effects of bariatric surgery, are discussed. Methods  In 26 patients with morbid obesity who underwent bariatric surgery, we analyzed different kinds of lipids and hepatic lipase (HL) from both plasma and liver biopsies performed 12–18 months after surgery. Results  The HL activity and HL-mRNA in morbidly obese (MO) livers were high (258 ± 17 mU/g, and 4.5-fold, respectively); after surgery, the activity decreased (137 ± 15 mU/g, p < 0.001) but not the levels of HL-mRNA (4.3-fold). Plasma HL activity was also high (4.31 ± 0.94 mU/mL plasma), and it decreased during weight loss (2.01 ± 0.29 mU/mL, p < 0.01); moreover, it correlated (r = 0.3694, p < 0.05) with decreased liver HL activity. Adrenocorticotropic hormone in MO was higher (27 ± 3 pg/mL) than after surgery (13 ± 1 pg/mL, p < 0.001). All hepatic and plasma lipids were significantly increased in MO patients, but, after bariatric surgery, most of those parameters recovered or normalized. Liver HL activity correlated with total and esterified cholesterol (r = 0.4399, p < 0.001 and r = 0.4395, p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion  High HL in MO patients could allow for liver intake of cholesterol that could be re-exported to steroidogenic organs to synthesize steroidal hormones. A decrease of plasma HL during weight loss could be a good index for improvement of liver disease.     

Increase of Osteopontin Plasma Concentrations After Bariatric Surgery Independent from Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

Background  Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional matrix glycoprotein associated with bone metabolism and has been linked to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis. Diet-induced weight loss decreases elevated OPN concentrations in obese patients. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of OPN after bariatric surgery, where not only improvements of chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and comorbidities, but also malabsorption and altered bone metabolism have been reported. Methods  OPN plasma concentrations were determined in 31 morbidly obese patients (5 men, 26 women, BMI 46.2 ± 7.1 kg/m², age 41 ± 11 years; mean ± SD) before and 18 months after bariatric surgery, together with parameters of bone metabolism and inflammation. Results  OPN concentrations increased by +20.3 ± 26.6 ng/ml (mean ± SD, p < 0.01), concomitant to a weight loss of −38 ± 22 kg, and a decrease in BMI by −13.1 ± 7.7 kg/m² (both p < 0.01). HOMA-index improved from 5.2 ± 3.4 to 1.5 ± 1.0 (p < 0.01). Calcium concentrations slightly decreased, and phosphate increased (−0.06 ± 0.13 mmol/l and +0.08 ± 0.16 mmol/l, respectively; both p < 0.05), while 25-OH-VitaminD₃ remained unchanged and PTH tended to increase (+5.1 ± 14.0 pg/ml, p = 0.054). Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and interleukin 18 were significantly decreased and associated with HOMA both before and after bariatric surgery. ΔOPN was correlated with ΔPTH, but not with other parameters. Conclusions  OPN plasma concentrations increased concomitant to weight loss after bariatric surgery, which was independent from an improvement of insulin sensitivity and a decrease of inflammatory markers. Further studies are needed to differentiate whether these changes in bone metabolism after bariatric surgery are secondary to calcium deficiency or an adaptation to weight loss. This work has been submitted in abstract form and will be in part presented at the American Diabetes Association 68th Scientific Sessions 2008, June 6th–10th, San Francisco, CA, USA.     

Ultrasonic Value is Not Useful to Detect Bone Changes Following a Biliopancreatic Diversion

To study the evolution of the bone mass by ultrasonic transmission after biliopancreatic diversion. Forty eight morbid obese patients were prospectively studied during 36 months following the Larrad biliopancreatic diversion. The bone metabolism was studied by PTHi and the urinary pirydinolines. The bone mass by echography and bone densitometry, which correlate to the levels of PTHi and pyridinolines. After 3 years the bone mass decreased from 50.15 +/− 7.31 kg/m², preoperatively, to 34.03 +/− 4.53 kg/m2 (p < 0.001). There was an increase of the PTHi value (from 71.4 +/− 79.6 to 91.65 +/− 43.06 pg/ml) (p = 0.01), and the urinary pirydinolines (from 7.93 +/− 4.06 an 11.4 +/− 10.12 nM/mM) (p < 0.05). The ultrasonic transmission speed increased (from 1,990.93 +/− 62.38 to 2,035.25 +/− 53.98 m/s). However, the bone mineral content (BMC) did not show changes (from 3,016.5 +/− 562.8 to 2,909.6 +/− 304.2 g), as well as the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) (of 1,174.2 +/− 98.8 g/cm2). Neither correlation was found between the BMD (r = 0.212; p = 0.6), the BMC (r =−0.125; p = 0.768), and the T-score (r = 0.592, p = 0.093). The study of the bone mass through ultrasonic transmission speed revealed low sensitivity during the assessment of the morbid obese patients. A percentage of cases of osteopenia were observed despite the fact that they are not reflected in the bone content or in the bone mass. Ultrasonic evaluation of bone mass has no value in the morbidly obese, by the clear negative correlation between ultrasound velocity and thickness of soft tissue.     

Osteocalcin Gene Polymorphism is Related to Bone Density in Healthy Adolescent Females

Recently a polymorphism was found in the human osteocalcin gene, and its association with bone mass was investigated in healthy postmenopausal Japanese women. The osteocalcin gene allelic variant HH was found to be overrepresented in women with osteopenia. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the previously demonstrated polymorphism of the osteocalcin gene was related to bone mineral density (BMD; g/cm²) or osteopenia in a group of 97 healthy Caucasian adolescent females (aged 16.9 ± 1.2 years, mean ± SD). BMD of the left humerus, right femoral neck, lumbar spine and total body was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The relation between the allelic variants and bone density was analyzed as presence or absence of the H allele. Presence of the H allele was found to be related to a lower BMD of the humerus (0.97 vs 1.02, p = 0.03). There was also a strong tendency towards significance at the femoral neck (p = 0.06) and total body (p = 0.11). Using a multiple linear regression and including physical activity, weight, height and years since menarche, presence of the H allele was found to be an independent predictor of humerus BMD (β=−0.21, p<0.05) and femoral neck BMD (β=−0.23, p<0.01). Using logistic regression, presence of the H allele was also independently associated with a 4.5 times increased risk of osteopenia (p = 0.03) in the whole group. Osteopenia was defined as at least 1 SD lower bone density than the mean for the whole group of at least one of the BMD sites measured. We have demonstrated that the osteocalcin HindIII genotype is independently related to bone density in healthy adolescent females. The present study also suggests that presence of the H allele is predictive of osteopenia at an early age. Received: 31 January 2000 / Accepted: 25 April 2000     

MRI-measured bone marrow adipose tissue is inversely related to DXA-measured bone mineral in Caucasian women

Introduction Recent studies suggest that bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) might play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Previous research using regional magnetic resonance spectroscopy methods to measure BMAT has reported inconsistent findings on the relationship between BMAT and dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA)-measured bone mineral density (BMD). Methods In the present study, total body and pelvic BMAT were evaluated in 56 healthy women (age 18–88 yrs, mean ± SD, 47.4 ± 17.6 yrs; BMI, 24.3 ± 4.2 kg/m²) with T1-weighted whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). BMD was measured using the whole-body DXA mode (GE Lunar DPX, software version 4.7). Results A strong negative correlation was observed between pelvic BMAT and BMD (total-body BMD, R = −0.743, P < 0.001; pelvic BMD, R = −0.646, P < 0.001), and between total-body BMAT and BMD (total-body BMD, R = −0.443, P < 0.001; pelvic BMD, R = −0.308, P < 0.001). The inverse association between pelvic BMAT and BMD remained strong after adjusting for age, weight, total body fat, and menopausal status (partial correlation: total-body BMD, R = −0.553, P < 0.001; pelvic BMD, R = −0.513, P < 0.001). BMAT was also highly correlated with age (pelvic BMAT, R = 0.715, P < 0.001; total-body BMAT, R = 0.519, P < 0.001). Conclusion MRI-measured BMAT is thus strongly inversely correlated with DXA-measured BMD independent of other predictor variables. These observations, in the context of DXA technical concerns, support the growing evidence linking BMAT with low bone density.     

BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon for Treatment of Morbid Obesity in Prader–Willi Syndrome: Specific Risks and Benefits

Background  Obesity in Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is progressive, severe, and resistant to dietary, pharmacological, and behavioral treatment. A body weight reduction is mandatory to reduce the risk of cardio-respiratory and metabolic complications. The aim of the study was to assess risks and benefits of BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB) for treatment of morbid obesity in PWS patients. Methods  Twenty-one BIB were positioned in 12 PWS patients (4 M, 8 F), aged from 8.1 to 30.1 years, and removed after 8 ± 1.4 months (range: 5–10 months). Auxological, clinical, and nutritional evaluations were performed every 2 months. Variations in body composition were analysed by dual energy X-ray absorbiometry (DXA). Results  One patient (28.5 years, BMI: 59.3 kg/m²) died 22 days after BIB positioning because of gastric perforation. In another case (26.2 years, BMI: 57.6 kg/m²), BIB was surgically removed after 25 days because of symptoms suggesting gastric perforation (not confirmed). The remaining ten patients showed a significant decrease of BMI (p = 0.005) and of fat tissue as measured by DXA (p = 0.012). No significant modifications in bone mineral density (BMD) occurred, but a slight loss in lean body mass (p = 0.036) was documented. In five patients, BIB treatment was repeated more than once. Conclusion  This study shows that when noninvasive pharmacological therapies fail, BIB may be effective to control body weight in PWS patients with morbid obesity, particularly when treatment is started in early childhood. However, careful clinical follow-up and close collaboration with parents are crucial to avoid severe complications, which can be caused by persisting unrestrained food intake.