Artificial intelligence models based on non-contrast chest CT for measuring bone mineral density

Objective To observe the value of artificial intelligence(AI)models based on non-contrast chest CT for measuring bone mineral density(BMD).Methods Totally 380 subjects who underwent both non-contrast chest CT and quantitative CT(QCT)BMD examination were retrospectively enrolled and divided into training set(n=304)and test set(n=76)at a ratio of 8∶2.The mean BMD of L1—L3 vertebrae were measured based on QCT.Spongy bones of T5—T10 vertebrae were segmented as ROI,radiomics(Rad)features were extracted,and machine learning(ML),Rad and deep learning(DL)models were constructed for classification of osteoporosis(OP)and evaluating BMD,respectively.Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn,and area under the curves(AUC)were calculated to evaluate the efficacy of each model for classification of OP.Bland-Altman analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were performed to explore the consistency and correlation of each model with QCT for measuring BMD.Results Among ML and Rad models,ML Bagging-OP and Rad Bagging-OP had the best performances for classification of OP.In test set,AUC of ML Bagging-OP,Rad Bagging-OP and DL OP for classification of OP was 0.943,0.944 and 0.947,respectively,with no significant difference(all P>0.05).BMD obtained with all the above models had good consistency with those measured with QCT(most of the differences were within the range of Ax-G±1.96 s),which were highly positively correlated(r=0.910—0.974,all P<0.001).Conclusion AI models based on non-contrast chest CT had high efficacy for classification of OP,and good consistency of BMD measurements were found between AI models and QCT.

Maternal dietary patterns associated with bone density in Chinese lactating women and infants at 6 months postpartum:a prospective study using data from 2018-2019

This cohort study was designed to explore the relationship between maternal dietary patterns(DPs)and bone health in Chinese lactating mothers and infants.We recruited 150 lactating women at 1-month postpartum.The estimated bone mineral density(eBMD)of subjects’calcanei and the information on dietary intake were collected.After 5-month follow-up,the eBMD of mothers and their infants were measured again.Factor analysis was applied to determine maternal DPs.General linear models were used to evaluate the association between maternal DPs and maternal eBMD loss or infants’eBMD.With all potential covariates adjusted,Factor 2(high intake of whole grains,tubers,mixed beans,soybeans and soybean products,seaweeds,and nuts)showed a positive association with the changes of maternal eBMD(β=0.16,95%CI:0.005,0.310).Factor 3(high intake of soft drinks,fried foods,and puffed foods)was inversely correlated with the changes of maternal eBMD(β=-0.22,95%CI:-0.44,0.00).The changes of maternal eBMD were positively associated with 6-month infants’eBMD(β=0.34,95%CI:0.017,0.652).In conclusion,Factor 2 might contribute to the maintenance of eBMD in lactating women,while Factor 3 could exacerbate maternal eBMD loss.Additionally,the changes of maternal eBMD presented a positive correlation with 6-month infants’eBMD.

Anisotropy of Trabecular Bone from Ultra-Distal Radius Digital X-Ray Imaging: Effects on Bone Mineral Density and Age

Background: When applied to trabecular bone X-ray images, the anisotropic properties of trabeculae located at ultra-distal radius were investigated by using the trabecular bone scores (TBS) calculated along directions parallel and perpendicular to the forearm. Methodology: Data from more than two hundred subjects were studied retrospectively. A DXA (GE Lunar Prodigy) scan of the forearm was performed on each subject to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) value at the location of ultra-distal radius, and an X-ray digital image of the same forearm was taken on the same day. The values of trabecular bone score along the direction perpendicular to the forearm, TBSx, and along the direction parallel to the forearm, TBSy, were calculated respectively. The statistics of TBSx and TBSy were calculated, and the anisotropy of the trabecular bone, which was defined as the ratio of TBSy to TBSx and changed with subjects’ BMD and age, was reported and analyzed. Results: The results show that the correlation coefficient between TBSx and TBSy was 0.72 (p BMD and age was reported. The results showed that decreased trabecular bone anisotropy was associated with deceased BMD and increased age in the subject group. Conclusions: This study shows that decreased trabecular bone anisotropy was associated with decreased BMD and increased age.

Correlation between DKK-1 Level and Bone Density Status in Children on Maintenance Haemodialysis

Background: Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a bone disorder resulting from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related metabolic diseases. Dickkopf-related protein-1 (DKK-1) is critical in regulating bone biology. This study aimed to evaluate the serum DKK-1 level as a bone marker in children with CKD who undergo regular hemodialysis (HD). Subjects and Methods: This case-control study involved 40 children with CKD on HD and 40 healthy children as controls. The study measured serum DKK-1 levels and performed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan (DEXA) in line with routine laboratory investigations. Results: There was a significant increase in the serum level of DKK-1 in the patient group compared to the control group. The DKK-1 levels were 2540.65 (2215.4 - 2909.2) pg/ml and 1110.45 (885.45 - 1527.65) pg/ml, respectively, with a p-value of less than 0.001. In the hemodialysis group, 25 patients (62.5%) had low bone mineral density (BMD) with a Z-score of under -2.0. Eighteen of these patients had low BMD in both the neck of the femur and lumbar spines. Additionally, there was a significant increase in serum DKK-1 level in patients with low BMD (2567.35 (2303.8 - 3108.1) pg/ml) compared to patients with normal BMD (2454 (1859 - 2820) pg/ml) (p = 0.041). There was also a significant positive correlation between DKK1 level and phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and Parathormone serum levels. In conclusion, the study indicates a clear correlation between DKK-1 and BMD in children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. DKK1 is a promising biomarker for CKD-MBD.

Clinical efficacy,bone density,and follow-up in implant and orthodontic treatment for inclined adjacent teeth

BACKGROUND Tooth defects can cause elongation of occlusal teeth,leading to insufficient repair space.The combination of dental implant restoration and orthodontic treatment of oblique adjacent teeth has a significant therapeutic effect.AIM To explore clinical efficacy,bone density,and follow-up of implant and orthodontic treatment for patients with inclined adjacent teeth.METHODS In total,98 patients with oblique adjacent teeth were randomly assigned to implant restoration combined with orthodontic treatment(group A,n=49)or to receive implant restoration alone(group B,n=49).Changes in alveolar ridge bone density and apical bone density were observed before and after treatment in the two groups.Changes in chewing function and language function were compared between the two groups of patients.Follow-up lasted for 12 mo after repair to observe any adverse reactions in the oral cavity.RESULTS The clinical effective rates of group A and group B were 97.96%and 85.71%,respectively,with group A having a higher clinical effective rate than group B.After treatment,the bone density of the alveolar ridge and apical bone in both groups decreased compared to before treatment,while the chewing and language functions improved.The changes in various indicators in group A were more significant.After treatment,the satisfaction rate of group A(97.96%)was higher than that of group B(79.59%).The incidence of adverse reactions in group A(2.04%)was lower than that in group B(24.49%).CONCLUSION The amalgamation of implant restoration and orthodontic treatment for adjacent tilted teeth demonstrates notable clinical efficacy,diminishes alveolar bone resorption,and fosters patient functional rehabilitation while exhibiting negligible adverse reactions.

Associations between Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index,bone mineral density and body composition in type 2 diabetes patients

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),a fast-growing issue in public health,is one of the most common chronic metabolic disorders in older individuals.Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are highly prevalent in T2DM patients and may result in fractures and disabilities.In people with T2DM,the association between nutrition,sarcopenia,and osteoporosis has rarely been explored.AIM To evaluate the connections among nutrition,bone mineral density(BMD)and body composition in patients with T2DM.METHODS We enrolled 689 patients with T2DM for this cross-sectional study.All patients underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA)examination and were categorized according to baseline Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index(GNRI)values calculated from serum albumin levels and body weight.The GNRI was used to evaluate nutritional status,and DXA was used to investigate BMD and body composition.Multivariate forward linear regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with BMD and skeletal muscle mass index.RESULTS Of the total patients,394 were men and 295 were women.Compared with patients in tertile 1,those in tertile 3 who had a high GNRI tended to be younger and had lower HbA1c,higher BMD at all bone sites,and higher appendicular skeletal muscle index(ASMI).These important trends persisted even when the patients were divided into younger and older subgroups.The GNRI was positively related to ASMI(men:r=0.644,P<0.001;women:r=0.649,P<0.001),total body fat(men:r=0.453,P<0.001;women:r=0.557,P<0.001),BMD at all bone sites,lumbar spine(L1-L4)BMD(men:r=0.110,P=0.029;women:r=0.256,P<0.001),FN-BMD(men:r=0.293,P<0.001;women:r=0.273,P<0.001),and hip BMD(men:r=0.358,P<0.001;women:r=0.377,P<0.001).After adjustment for other clinical parameters,the GNRI was still significantly associated with BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck.Additionally,a low lean mass index and higherβ-collagen special sequence were associated with low BMD at all bone sites.Age was negatively correlated with ASMI,whereas weight was positively correlated with ASMI.CONCLUSION Poor nutrition,as indicated by a low GNRI,was associated with low levels of ASMI and BMD at all bone sites in T2DM patients.Using the GNRI to evaluate nutritional status and using DXA to investigate body composition in patients with T2DM is of value in assessing bone health and physical performance.

Impact of bisphosphonate treatment on bone mineral density after kidney transplant

BACKGROUND Mineral bone disease is associated with chronic kidney disease and persists after kidney transplantation.Immunosuppressive treatment contributes to the patho-genesis of this disease.Bisphosphonate treatments have shown positive but inde-finite results.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bisphosphonate treatment on post kidney transplantation bone mineral density(BMD).METHODS We included kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)whose BMD was measured after the operation but before the initiation of treatment and their BMD was measured at least one year later.We also evaluated the BMD of KTRs using two valid mea-surements after transplantation who received no treatment(control group).RESULTS Out of 254 KTRs,62(39 men)were included in the study.Bisphosphonates were initiated in 35 KTRs in total(20 men),1.1±2.4 years after operation and for a period of 3.9±2.3 years while 27(19 men)received no treatment.BMD improved significantly in KTRs who received bisphosphonate treatments(from-2.29±1.07 to-1.66±1.09,P<0.0001).The control group showed a non-significant decrease in BMD after 4.2±1.4 years of follow-up after surgery.Kidney function was not affected by bisphosphonate treatment.In KTRs with established osteoporosis,active treatment had a similar and significant effect on those with osteopenia or normal bone mass.CONCLUSION In this retrospective study of KTRs receiving bisphosphonate treatment,we showed that active treatment is effective in preventing bone loss irrespective of baseline BMD.

Relationship between Waist Circumference, Waist-Height Ratio, Body Fat Percentage, Visceral Fat and Bone Mineral Density in Middle-Aged and Elderly Zhuang of China

Objective: To understand the correlation between different degrees of obesity and bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: 772 cases (300 men and 472 females) of Zhuang over 40 years old were randomly selected. The BMD and T score were calculated by measuring the right heel bone using a quantitative-ultrasound densitometer. Body composition index of body weight, waist circumference (WC), waist height ratio (WtHR), body fat percentage (BFP) and visceral fat (VF) were measured using a bioelectrical impedance method. Results: The BMI, WC, and WtHR of the male osteoporosis group were lower than those of the normal bone mass (NBM) group (P Conclusion: BMI is positively correlated with BMD in Zhuang. BFP has a greater correlation with female BMD, and a small reduction in BFP can result in a significant decrease in BMD. BMD of male was positively correlated with abdominal obesity indicators (WC, WtHR, VF). However, abdominal obesity has no obvious effect on the promotion of BMD in women, and increased WtHR can lead to a decrease in BMD. Zhuang can appropriately increase the amount of fat within the normal weight range. At the same time, reasonable exercise and balanced nutrition to avoid excessive obesity or low body weight can reduce the incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporosis fractures.

Analysis of Regional Differences in Bone Mineral Density Acquisition Factors in Young Women

Purpose: Obtaining high peak bone mass (PBM) and maintaining bone mass is important for the prevention of osteoporosis. This study aimed to examine the regional differences in bone mineral density and factors associated with its acquisition from exercise. Design: The study population included 75 women of 18 - 22 years of age in East Japan and 104 women of 18 - 27 years of age in West Japan. The speed of sound (SOS) of the calcaneus was measured, and the young adult mean (%YAM) was calculated from the SOS. The subjects’ medical history, family history of osteoporosis, and exercise habits were examined using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: There were a significantly greater number of subjects with low %YAM in West Japan. The exercise history and exercise time were significantly higher in West Japan, and the exercise intensity score tended to be higher in East Japan during junior high and high school. A multiple regression analysis by region revealed that the following factors had a significant positive association with the SOS: exercise intensity at elementary school and outdoor sports at junior high school in East Japan;and exercise time at elementary school, muscle mass, and outdoor sports at junior high school in West Japan. On the other hand, exercise time in junior high school in West Japan showed a negative association with the SOS. Conclusions: Regional differences in bone mineral density existed, suggesting a trend toward lower bone mineral density in West Japan. Exercise history and time tended to be higher in West Japan, and exercise intensity scores tended to be higher in East Japan, suggesting that exercise intensity may be more important than exercise time for obtaining bone mineral density.

不同运动对男青年BMD、肌肉适能和肌骨共调节因子的影响

目的比较8周抗阻联合高强度间歇同期训练、单独高强度间歇训练和单独抗阻训练对男青年骨密度、肌肉适能以及血清肌骨共调节因子骨钙素和鸢尾素水平的影响。方法选取39名男青年,随机分为抗阻训练(RT)、高强度间歇训练(HIIT)和抗阻联合高强度间歇同期训练(CT)三组后,分别进行为期8周的运动干预。分别在干预前和干预后48 h测试受试者的骨密度(bone mineral density,BMD)、体成分、最大摄氧量、肌肉力量、爆发力以及血清骨钙素和鸢尾素水平。结果三种运动干预均能显著提高男青年的瘦体重,但只有HIIT(P<0.01)和CT干预(P<0.05)能显著降低男青年的体脂率;三种运动干预均能显著提高男青年的股骨BMD,但只有HIIT(P<0.05)和RT(P<0.05)干预能显著提高男青年的腰椎BMD;RT和CT干预能显著提升男青年的卧推、硬拉、划船、深蹲的最大力量(P<0.01)和反向纵跳高度(P<0.01),而HIIT干预只能显著提升深蹲的最大力量(P<0.01);三种运动干预均能显著提高男青年的血清鸢尾素和骨钙素水平。结论三种运动干预均能增加男青年的瘦体重、股骨BMD以及血清肌骨调节因子鸢尾素和骨钙素水平,但CT对腰椎BMD的提升效果小于HIIT和RT,而RT和CT对肌肉力量和爆发力的提升效果大于HIIT。

后凸Cobb's角、BMD、P1NP对骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折患者PKP术后再发骨折风险的预测价值分析

目的探讨后凸Cobb's角、骨密度(BMD)、Ⅰ型前胶原氨基端前肽(P1NP)对骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折(OVCF)患者球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术(PKP)术后再发骨折风险的预测价值。方法选取2018年12月—2020年6月石家庄市人民医院骨科收治的行PKP术的OVCF患者110例作为研究对象,进行2年随访,根据随访过程中是否出现新发骨折分为再发骨折组28例和未再发骨折组82例。比较2组患者一般资料及术后指标,Cox分析影响PKP术后再发骨折的危险因素,绘制ROC曲线分析后凸Cobb's角、BMD、P1NP对OVCF患者PKP术后再发骨折的预测价值。结果随访期间骨折再发生率为25.45%(28/110)。再发骨折组后凸Cobb's角、P1NP高于未再发骨折组,BMD低于未再发骨折组,差异具有统计学意义(t/P=4.678/<0.001,4.591/<0.001,4.784/<0.001);Cox分析结果显示,后凸Cobb's角增大、BMD降低、P1NP升高均是影响PKP术后再发骨折的危险因素[OR(95%CI)=1.394(1.135~1.712)、1.910(1.127~3.236)、2.140(1.084~4.225),P<0.05];ROC曲线分析显示,后凸Cobb's角≥5.87°、BMD≤-3.38 SD、P1NP≤50.67μg/L为截断值,后凸Cobb's角、BMD、P1NP预测OVCF患者PKP术后再发骨折的AUC分别为0.725、0.846、0.836,3项联合AUC为0.899,高于单项检测(Z/P=8.129/<0.001,7.195/<0.001,7.695/<0.001)。结论定期监测后凸Cobb's角、BMD、P1NP水平可在早期预测OVCF患者PKP术后再发骨折风险以便及时给予干预措施。

胸椎QCT诊断骨质疏松BMD阈值的临床研究

目的分析下部胸椎与腰椎骨密度的相关性并确定诊断骨质疏松及骨量减少的胸椎骨密度阈值。方法回顾性分析因临床需要进行腹部CT扫描的患者276名。测量T_(10)~L_(3)各椎体的BMD,使用Pearson相关分析各椎体间的BMD及胸椎(T_(10~12))与腰椎(L_(1)~L_(3))平均BMD的相关性,应用线性回归方程计算诊断骨质疏松及骨量减少的胸椎平均BMD阈值。结果T_(10)至L_(3)椎体BMD逐渐减低,BMD范围(120.49±35.96)mg/cm^(3)~(95.62±35.95)mg/cm^(3),T_(10)~L_(3)各椎体之间BMD均呈明显正相关(r=0.894~0.967,P<0.05),T_(10~12)平均BMD与L_(1~3)平均BMD相关系数为0.957。胸椎诊断骨质疏松及骨量减少的平均BMD阈值分别是96.59 mg/cm^(3)及134.75 mg/cm^(3)。结论胸椎与腰椎BMD呈明显相关性,胸椎BMD测量可以作为诊断骨质疏松及骨量减少的方法。

绝经后骨质疏松患者BMD、骨代谢指标与椎体骨折相关性的Meta分析

目的通过Meta分析针对绝经后骨质疏松症(postmenopausal osteoporosis,PMOP)患者发生骨质疏松性脊柱压缩骨折(osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture,OVCF)与骨密度(bone mineral density,BMD)、骨代谢指标的相关性进行系统评价。方法检索中英文数据库,搜索有关发生OVCF的PMOP患者骨密度、骨代谢指标相关病例对照研究和队列研究,设定文献发表时间为各数据库建库至2021年05月。应用Revman 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果共纳入7篇研究,Meta分析显示:OVCF患者腰椎BMD显著低于非OVCF患者[MD=-0.18,95%CI(-0.24,-0.13),P=0.003],根据研究对象是否含有腰椎压缩性骨折进行亚组分析:无腰椎压缩性骨折的OVCF患者腰椎BMD显著低于非OVCF患者[MD=-0.15,95%CI(-0.18,-0.12),P<0.00001];含腰椎压缩性骨折的OVCF患者腰椎BMD低于非OVCF患者,但差异无统计学意义[MD=-0.03,95%CI(-0.06,0.00),P=0.09]。OVCF患者股骨颈BMD低于非OVCF患者,但差异无统计学意义[MD=-0.01,95%CI(-0.01,0.00),P=0.17];OVCF患者CTX水平显著高于非OVCF患者[MD=0.17,95%CI(0.16,0.19),P<0.00001];OVCF患者PINP水平显著高于非OVCF患者[MD=21.45,95%CI(17.56,25.33),P<0.00001];OVCF患者BALP显著高于非OVCF患者[MD=2.24,95%CI(1.57,2.91),P<0.00001];OVCF患者1,25(OH)2D3水平显著低于非OVCF患者[MD=-5.78,95%CI(-7.05,-4.51),P<0.00001]。结论BMD的变化与发生OVCF的风险尚不明确,但CTX、PINP、BALP水平与发生OVCF的风险呈正相关;1,25(OH)2D3水平则相反,其与发生OVCF的风险呈负相关。临床上可密切观察PMOP患者骨代谢指标变化,早期干预,尽量较少OVCF发生的风险。

Bone mineral density and disorders of mineral metabolism in chronic liver disease

AIM： To estimate the prevalence and identify the risk factors for metabolic bone disease in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS： The study was performed on 72 Indian patients with cirrhosis （63 male, 9 female; aged 〈 50 years）. Etiology of cirrhosis was alcoholism （n = 37）, hepatitis B （n = 25） and hepatitis C （n = 10）. Twenty-three patients belonged to Child class A, while 39 were in class B and 10 in class C. Secondary causes for metabolic bone disease and osteoporosis were ruled out. Sunlight exposure, physical activity and dietary constituents were calculated. Complete metabolic profiles were derived, and bone mineral density （BMD） was measured using dual energy X ray absorptiometry. Low BMD was defined as a Z score below -2. RESULTS： Low BMD was found in 68% of patients. Lumbar spine was the most frequently and severely affected site. Risk factors for low BMD included low physical activity, decreased sunlight exposure, and low lean body mass. Calcium intake was adequate, with unfavorable calcium： protein ratio and calcium： phosphorus ratio. Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent （92%）. There was a high incidence of hypogonadism （41%）. Serum estradiol level was elevated significantly in patients with normal BMD. Insulin-like growth factor （IGF） 1 and IGF binding protein 3 levels were below the age-related normal range in both groups. IGF-1 was significantly lower in patients with low BMD. Serum osteocalcin level was low （68%） and urinary deoxypyridinoline to creatinine ratio was high （79%）, which demonstrated low bone formation with high resorption. CONCLUSION： Patients with cirrhosis have low BMD. Contributory factors are reduced physical activity, low lean body mass, vitamin D deficiency and hypogonadism and low IGF-1 level.

Relatively High Bone Mineral Density in Chinese Adolescent Dancers Despite Lower Energy Intake and Menstrual Disorder

Objective The effect of dietary restriction, intense exercise and menstrual dysfunction on bone mineral density remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the skeletal health status and relationship between bone mineral density and nutrient intake, menstrual status, estrogen level and other factos in Chinese adolescent dancers. Methods Sixty dancers and 77 healthy controls underwent measurements of bone density, body composition, and estrogen level. Nutrient intake, menstrual status and physical activity were assessed with questionnaires. The correlation between these factors were analyzed. Results The dancers under study had a significantly lean body mass index （18.3±1.4 kg/m^2 vs. 21.7±3.1 kg/m^2）, lower percentage of body fat （0.25±0.05 vs. 0.34±0.04） and later age at menarche （14.0±0.9 y vs. 13.0±1.3 y）, and the estrogen level, daily calorie and fat intake in them were also lower than in the controls. All the dancers undertook intensive physical activity every day and up to 69% of them suffered from irregular menarche. Yet they had relatively high BMD and BMC of the total body and legs than the controls after adjusting for BM1 and age. Site-specific BMD was positively correlated to BMI, body composition and training hours per week and negatively correlated to the age at menarche and menstrual frequency. Conclusions The relatively high BMD and BMC of the dancers at the total body and legs were probably caused by high levels of weight-bearing physical activity. To ameliorate disordered eating, especially low energy intake might be helpful to prevent the Triad and to improve the bone health in adolescent dancers.

Effect of Gengnianchun Recipe (更年春方) on Bone Mineral Density, Bone Biomechanical Parameters and Serum Lipid Level in Ovariectomized Rats

Objective： To observe the effect of Gengnianchun Recipe （更年春方, GNC） on bone mineral density （BMD）, bone biomechanical parameters and serum lipid level in the bilaterally ovariectomized （OVX） rats and to explore the prophylactic and therapeutic action of GNC on ovariectomy induced osteoporosis and hyperlipidemia. Methods： OVX SD rats, 10- 12 months old, were divided into different groups and fed with GNC 2 g/d, GNC 1 g/d and Nilestriol 0. 125 mg/week, respectively for 4 months to observe the change of BMD and bone biomechanical parameters of the lumbar vertebrae, and the serum levels of total cholesterol （TO）, triglyceride（TG）, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）, and to compare the effect of the two drugs on the morphology of the uterus. Results： There was marked reduction in BMD and biomechanical parameters in lumbar vertebrae （ P〈0. 01 ） and increase of serum TO and LDL-C levels （ P〈0. 01 ） in rats after OVX. GNC or Nilestriol significantly improved the decreased BMD and biomechanical parameters of the lumbar vertebrae （ P〈0.05 or P〈0. 01 ）, and reduced the serum TO and LDL-C levels （ P〈0. 01 ）. In the Nilestriol group, the wet weight of uterus got increased obviously （ P〈0.01 ）, the number of uterine glands increased, uterine columnar epithelium thickened, and the mitotic figures in the epithelial stroma and myointimal cells augmented. But no such effect in wet weight and morphology of uterus was found in the GNC group. Conclusion： GNC could increase the BMD and biomechanical parameters of the lumbar vertebrae, reduce the serum TO and LDL-C levels, yet produce no adverse reaction in stimulating proliferation and hypertrophy of uterus.

Reduced bone mineral density and altered bone turnover markers in patients with non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B or C infection

AIM: Previous studies suggest that loss of bone mineral density (BMD) frequently occurs in patients with chronic viral liver disease, presenting with histologically proven liver cirrhosis. However, little is known about the occurrence of bone disease in non-cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B or C. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to evaluate this particular population for BMD and bone turnover markers. METHODS: Biochemical markers of bone turnover and BMD were measured in 43 consecutive patients with HCV (n = 30) or HBV (n = 13) infection without histological evidence for liver cirrhosis. Mean age was 49 years (range 26-77 years). BMD was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry in the femoral neck (FN) and the lumbar spine (LS) region. In addition, bone metabolism markers were measured. RESULTS: BMD was lowered in 25 (58%) of the patients with chronic hepatitis B or C (FN; 0.76 (0.53-0.99); LS: 0.96 (0.62-1.23) g/cm2). Eight (32%) osteopenic patients were diagnosed with osteoporosis. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (P= 0.005) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (P = 0.001) were significantly elevated in the more advanced stages of fibrosis. Mean T-score value was lower in patients with chronic hepatitis C as compared to patients suffering from chronic hepatitis B; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P= 0.09). CONCLUSION: There was a significantly reduced BMD in non-cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B or C infection. Alterations of bone metabolism already occurred in advanced liver fibrosis without cirrhosis. According to our results, these secondary effects of chronic viral hepatitis should be further investigated.

MELD score,insulin-like growth factor 1 and cytokines on bone density in end-stage liver disease

AIM:To determine the contributions of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1),cytokines and liver disease severity to bone mineral density in patients pre-transplantation.METHODS:Serum IGF-1,tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score calculated in 121 adult patients referred to a single centre for liver transplantation.Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and femoral neck were assessed via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.Demographics,liver disease etiology,medication use and relevant biochemistry were recorded.RESULTS:A total of 117 subjects were included,with low BMD seen in 68.6%,irrespective of disease etiol-ogy.In multivariable analysis,low body mass index (BMI),increased bone turnover and low IGF-1 were independent predictors of low spinal bone density.At the hip,BMI,IGF-1 and vitamin D status were predictive.Despite prevalent elevations of TNFα and IL-6,levels did not correlate with degree of bone loss.The MELD score failed to predict low BMD in this pre-transplant population.CONCLUSION:Osteopenia/osteoporosis is common in advanced liver disease.Low serum IGF-1 is weakly predictive but serum cytokine and MELD score fail to predict the severity of bone disease.

Increased bone mineral density in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

AIM:To determine the relationship between non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)and bone mineral density(BMD).METHODS:A total of 38 patients(25 males)with a diagnosis of histologically proven NASH and 42 healthy controls(24 males)were enrolled in the study.Demographic features,clinical findings,complete blood count and routine biochemical analysis,as well as adrenal,thyroid and gonadal functions,were recorded.Additionally,intact parathormone,25-OH-vitamin-D3,tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,interleukin-1,in-sulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels were measured in both groups.Furthermore,lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD of both groups were measured by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA)method.RESULTS:The mean age was 41±12 years in the NASH group and 43±11 years in the control group.Among demographic features,waist circumference was significantly larger in the NASH group compared to the control group(P【0.019).Among laboratory parameters,serum triglyceride(P【0.008),alanine transaminase(P【0.0001),aspartate transaminase(P【0.001),alkaline phosphatase(P【0.016),gamma glutamyl transferase(P【0.0001),ferritin(P【0.001)and 25-OH-vitamin-D3levels(P【0.0001)were significantly higher in the NASH group compared to the control group.Lumbar BMD was significantly higher in the NASH group compared to the control group(1.057±0.119 g/cm2vs 0.941±0.133 g/cm2;P【0.001,respectively).In the NASH group,there was no significant relationship between BMD and fibrosis stage in liver biopsy.CONCLUSION:NASH increases BMD and may be related to an elevated serum 25-OH-vitamin D3 level.

Systematic review of the prevalence and development of osteoporosis or low bone mineral density and its risk factors in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND The inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD),Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC)are chronic,immune-mediated disorders of the digestive tract.IBD is considered to be a risk factor for developing osteoporosis;however current literature on this matter is inconsistent.AIM To assess prevalence and development of osteoporosis and low bone mineral density(BMD),and its risk factors,in IBD patients.METHODS Systematic review of population-based studies.Studies were identified by electronic(January 2018)and manual searches(May 2018).Databases searched included EMBASE and PubMed and abstracts from 2014-2018 presented at the United European Gastroenterology Week,the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation congress,and Digestive Disease Week were screened.Studies were eligible for inclusion if they investigated either the prevalence of osteoporosis or osteopenia and/or risk factors for osteoporosis or low BMD in IBD patients.Studies on children under the age of 18 were excluded.Only population-based studies were included.All risk factors for osteoporosis and low BMD investigated in any included article were considered.Study quality and the possibility of bias were analysed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.RESULTS Twelve studies including 3661 IBD patients and 12789 healthy controls were included.Prevalence of osteoporosis varied between 4%-9%in studies including both CD and UC patients;2%-9% in studies including UC patients, and 7%-15% instudies including CD patients. Among healthy controls, prevalence ofosteoporosis was 3% and 10% in two studies. CD diagnosis, lower body massindex (BMI), and lower body weight were risk factors associated withosteoporosis or low BMD. Findings regarding gender showed inconsistent results.CD patients had an increased risk for osteoporosis or low BMD over time, whileUC patients did not. Increased age was associated with decreased BMD, and therewas a positive association between weight and BMI and BMD over time. Greatheterogeneity was found in the included studies in terms of study methodologies,definitions and the assessment of osteoporosis, and only a small number ofpopulation-based studies was available.CONCLUSIONThis systematic review found a possible increase of prevalence of osteoporosis inCD cohorts when compared to UC and cohorts including both disease types.Lower weight and lower BMI were predictors of osteoporosis or low BMD in IBDpatients. The results varied considerably between studies.