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Higher osteocalcin levels and cross-links excretion in young men born with low birth weight

M Szathmári1, B Vásárhelyi, M Szabó

  • 1First Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.

Calcified Tissue International
|April 6, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Young men born with low birth weight (LBW) exhibit accelerated bone turnover, but their bone density remains normal. This accelerated bone metabolism is well-balanced in early adulthood, suggesting potential links to hormonal factors.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Bone Metabolism
  • Pediatric Growth

Background:

  • Infants born with low birth weight (LBW) often achieve normal adult height due to accelerated growth.
  • Limited data exist on bone density and turnover in young adults who experienced LBW, particularly after skeletal development is complete.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate bone turnover and bone density in young adult men born with LBW.
  • To compare bone health markers between LBW subgroups (small for gestational age [SGA] and appropriate for gestational age [AGA]) and controls.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed bone mineral density (lumbar spine, femoral neck, radius) in 49 LBW men and 16 controls.
  • Measured serum calcium, osteocalcin (OC), total alkaline phosphatase (AP), and urinary pyridinoline (PYD) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD).
  • Analyzed calcium homeostasis markers, including fractional calcium excretion.

Main Results:

  • Bone mineral densities were comparable across LBW and control groups.
  • LBW groups showed significantly higher serum calcium, OC, AP, and urinary DPD levels compared to controls.
  • Fractional calcium excretion was lower in LBW individuals, with correlations observed between bone turnover markers and birth weight.

Conclusions:

  • Young adult men born with LBW demonstrate accelerated bone turnover that is well-balanced.
  • Further research is required to elucidate the relationship between accelerated bone turnover and hormonal homeostasis in LBW individuals.

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