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Bone density and bone-related biochemical variables in normal men: a longitudinal study
F Scopacasa1, J M Wishart, A G Need
1Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. franca.scopacasa@adelaide.edu.au
Summary
Forearm bone loss in men accelerates with age, beginning after 30 and increasing significantly after 70. This bone loss is not linked to bone turnover markers or sex steroid levels.
Area of Science:
- Bone Biology
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Investigated forearm bone loss patterns in healthy men.
- Examined the relationship between bone loss, bone turnover markers, and sex steroids.
- Longitudinal study conducted in Australia with 123 healthy male participants aged 20-83.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the pattern of forearm bone loss in normal men.
- To assess the relationship between forearm bone loss and markers of bone turnover.
- To evaluate the association between forearm bone loss and sex steroid levels.
Main Methods:
- Measured fat-corrected forearm bone mineral content (fcBMC) over a median of 41 months.
- Assessed bone formation markers (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, P1CP) and bone resorption markers (ICTP, hydroxyproline/creatinine, pyridinoline/creatinine, deoxypyridinoline/creatinine).
- Calculated serum bioavailable testosterone and measured serum estradiol.
Main Results:
- Mean annual rate of forearm fcBMC change was -0.33%.
- Forearm bone loss began after age 30 and increased with age, notably after 70.
- No significant relationship was found between the rate of fcBMC change and bone turnover markers or serum sex steroids.
Conclusions:
- Forearm bone loss in men is age-dependent, increasing with advancing years.
- No correlation exists between age-related forearm bone loss and markers of bone turnover or sex steroid levels in men.
- Findings suggest that other factors may influence age-related bone loss in men.