Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Variations in bone density among persons of African heritage
L J Melton III1, M A Marquez, S J Achenbach
1Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Summary
Bone density varies significantly among African heritage groups. African-American and Somali women show higher bone mineral apparent density than white women, indicating diverse bone metabolism within these populations.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology and epidemiology
- Human skeletal health
- Ethnic variations in bone metabolism
Background:
- The epidemiology of bone loss in populations of African heritage is not well understood.
- Previous research has not adequately detailed bone mineral density (BMD) differences across diverse ethnic groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) in African-American (AA) and Somali women and men against white subjects.
- To investigate potential ethnic variations in bone metabolism and density.
Main Methods:
- Areal BMD and volumetric BMAD were measured for the lumbar spine and proximal femur in 47 African-Americans, 66 Somali immigrants, and 684 white individuals.
- Bone density measurements were performed using Hologic densitometers, with instruments cross-calibrated.
- Statistical analyses compared BMD and BMAD values across ethnic groups, adjusting for bone size and weight.
Main Results:
- African-American women had 18% higher lumbar spine BMD and 27% higher femoral neck BMD than white women.
- Somali women showed 11% greater femoral neck BMD compared to white women.
- After adjusting for bone size, both African-American and Somali women exhibited significantly higher lumbar spine and femoral neck BMAD than white women, with differences persisting even after weight adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Significant heterogeneity exists in bone density and apparent density among different ethnic groups of African heritage.
- These findings highlight the need for further research into race-specific differences in bone metabolism.
- Bone density variations underscore the importance of considering ethnicity in the study of bone health and osteoporosis risk.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Compact Bone
Most bones contain compact and spongy osseous tissue, but their distribution and concentration vary based on the bone's overall function.
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
01:29Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:27Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
The human genome is over 99.9% identical between individuals, yet genetic differences exist at millions of bases. The human genome contains approximately 3 million variant positions per individual, many of which are heterozygous, contributing to genetic diversity and individual traits. Genetic variations include single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions, deletions, and copy number variations (CNVs).SNPs, the most common variation, involve single-base changes in DNA. These can be...