Bone loss in males with ankylosing spondylitis: its relation to sex hormone levels
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Standardized Histomorphometric Evaluation of Osteoarthritis in a Surgical Mouse Model
Published on: May 6, 2020
Teoman Aydin1, Ilhan Karacan, Saliha Eroglu Demir
1SB Vakif Gureba Education and Research Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Istanbul, Turkey.
Objective:
Osteoporosis is a common complication of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of the present study was to assess the association of sex hormone levels with bone loss in males with AS.
Design:
A cross-sectional study. Patients The study group consisted of 58 male patients with primary AS. The mean age was 38.2 years (range 18-59 years).
Measurements:
Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in the left proximal femur. Serum FSH, LH, total testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), oestradiol (E2) and progesterone levels were measured.
Results:
Bone loss was observed in 54.5% of cases at the femoral neck and in 52.3% of cases at the trochanter and total hip. Bone loss was found in 40 (69%) cases in at least one of these three regions. Serum DHEAS was low in 12 (30.8%) of the cases with bone loss, and one (5.9%) of those without (P = 0.043). The ratio of serum T/DHEAS was higher in those with bone loss (5.24 +/- 3.70) than in those without (3.58 +/- 3.16) (P = 0.026).
Conclusions:
The results showed that bone loss might be related to low serum DHEAS levels in males with AS.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
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 Remodeling
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
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...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Menopause