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Published on: January 29, 2018
Racial and ethnic differences in bone turnover markers in men
Benjamin Z Leder1, Andre B Araujo, Thomas G Travison
1Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier 1047, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. bzleder@partners.org
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 21, 2007
Summary
Black men have lower bone turnover markers (osteocalcin and CTx) compared to White and Hispanic men. Age trends in these bone metabolism markers are similar across racial and ethnic groups.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology and metabolism
- Human physiology
- Population health
Background:
- Racial and ethnic disparities in fracture risk and bone mineral density (BMD) in men are documented.
- The impact of race and ethnicity on biochemical markers of bone turnover in men requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between bone turnover markers, BMD, and race/ethnicity in men.
- To analyze age-related trends in bone turnover markers across different racial and ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Measured BMD, serum intact osteocalcin (OC), and serum C-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen (CTx) in 1029 men (aged 30-79) from the Boston Area Community Health/Bone Survey.
- Excluded men with conditions or medications affecting bone metabolism.
- Adjusted mean serum levels of OC and CTx for age, blood sample timing, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
Main Results:
- Adjusted mean osteocalcin (OC) levels were significantly higher in Hispanic (17.6%) and White (20.5%) men compared to Black men.
- Adjusted mean C-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen (CTx) levels were 14.3% higher in White men versus Black men.
- Age trends for OC and CTx did not vary by race or ethnicity; correlations with BMD were generally weak.
Conclusions:
- Bone turnover markers are lower in Black men compared to White and Hispanic men.
- Age-related changes in bone turnover markers are not influenced by race or ethnicity.
- Further research is warranted to understand these bone metabolism differences among men of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
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