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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
08:42
Skeletal Phenotype Analysis of a Conditional Stat3 Deletion Mouse Model
Published on: July 3, 2020
The association between cysteine, bone turnover, and low bone mass.
M Baines1, M-B Kredan, A Davison
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool, L7 8XP, UK. Malcolm.baines@rlbuht.nhs.uk
Calcified Tissue International
|December 7, 2007
Summary
Lower plasma cysteine (Cys) levels are linked to reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. This suggests Cys may play a role in osteoporosis prevention, potentially influenced by smoking and homocysteine levels.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Bone Metabolism
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia is a known risk factor for osteoporosis.
- Thiols metabolically linked to homocysteine (tHcy), such as cysteine (Cys), are important in bone metabolism.
- Cys is incorporated into collagen and cysteine protease enzymes, crucial for bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma Cys and related thiols with bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women.
- To examine the relationship between Cys, bone turnover markers (CTX, P1NP), and nutrient levels (folate, vitamin B6).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 328 postmenopausal British women.
- Measurement of plasma Cys, related thiols, bone turnover markers (CTX, P1NP), folate, and vitamin B6.
- Assessment of calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD) and grouping participants based on BMD measurements.
Main Results:
- Women with low BMD had significantly lower plasma Cys concentrations compared to those with normal BMD.
- Low BMD group showed higher recent fracture rates and a higher percentage of current smokers.
- Plasma Cys was significantly associated with BMD, weight, height, smoking, creatinine, Cys-Gly, tHcy, and folate, and was a strong predictor of BMD.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between plasma Cys levels and BMD.
- Reduced Cys may impair collagen formation, potentially exacerbated by smoking or reduced tHcy flux.
- Increased osteoclast activity might increase Cys utilization, possibly linked to hyperhomocysteinemia.
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