Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Age-related changes in sex steroid levels influence bone mineral density in healthy Indian men
1National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India.
Summary:
Age-related changes in sex steroid levels and its contribution to variations in rate of bone loss among men is unclear. Although, Bio-T and Bio-E(2) levels declined with age and depicted an association with BMD in healthy Indian men, Bio-E(2) was found to be an independent predictor of BMD.
Introduction:
Ethnicity influences sex steroid levels, therefore, their role in pathogenesis of low bone mass needs to be established in various populations. We assessed the extent of changes in sex steroid levels with age and related these to bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy Indian men.
Methods:
Total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E(2)), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), PTH, osteocalcin (OC), and c-terminal telopeptide (CTX) were measured in 330 men aged 20-55 years and correlated with BMD measured by DXA.
Results:
Both Bio-T (1% per year) and Bio-E(2) (0.8% per year) levels decreased significantly in ageing men, whereas TT (0.4% per year) and E(2) (0.3% per year) levels decreased only marginally with age. In contrast, SHBG (1.4% per year) and PTH (1% per year) levels increased significantly with age. Serum TT (r = 0.19, p = 0.01) and Bio-T (r = 0.2, p = 0.01) levels were associated positively with BMD at spine, whereas E(2) and Bio-E(2) levels were associated with BMD at spine [E (2) (r = 0.31, p < 0.0001); Bio-E(2) r = 0.37, p < 0.0001] and femur (E(2) r = 0.26, p = 0.001; Bio-E(2) r = 0.27, p = 0.001). Men in the lowest quartile of Bio-E(2) were associated with lower BMD and higher bone turnover.
Conclusions:
Age-related decrease in bioavailable sex steroid levels is associated with BMD in healthy Indian men. Bio-E(2) was found to be an independent predictor of BMD.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone 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...
01:17Hormones 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...
01:28Menopause
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
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...
01:40Bone Remodeling
01:09Changes 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...