Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Novel Quantification Protocol for Cardiovascular Calcification Progression Using Longitudinal MicroPET/MicroCT Images
Published on: November 15, 2024
A 12-month longitudinal study of calcium metabolism and bone turnover during valproate monotherapy
A Verrotti1, S Agostinelli, G Coppola
1Department of Pediatrics, Chieti University Hospital, Chieti, Italy. averrott@unich.it
Background And Purpose:
Treatment with valproate (VPA) can cause changes in bone mineral metabolism, but the real influences and the underlying pathologic mechanisms are still unclear and under discussion. The aim of this study was to examine the changes on calcium metabolism and bone turnover in post-pubertal male patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) before (baseline evaluation) and 12 months after VPA monotherapy (second evaluation).
Methods:
Participants included 20 post-pubertal males with IGE, aged 16.5-22.1 years. Also 20 post-pubertal sex- and age-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Physical activity, calcium and vitamin D intake were determined. Laboratory samples were obtained to measure biochemical parameters of bone metabolism and bone turnover: serum calcium, phosphate, magnesium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone, total alkaline phosphatase, bone alkaline phosphatase (bone-ALP), osteocalcin (OC), carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP).
Results:
At baseline evaluation, there were no significant differences between controls and patients parameters. At second evaluation, patients showed both markers of bone formation and resorption significantly higher than baseline values (bone-ALP: 51.2 +/- 9.9 vs. 57.3 +/- 9.3 U/l, P < 0.01; OC: 8.1 +/- 1.1 vs. 10.4 +/- 1.5 microg/l, P < 0.01; PICP: 138.7 +/- 16.4 vs. 152.6 +/- 17.1 microg/l, P < 0.01; ICTP: 3.8 +/- 0.8 vs. 5.9 +/- 0.6 microg/l, P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
Valproate monotherapy in epileptic post-pubertal males causes a significant increase of bone turnover.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:20Study Designs in Epidemiology
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies.
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...
01:25Role 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...
01:29Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors