Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
06:47
Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells
Published on: May 4, 2018
The 25(OH)D/PTH threshold in black women
John F Aloia1, Ding-Geng Chen, Henian Chen
1Bone Mineral Research Center, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, New York 11501, USA. jaloia@winthrop.org
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|August 6, 2010
Summary
Black women experience elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) at lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels than white women. This difference in vitamin D and PTH thresholds warrants further investigation into cardiovascular health risks for Black women.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Black women exhibit lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and higher parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels compared to white women.
- Emerging research links elevated PTH to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate racial differences in the threshold of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] at which parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels begin to rise.
- To determine if Black women experience an increase in PTH at lower 25(OH)D concentrations than white women.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving healthy Black and white women aged 20-80 years.
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured.
- Convenience sample recruited from a community setting.
Main Results:
- A significantly lower threshold for parathyroid hormone (PTH) elevation was observed in Black women (37 nmol/liter) compared to white women (59 nmol/liter).
- The identified thresholds for 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and PTH differed significantly between racial groups (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Black women demonstrate an increase in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) at a lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level than white women.
- Further research is recommended to explore the association between higher PTH levels and negative health outcomes, particularly cardiovascular risks, in Black women.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
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...
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...
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
01:29Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
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 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...
01:40Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.