Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
03:57
Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy
Published on: July 14, 2023
Changes in 3-dimensional bone structure indices in hypoparathyroid patients treated with PTH(1-84): a randomized
Tanja Sikjaer1, Lars Rejnmark, Jesper Skovhus Thomsen
1Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, MEA, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. Tanja.sikjaer@gmail.com
Summary
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) therapy in hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) alters bone structure, reducing thickness and density but increasing connectivity. This PTH substitution therapy impacts bone turnover and density differently across skeletal sites.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Bone Metabolism
- Skeletal Biology and Histomorphometry
Background:
- Hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) is associated with low bone turnover and high bone mineral density (BMD) despite standard treatments.
- Conventional management of hypoPT with calcium and vitamin D analogues does not fully address bone health complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) substitution therapy on 3-dimensional bone structure in patients with hypoPT.
- To evaluate changes in trabecular and cortical bone microarchitecture and bone mineral density following PTH(1-84) treatment.
Main Methods:
- A 24-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 62 patients with hypoPT, treated with either PTH(1-84) or placebo.
- Micro-computed tomography analysis of iliac crest bone biopsies to assess trabecular and cortical bone structure.
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) to measure areal BMD (aBMD) and volumetric BMD (vBMD).
Main Results:
- PTH(1-84) treatment led to decreased trabecular thickness and bone tissue density, but increased trabecular connectivity density.
- Evidence of trabecular tunneling and increased Haversian canals in cortical bone was observed with PTH therapy.
- PTH treatment resulted in decreased hip aBMD and vBMD, but decreased lumbar spine aBMD with a significant increase in vBMD.
Conclusions:
- PTH(1-84) therapy significantly alters bone microarchitecture in hypoPT, suggesting a shift in bone remodeling dynamics.
- The differential effects on bone density at the hip and lumbar spine warrant further investigation into the long-term skeletal consequences of PTH treatment in hypoPT.
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...
01:40Bone 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.
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...
01:21Skeleton 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.
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during bone...