Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
08:56
Estrogen-Like Effect of Bazi Bushen Capsule in Ovariectomized Rats
Published on: April 7, 2023
Bone loss associated with hyperprolactinemia in patients with schizophrenia
Bruce J Kinon1, Hong Liu-Seifert, Virginia L Stauffer
1Lilly Corporate Center, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN.
Clinical Schizophrenia & Related Psychoses
|February 12, 2013
Summary
Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) from antipsychotic drugs is linked to lower bone mineral density (BMD) in schizophrenia patients. Men with hyperprolactinemia showed a greater prevalence of low BMD, possibly due to increased bone turnover and hypogonadism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and bone metabolism research.
- Psychiatric pharmacotherapy and its side effects.
Background:
- Hyperprolactinemia is a common side effect of certain antipsychotic medications.
- A potential link exists between elevated prolactin levels and decreased bone mineral density (BMD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of low BMD in schizophrenia patients treated with conventional antipsychotics or risperidone.
- To evaluate the relationship between antipsychotic treatment, hyperprolactinemia, and BMD.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional secondary analysis of 402 schizophrenia patients treated for at least three months.
- BMD assessed via calcaneal ultrasonography; prolactin, sex hormones, and bone metabolism markers measured.
- Regression analysis used to evaluate effects of age, prolactin, and treatment duration on BMD.
Main Results:
- Low BMD observed in approximately 25% of females and 33% of males.
- In males, elevated prolactin correlated with lower BMD (T-score) after age adjustment (p=0.05).
- Elevated prolactin associated with increased bone formation marker (osteocalcin) in both genders; testosterone negatively correlated with bone resorption in men.
Conclusions:
- Hyperprolactinemia during antipsychotic treatment may increase low bone mass prevalence, particularly in men.
- Elevated prolactin may directly impact bone turnover in both genders.
- Hypogonadism and decreased testosterone in men may contribute to increased bone resorption and low BMD.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
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.
01:24Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement, with additional non-motor features. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and cellular dysfunction, including dopaminergic neuron loss, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial impairment.Selective NeurodegenerationA key feature is the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to reduced...
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...