Related Experiment Videos
Biomarks in secondary osteoporosis
A Aroso Dias1, A Lopes Vaz, M Hargreaves
1Department of Endocrinology, S. Joao Hospital, Porto, Portugal.
Clinical Rheumatology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis patients exhibit heightened bone metabolic activity and significantly lower plasma levels of androgens, suggesting a protective role for these hormones in autoimmune diseases and bone health.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- The presence of metabolic bone disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is debated, with inconsistent findings regarding calcium and phosphate metabolism.
- Bone loss is evident in RA, and hormonal changes may influence immune response and bone turnover.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare bone metabolism and hormonal parameters in women with RA (with and without corticotherapy) against an age-matched control group.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serum and urinary parameters related to bone metabolism.
- Measurement of various hormones including parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, thyroid hormones, cortisol, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEA.S.
Main Results:
- RA patients showed elevated phosphates, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, nephrogenic cyclic AMP, and hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio.
- Significant reductions in plasma testosterone, 4-androstenedione, and DHEA.S were observed in RA patients.
- Levels of calcitonin, PTH, T3, T4, cortisol, and estradiol were lower in RA patients but not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Results suggest bone metabolic hyperactivity in RA, potentially linked to reduced androgen levels.
- Androgens may play a protective role in autoimmune diseases and bone metabolism.