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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
09:29
Skeletal Muscle Gender Dimorphism from Proteomics
Published on: December 14, 2011
13.0K
Sex-Differences in Skeletal Growth and Aging.
1Clinical Research Center, Helen Hayes, Route 9W, West Haverstraw, 10993, USA. jwn5@cumc.columbia.edu.
Current Osteoporosis Reports
|February 10, 2017
Summary
Recent studies reveal sex differences in skeletal health begin in childhood. Advanced imaging highlights cortical porosity as key to understanding fracture risk and treatment responses in males and females.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Skeletal Biology
- Radiology
Background:
- Numerous studies document skeletal differences between males and females.
- Sex differences in skeletal health are apparent even in early childhood, with some reports indicating differences by age 6.
- Emerging research explores the micro-architectural basis of these skeletal sex differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on skeletal sex differences.
- To elucidate remaining questions regarding male and female skeletal variations.
- To highlight the role of micro-architecture in skeletal aging and fracture risk.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) and microCT-3D.
- Analyzing micro-architectural differences, with a focus on cortical porosity.
- Reviewing published reports on sex differences in skeletal health.
Main Results:
- Cortical porosity is identified as a significant factor in sex differences related to fracture risk.
- Newer imaging modalities provide detailed insights into skeletal micro-architecture.
- Understanding of sex-based differences in skeletal growth and aging has improved.
Conclusions:
- Sex differences in skeletal micro-architecture, especially cortical porosity, are crucial for understanding fracture risk.
- Further longitudinal studies are necessary to fully elucidate these differences.
- Investigating sex-based micro-architectural variations may inform sex-specific fracture reduction strategies.
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