Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Assessment of Bone Fracture Healing Using Micro-Computed Tomography
Published on: December 9, 2022
Lack of Association Between Select Circulating miRNAs and Bone Mass, Turnover, and Fractures: Data From the OFELY
Elodie Feurer1, Casina Kan1, Martine Croset1
1INSERM UMR 1033, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.
Abstract:
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by the occurrence of fragility fracture with an increase in morbidity and mortality. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have raised interest as regulators of translational repression, mediating a number of key processes, including bone tissue in both physiological and diseased states. The aim of this study was to examine the serum levels of 32 preselected miRNAs with reported function in bone and their association with osteoporotic fracture. We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses from the OFELY Cohort. Serum levels of the miRNAs were quantified by qRT-PCR in 682 women: 99 premenopausal and 583 postmenopausal women, with 1 and 122 women with prevalent fragility fractures in each group, respectively. We have collected clinical variables (such as age, prevalent, and incident fractures), bone turnover markers (BTMs), BMD by dual X-ray absorptiometry, and bone microarchitecture with HRpQCT. We observed a number of miRNAs to be associated with fragility fractures (prevalent or incident), BTMs, BMD, and microarchitecture. This effect, however, was negated after age adjustment. This may be because age was also strongly associated with the serum levels of the 32 miRNAs (correlation coefficient up to 0.49), confirming previous findings. In conclusion, in a well-characterized prospective cohort with a sizeable sample size, we found no evidence that these 32 preselected miRNAs were not associated with BTMs, BMD, microarchitecture, and or fragility fractures. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Insights
This study investigated microRNAs (miRNAs) in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Researchers found no association between selected miRNAs and osteoporosis or fracture risk after adjusting for age, suggesting age is a significant factor.
Area of Science:
- Bone Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis leads to fragility fractures, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of cellular processes, including bone tissue physiology and disease.
- Previous research suggests miRNAs may play a role in bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum levels of 32 preselected miRNAs and osteoporotic fractures in women.
- To explore the relationship between these miRNAs, bone turnover markers (BTMs), bone mineral density (BMD), and bone microarchitecture.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted on the OFELY Cohort.
- Serum miRNA levels were quantified using qRT-PCR in 682 women (99 premenopausal, 583 postmenopausal).
- Data included clinical variables, BTMs, BMD (dual X-ray absorptiometry), and bone microarchitecture (HRpQCT).
Main Results:
- Several miRNAs showed associations with prevalent/incident fragility fractures, BTMs, BMD, and microarchitecture.
- These associations were negated after age adjustment, as age strongly correlated with miRNA serum levels.
- No significant association was found between the 32 preselected miRNAs and BTMs, BMD, microarchitecture, or fragility fractures after age adjustment.
Conclusions:
- In a well-characterized prospective cohort, the study found no evidence linking the 32 preselected miRNAs to BTMs, BMD, microarchitecture, or fragility fractures.
- Age is a significant confounding factor in the relationship between these miRNAs and osteoporosis-related parameters.
- Further research may be needed to elucidate the role of miRNAs in osteoporosis, considering the influence of aging.
More Related Videos
05:53Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
10:37Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
01:25Selected Data About Geographic Locations
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
01:14Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
01:27Associative Learning
Classical conditioning, also known...
01:21Coronary Circulation
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...