Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025
Author Spotlight: Developing a Rat Model for Weight-Bearing Intervention to Investigate Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Published on: September 27, 2024
Trabecular bone score and sclerostin concentrations in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency
Aleksandra Zdrojowy-Wełna1, Jowita Halupczok-Żyła1, Natalia Słoka2
1Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Isotope Therapy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
Background:
Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency need lifelong replacement therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, which may influence their bone quality.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to evaluate densitometry parameters, trabecular bone score and sclerostin concentrations in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency in comparison to control group.
Materials And Methods:
We included 29 patients (62% females) with diagnose of autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency (mean age 49.7 ± 11.7 years, mean duration of the disease 13.2± 13.6 years) and 33 healthy subjects (adjusted with age, sex and body mass index). Bone mineral density at the femoral neck, lumbar spine, total body and trabecular bone score were evaluated. Serum sclerostin concentrations were measured.
Results:
There were no significant differences in densitometry parameters (T-score, Z-score, bone mineral density in all locations) as well as in trabecular bone score in patients with adrenal insufficiency in comparison to control group. Mean serum sclerostin concentration was significantly higher in patients with adrenal insufficiency than in control group (44.7 ± 23.5 vs 30.7 ± 10.4 pmol/l, p=0.006). There was a negative correlation between trabecular bone score and the duration of adrenal insufficiency and age, also a negative correlation between femoral neck and total densitometry parameters and 24-hour urine cortisol as a marker of hydrocortisone daily dose in patients with adrenal insufficiency.
Conclusions:
The bone status in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency was not impaired in comparison to control group, while sclerostin concentration was higher. The duration of the disease and higher hydrocortisone doses may affect negatively bone status.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
01:31Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and...
01:29Bone Disorders
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...
01:17Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct...