Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Associations between blood ethylene oxide levels and bone mineral density
Wenwen Chen1,2, Sujuan Lu2, Min Lin1
1Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
Background:
Ethylene oxide (EO) is a toxic compound extensively used in industrial applications. This study quantified serum EO levels by measuring hemoglobin-bound ethylene oxide (HbEO). However, the link between bone mineral density (BMD) and HbEO levels remains unexplored.
Methods:
A total of 2,570 participants were evaluated using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2015-2018). Generalized linear regression models (LRM) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were used to investigate the association between blood EO levels and BMD. Adjusted models were also applied for comprehensive analysis.
Results:
Blood EO levels and BMD were inversely related (p = 0.007). This RCS analysis also showed an L-shaped dose-response correlation between EO levels and BMD (p for nonlinearity <0.001).
Conclusion:
This study highlights a substantial correlation between EO exposure and BMD. Further randomized controlled trials are required to establish a causal relationship.
Related Concept Videos
Bone 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...
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Bone Remodeling
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling

