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Calciotropic hormones and bone markers in the elderly
J C Gallagher1, H K Kinyamu, S E Fowler
1Bone Metabolism Unit, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 68131, USA.
Summary
Elderly Caucasians in North America show age-related increases in bone turnover. Higher parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone markers in women suggest sex-based differences in bone metabolism, influenced by vitamin D status.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Limited data exists on calciotropic hormones and bone markers in North American elderly.
- Age-related changes in bone health are crucial for this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), and bone markers in elderly Caucasians.
- To compare these markers between elderly men and women.
Main Methods:
- Measured serum PTH, 25(OH)D, osteocalcin, and urine N-telopeptide in 735 Caucasian subjects (aged 65-87).
- Analyzed data for age-related trends and sex differences, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Serum osteocalcin and urine N-telopeptide increased with age in men; osteocalcin increased with age in women.
- Women had higher mean PTH, osteocalcin, and urine N-telopeptide than men.
- Men had higher mean 25(OH)D and urine calcium than women.
- Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 12 ng/ml) was uncommon (3.3% in females, 0.4% in males).
- PTH correlated with osteocalcin and inversely with 25(OH)D.
Conclusions:
- Increased PTH in the elderly is primarily linked to vitamin D status rather than declining renal function.
- Elderly women exhibit higher bone remodeling markers than elderly men.
- Bone metabolism in the elderly is influenced by age, sex, and vitamin D levels.