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Sex steroids and bone turnover markers in men with symptomatic vertebral fractures

Lookup NU author(s): Emeritus Professor Roger Francis

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Abstract

Sex steroids play an important role in the maintenance of bone density in men and women, but the circulating, biologically active unbound fraction is influenced by the concentration of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG increases with advancing age in men and leads to a reduction in serum free testosterone and oestradiol, which may then affect bone turnover, bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of fractures. We have therefore measured total and unbound sex steroids, SHBG, bone turnover markers and BMD in 57 men with symptomatic low trauma vertebral fractures and 57 age-matched male control subjects. Fasting blood and urine samples were collected from all subjects, who also underwent BMD measurement of the lumbar spine and hip. Serum testosterone, oestradiol, SHBG, bone specific alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP) and urine free deoxypyridinoline/creatinine ratio (fDPD/Cr) were measured. Free sex steroid concentrations were calculated using their ratio with SHBG and albumin and bioavailable testosterone was measured using radioimmunoassay. The two groups were then compared and regression models developed to determine the best predictors of BMD and fracture. Men with vertebral fractures had significantly lower weight and BMD at all sites than control Subjects (p

Publication metadata

Author(s): Tuck SP, Scane AC, Fraser WD, Diver MJ, Eastell R, Francis RM

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Bone

Year: 2008

Volume: 43

Issue: 6

Pages: 999-1005

ISSN (print): 8756-3282

ISSN (electronic): 1873-2763

Publisher: Elsevier Inc.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2008.08.123

DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2008.08.123

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