The beneficial effect of OST-6 (OsteoCare), a herbomineral formulation, in experimental osteoporosis.

OST-6 (OsteoCare), a herbomineral formulation, was evaluated for its inhibitory effect on the progress of bone loss induced by ovariectomy in rats. Ovariectomized (Ovx) rats were administered with OST-6 at 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt., orally daily for 90 days. On 91st day, ovariectomized rats showed reduced bone mineral content and increased serum alkaline phosphatase levels, excretion of urinary calcium and pyridinium cross-links levels. Histologically, bone sections revealed narrowed and disappearance of trabeculae and widened medullary spaces. The total numbers of Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive cells were significantly increased both in-vivo and in-vitro methods. OST-6, at a dose of 500 mg/kg, significantly improved bone mineral contents, serum alkaline phosphatase levels, reduced the elevated urinary calcium and pyridinium cross-links excretion, number of TRAP positive cells and reversal of the above mentioned histological features. These results indicate the usefulness of OST-6 in the management of osteoporosis in a natural way through herbal resources.     

Biochemical Response of Late Rickets and Osteomalacia to a Chupatty-free Diet

Eight Pakistani children with late rickets and two Pakistani women with osteomalacia were given a chupatty-free diet for seven weeks, substituting leavened bread of lower extraction. On this diet serum calcium levels rose to normal or near normal, levels of serum inorganic phosphorus rose slightly but significantly, and serum alkaline phosphatase levels showed a definite rise indicative of healing bone disease. It is concluded that the high phytate content of unleavened bread is the major cause of late rickets and osteomalacia in Pakistani and Indian communities in the United Kingdom. The simplest prophylactic measure seems to be the additional fortification with calcium carbonate of the high extraction flour used in preparing unleavened bread.     

Relationship of serum and saliva calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase with dry mouth feeling in menopause

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00619.x Relationship of serum and saliva calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase with dry mouth feeling in menopause Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare serum and saliva calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase of menopausal women with/without dry mouth (DM) feeling. Background: The composition of saliva in menopause women with/without DM feeling is different. Some of these differences are in hormones that are related to bone turnover. Methods: A case–control study was carried out on 60 selected menopausal women aged 45–79 years with or without DM feeling (30 as case, 30 as control), conducted at the Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The phosphorus concentration was measured by photometrical measurement of the blue colour formed after the addition of ammonium molybdate and stannous chloride; calcium was measured by Arsenazo reaction; and alkaline phosphatase by the pNPP‐AMP method. Statistical analysis of Student’s t‐test was used. Results: The mean serum phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase, stimulated and unstimulated saliva calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher in the menopausal women suffering from DM. There were no significant differences between groups regarding saliva phosphorus and serum calcium concentration. Conclusion: Calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase appear associated with DM feeling in menopause.     

Effect of consumption of food cooked in aluminium or stainless-steel pots on Bangladeshi children with calcium-deficient rickets: an eight month trial

The putative role of aluminium intake in young Bangladeshi children (1.5 to 4 years of age) with calcium-deficient rickets was evaluated in a non randomised controlled eight month trial. The effects of aluminium or stain-less-steel cooking pots on bone metabolism were assessed by measuring blood calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D, aminoterminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (PINP), cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (ICTP), aluminium and albumin, and by analysis of wrist radiographs. In both groups, blood alkaline phosphatase, 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D and aluminium decreased significantly, while serum albumin increased (p < 0.01). These results suggest that the nutrition may well be of major importance, whereas the role of aluminium appears to be insignificant.     

Plasma Calcium,Magnesium, Phosphorus,and Alkaline Phosphatase Levels in Normal British Schoolchildren

In a cross-sectional survey 624 schoolchildren were screened for plasma calcium, inorganic phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase levels. Plasma magnesium and alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes were also estimated in some cases.No significant difference was found between adult and childhood values for calcium and magnesium. Levels of alkaline phosphatase and inorganic phosphorus varied with both age and sex. The magnitude of these variations in normal ranges is of clear importance in assessing data from individual paediatric or adolescent patients.     

Sinusoidal electromagnetic field of 50 hz helps in retaining calcium in tibias of aged rats

Effect of 50Hz sinusoidal electromagnetic field (SEMF) on normal bone physiology was evaluated in young and old female and male Wistar rats. Exposure to SEMF resulted in increased 45Ca retention in tibias of aged animals only. Levels of serum calcium in young female and male rats were significantly less than in respective aged rats. These were further decreased after 4 weeks of SEMF exposure. SEMF exposure did not change the serum calcium levels in aged rats, and inorganic phosphates in young and aged animals. Similarly, the levels of tartrate resistant acid and alkaline phosphatase were significantly decreased in young rats, whereas the levels remained unchanged in aged rats of either sex. The results revealed that SEMF of 1mT can prevent bone calcium loss due to aging in animals.     

骨密度检测对婴幼儿佝偻病早期诊断的临床意义

目的:探讨骨密度检测在佝偻病早期诊断中的应用价值。方法:收集衡水市哈励逊国际和平医院门诊诊治的600例婴幼儿,以血清维生素D327.5 nmol/L为判定标准分为非佝偻病组和佝偻病组,比较两组婴幼儿维生素D3、骨碱性磷酸酶和骨密度,绘制维生素D3、骨碱性磷酸酶、骨密度诊断结果的ROC曲线图,对骨密度检测结果进行评价。结果:佝偻病组婴幼儿维生素D3和骨密度Z值明显低于非佝偻病组,骨碱性磷酸酶显著高于非佝偻病组(P0.05)。维生素D3诊断佝偻病的ROC曲线下面积为0.951,灵敏度为0.973,特异度为0.840;骨碱性磷酸酶诊断佝偻病的ROC曲线下面积为0.866,灵敏度为0.824,特异度为0.747;骨密度Z值诊断佝偻病的ROC曲线下面积为0.923,灵敏度为0.826,特异度为0.875,骨密度指标诊断佝偻病的曲线下面积和维生素D3比较无统计学意义(P0.05),但骨密度指标诊断佝偻病的曲线下面积大于骨碱性磷酸酶(P0.05)。结论:超声骨密度检测在婴幼儿佝偻病早期诊断中具有一定价值,其诊断敏感性、特异性、准确率与维生素D3诊断基本相当,且骨密度检测存在无创、可重复性高等优点。     

睾酮对去睾丸家兔骨密度及血清钙磷的影响

目的:观察去睾丸和睾酮补充对雄兔骨密度和血清钙、镁、磷的影响.方法:周龄相同的雄性新西兰白兔随机分成对照组、去睾丸组和睾酮补充组(去睾丸后肌注十一酸睾酮).同等条件下饲养20周后测量各组兔全身骨密度、腰椎骨密度、股骨颈骨密度,并检测血清总睾酮(TT)、雌二醇(E2),脱氢表雄酮(DHEA)水平以及血清钙(Ca2 )、游离钙([Ca2 ]i)镁(Mg2 )、磷(P)和碱性磷酸酶(AKP)浓度.结果:去睾丸组血清TT水平明显下降(P<0.01),睾酮补充组血清TT水平升高接近对照组(P>0.05).去睾丸组血清E2和E2/TT比明显高于对照组(P<0.01),睾酮补充组血清E2和E2/TT下降,接近对照组水平(P均>0.05).与对照组相比,去睾丸组血清Ca2 、[Ca2 ]i、Mg2 以及AKP浓度明显升高(P均<0.01),睾酮补充组血清Ca2 、[Ca2 ]i、Mg2 以及AKP浓度较去睾丸组低,接近对照组水平(P>0.05).股骨颈骨密度在去睾丸组明显低于对照组和睾酮补充组(P<0.01),而后两组无差别(P>0.05).结论:去睾丸后雄兔血清TT明显下降,E2和E2/TT比以及Ca2 、[Ca2 ]i、Mg2 和AKP浓度明显升高,骨密度显著下降,睾酮补充使上述异常明显改善.     

Selected indicators of calcium-phosphate metabolism in patients with diabetes mellitus

The changes in blood serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphate, total activity of alkaline phosphatase and the activity of its bone fraction, as well as urinary excretion of calcium, phosphate, hydroxyproline and oxalate have been measured in 31 patients with insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes, in 31 patients with non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes and in 29 healthy subjects in the condition of low-calcium diet. The elevated urinary excretion of calcium, phosphate, hydroxyproline and oxalate, lowered blood serum level of magnesium, and increased total and bone fraction activities of alkaline phosphatase were found in diabetic patients. The urinary excretion of calcium and hydroxyproline, and the activity of bone fraction alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in patients with type II diabetes than in those with type I diabetes. It was concluded that there is a significant relation between the state of metabolic normalization of diabetes and the degree of biochemical aberrations concerning calcium-phosphate metabolism.     

Thyroxine levels and antler growth in white-tailed deer

1. Five normal male, 5 female, and 3 castrated fawns and 5 adult male white-tailed deer were housed in individual pens for one year to compare the relationships between thyroxine (T4) and other blood parameters and the antler cycle. 2. Biweekly serum samples were examined for T4 titers and levels of serum calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphatase activity (AP). 3. Seasonal T4 changes were found in all deer groups, with elevated titers in the fall. Female fawns had overall lowered T4 levels. In male fawns and adult bucks, T4 seemed to play a synergistic role in antler initiation and growth. 4. Serum Ca levels remained constant throughout the year, but with lower levels in the female fawns. 5. Serum P levels were also constant seasonally, but with higher levels in the female fawns. There was no age effect on either Ca or P. 6. An age effect was evident on plasma alkaline phosphatase with lower activity in adult bucks. There was no sex effect on AP activity. 7. T4 might have an indirect association with the enzyme AP in Ca and P transport system in white-tailed deer.     

Calcium metabolism in adult outpatients with epilepsy receiving long-term anticonvulsant therapy

Long-term anticonvulsant drug therapy may lead to abnormalities of calcium metabolism resulting in osteomalacia. The prevalence and severity of altered calcium metabolism was studied in an adult outpatient population of persons with epilepsy receiving anticonvulsant therapy for a minimum of 2 years. Assessment of calcium metabolism was based on serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and of plasma parathyroid hormone, intestinal absorption of isotopic calcium and skeletal bone mineral mass as determined by in vivo neutron activation or x-ray photodensitometry.Thirty-nine patients who had been receiving anticonvulsant therapy for an average of 20 years were studied; none had clinical evidence of metabolic bone disease. Decreased serum calcium concentration was noted in 10%, decreased serum phosphorus concentration in 10% and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase concentration in 44%. The mean serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in a control group (11.6 v. 19.6 mg/mL). None of 18 patients studied had an increased plasma concentration of parathyroid hormone, and only 1 of 17 patients had decreased intestinal absorption of isotopic calcium. Bone mineral mass was decreased in 44% of 32 patients studied.It was concluded that long-term treatment with anticonvulsant drugs leads to mild abnormalities of calcium metabolism and decreased bone mineral mass in a substantial percentage of adult outpatients with epilepsy. These abnormalities probably predispose the patients to the development of clinically significant metabolic bone disease.     

The morphology and function of rat C-cells. 4. Determination of calcium, inorganic phosphorus and total nitrogen in the femora of untreated parathyroidectomized or thyreoparathyroidectomized and hormonally substituted female rats]

Female Wistar rats of a live weight of about 160 g and fed with a standard laboratory diet, were parathyroidectomized, or thyroparathyroidectomized and treated with thyroxine, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin. thyroxine and parathyroid hormone, or thyroxine and calcitonin. On the 15th day post operationem, and after twelve days of hormone treatment, the concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus and total nitrogen were determined in the femur bone. Parathyroidectomy resulted in a decrease of phosphorus concentration in bone. After thyroparathyroidectomy (Tx), the concentrations of inorganic phosporus and nitrogen diminished during some days, whereas the calcium content decreased continuously. Thyroxine application normalized the concentration of inorganic phosphorus. The osteolytic and nitrogen-anabolic effect of parathyroid hormone took place only in simultaneous treatment with thyroxine. The injection of calcitonin had a nitrogen-anabolic effect on bone; the simultaneous treatment with thyroxine induced a loss of calcium out of bone, and a deposition of calcium phosphate in renal tissue. Calcitonin did not inhibit a significant decrease of calcium concentration in the femur bone; the hypophosphatemic effect was always present. The metabolism of bone tissue, influenced by hormonal actions, probably determined the localization of the deposition of inorganic phosphorus, deserting the serum under the influence of calcitonin.     

Effect of leucogenenol,a thymothyroid hormone,on the enzymes and several other constituents of the serum

It has been found that rats treated with the thymothyroid hormone, leucogenenol, have significantly elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in their serum 8 hrs. later. These levels remain elevated for 24 hrs. and 12 hrs., respectively. The concentrations of creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase as well as total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, urea nitrogen, uric acid and creatinine in the serum are not affected by treatment with leucogenenol. These results are in agreement with the previously reported findings that treatment with leucogenenol increases the rate of development of blood cells of the bone marrow, increases the rate of recovery from immunosuppression and enhances the immune response.     

Hematological and plasma biochemical values for captive tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)

Hematological and blood biochemical parameters are of great importance in medical and veterinary practice. Unfortunately, normal reference range intervals for hematological and serum biochemical values in the tufted capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) have seldom been reported. The study reported here is based on data from blood samples collected from 44 monkeys over an 8-year period. Male and female data are displayed separately within two age categories: juveniles and adults, and effects for sex and age are examined. Significant differences between males and females are found for erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and α(1) globulin. Significant differences between juveniles and adults are found for neutrophils, calcium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, total protein, serum iron, and some serum protein parameters and albumin/globulin ratio. These values are compared with values we previously reported, and their importance in care and well-being of captive tufted capuchin monkeys is discussed.     

Treatment of renal osteodystrophy with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.

Nine patients with renal osteodystrophy were tested for 6.5 to 35 months with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-DHCC). A close biochemical follow-up was performed during the first 6 months of treatment, including biweekly determinations of serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase and creatinine levels. A bone biopsy, radiologic investigations and determinations of plasma levels of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (IPTH) and intestinal absorption of calcium 47 were performed before and after the 6 months. Although the five patients with osteitis fibrosa showed a significant improvement, the four with predominantly osteomalacic lesions showed no response to treatment. These four had a normal initial plasma iPTH level, higher serum calcium levels than the other five patients, extreme sensitivity to 1,25-DHCC, with frequent episodes of hypercalcemia, and only a slightly increased serum alkaline phosphatase level, which remained unchanged during treatment. All but one of the patients, irrespective of the histologic abnormality, showed a decrease in the uptake of radionuclide by bone after treatment. The renal function of one patient, a man with long-standing stable renal failure who had not undergone dialysis, deteriorated during treatment.     

Effect of melatonin on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats.

To assess the effect of pharmacological dose of melatonin on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats, urinary deoxypyridinoline (a marker of bone resorption) and calcium excretion, circulating levels of calcium, phosphorus and bone alkaline phosphatase activity (a marker of bone formation), and bone mineral density (BMD), mineral content (BMC) and bone area (BA) of total body, were measured in adult rats for up to 60 days after surgery. Rats received melatonin in the drinking water (25 microg/ml water) or drinking water alone. Urinary deoxypyridinoline increased significantly after ovariectomy by 51% (30 days after surgery) and by 47% (60 days after surgery). The increase in urinary deoxypyridinoline found 30 days after ovariectomy was not observed in melatonin-treated rats. Urinary calcium concentration was similar in the 4 experimental groups studied, as was the circulating calcium concentration at every time interval examined. Fifteen days after surgery, a significant increase in serum phosphorus and bone alkaline phosphatase levels occurred in ovariectomized rats receiving melatonin as compared to their controls. Sixty days after surgery BMD, BMC and BA decreased significantly in ovariectomized rats, an effect not modified by melatonin. Serum estradiol decreased significantly by 30 days after ovariectomy to attain values close to the limit of detection of the assay by 60 days after ovariectomy. The results support the conclusion that a pharmacological amount of melatonin modifies bone remodeling after ovariectomy and that the effect may need adequate concentrations of estradiol.     

The effects of short-term fluoride ingestion on bone formation and resorption in the rat femur

Summary The femurs from rats given 120 ppm fluoride in their drinking water for 4 weeks were examined with histological, histochemical, and radiographic methods. Blood removed from the rats prior to sacrifice was analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase. Results of this study indicated that the ingestion of fluoride produced wide osteoid seams on the periosteal surface of the femoral diaphysis within 4 weeks. The increase in osteoid appeared to be due to an increase in the number of osteoid-producing cells (osteoblasts) along with a subsequent delay in the mineralization of this tissue. The metabolic activity of osteoblasts did not appear to be affected since the intracellular production of acid and alkaline phosphatase was not inhibited. However, due to the high concentration of fluoride ingested, abnormal collagen deposition and a change in bone mineral may have combined to cause a delay in osteoid mineralization. Mineralization was also delayed in the distal femoral epiphyseal plate resulting in an increase in the number of hypertrophied cells. Resorption of metaphyseal trabecular bone, presumably formed prior to fluoride administration, was increased causing a reduction in the amount of trabeculae extending into the shaft of the femur. Concurrent with these changes in bone, the serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase remained within normal ranges.     

Effect of 6-azauridine on calcium metabolism in rats.

After 12 days of intramuscular administration of 6-azauridine (500 mg/kg b.w.) rats displayed a significant decrease in plasma calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and total hydroxyproline levels and alkaline and acid phosphatase activity. The biological method employed revealed no changes in calcitonin activity. 6-Azauridine reduced the citric acid concentration in the kidneys, liver, heart and bones. Alkaline phosphatase activity in the kidneys, heart and liver was unaffected. The results indicate that 6-azauridine inhibits calcium resorption from the bones and interferes with collagen synthesis. It cannot be ruled out that the described changes are elicited by the antimetabolic effect of this cytostatic drug.     

Abnormalities of Vitamin D and Calcium Metabolism after Surgical Treatment of Morbid Obesity: A Study of 136 Patients

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of bariatric surgical treatment of morbid obesity on bone mineral metabolism.MethodsWe analyzed pertinent vitamin D and calcium metabolic variables in 136 patients who had undergone a malabsorptive bariatric operation. Measurements of bone mineral density (BMD), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)₂D], parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were performed. Statistical analyses assessed correlations among various factors.ResultsThe mean age (± SD) of the study group was 48.34 ± 10.28 years. Their mean weight loss was 114.55 ± 45.66 lb, and the mean duration since the bariatric surgical procedure was 54.02 ± 51.88 months. Seventeen patients (12.5%) had a T-score of -2.5 or less, and 54 patients (39.7%) had a T-score between –1.0 and –2.5. Of 119 patients in whom serum 25-OHD was measured, 40 (34%) had severe hypovitaminosis D (25-OHD < 8 ng/mL), and 50 patients (42%) had low hypovitaminosis D (serum 25-OHD 8 to 20 ng/mL). The magnitude of weight loss correlated negatively with serum 25-OHD, calcium, phosphorus, and calcium × phosphorus product values and positively with serum alkaline phosphatase level. Serum 25-OHD and calcium concentrations correlated positively with the BMD. PTH, serum 1,25-(OH)₂D, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations correlated negatively with the BMD, a reflection of the presence of secondary hyperparathyroidism, an accelerated conversion of 25-OHD to 1,25-(OH)₂D by the elevated PTH levels, and increased osteoblastic activity. The mean daily vitamin D supplementation was 6,472 ± 9,736 IU.ConclusionHypovitaminosis D and subsequent bone loss are common in patients who have undergone a bariatric surgical procedure for morbid obesity. These patients require rigorous vitamin D supplementation. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:131-136)