Risk factors and prevention of osteoporosis-related fractures

In order to effectively prevent osteoporosis-related fractures, one must aim to prevent both osteoporosis, as well as the events and circumstances that may lead to injury, ultimately resulting in fracture. Among all the osteoporotic fractures that can occur, hip fractures are associated with a severe decrease in quality of life and high mortality, which reaches 51% at one year post-fracture in nonagenarians. Prevention of osteoporosis should ideally begin in childhood, aiming to achieve high peak bone mass accompanied by an inherently healthy lifestyle throughout life, in order to minimize bone loss during middle and third age, and in parallel to avoid or diminish other fracture risk factors. There are numerous fracture risk factors, including age, gender, race, lifestyle and concomitant medical conditions, which either cannot or can be modified, to a greater or lesser degree. Falls consist a previously underestimated risk factor, responsible for a large percentage of fractures. International and national strategies aimed at public awareness, early identification of those at increased risk for fracture and preventive or therapeutic intervention may succeed in subduing the currently increasing prevalence of osteoporotic fractures.     

Effect of sibutramine on regional fat pads and leptin levels in rats fed with three isocaloric diets

AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate: a) the differential effect of the three main macronutrients on food intake, fat depots and serum leptin levels and b) the impact of sibutramine on the above parameters in rats fed ad libitum with three isocaloric diets. METHODS: Three groups of male Wistar rats (n = 63) were fed with a high fat diet (HFD), a high carbohydrate diet (HCD) or a high protein diet (HPD) for 13 weeks. In the last three weeks, each group was divided into three subgroups and received sibutramine (S) either at 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg, or vehicle. Food intake was measured daily during the last week of the experiment; perirenal and epididymal fat and fat/lean ratio were calculated and serum leptin was assayed. RESULTS: HFD-fed rats demonstrated elevated food intake and higher regional fat depots. S at 10 mg/kg decreased food intake in the HFD and epididymal fat in the HCD group. S also reduced perirenal fat in the HCD and HPD groups. Leptin levels were higher in rats fed with either the HFD or the HPD compared to those fed with the HCD. Moreover, S at 10 mg/kg decreased serum leptin levels in the HPD group. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a preferential effect of S on perirenal visceral fat and support the view that body fat loss is greater when its administration is accompanied by a HCD diet. No effect of S on leptin levels was found, besides that expected as a result of the decrease in body fat.     

The increased population of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa L.) in Europe

In this paper the recent population changes of the Wild Boar in different European countries is analysed through the study of hunting statistics. A simultaneous increase in numbers is observed throughout the whole area during the period 1965–1975. From 1975 onwards the population stabilizes itself apart from in peripheral areas like Finland. Potentially favourable factors which play a part in this process are discussed and certain reproductive and dispersive characteristics which favour its invasive behaviour are discussed.