Animals ; Bone and Bones ; metabolism ; Energy Metabolism ; physiology ; Humans ; Osteocalcin ; metabolism

The prevailing model of osteology is that bones constantly undergo a remodeling process, and that the differentiation and functions of osteoblasts are partially regulated by leptin through different central hypothalamic pathways. The finding that bone remodeling is regulated by leptin suggested possible endocrinal effects of bones on energy metabolism. Recently, a reciprocal relationship between bones and energy metabolism was determined whereby leptin influences osteoblast functions and, in turn, the osteoblast-derived protein osteocalcin influences energy metabolism. The metabolic effects of bones are caused by the release of osteocalcin into the circulation in an uncarboxylated form due to incomplete gamma-carboxylation. In this regard, the Esp gene encoding osteotesticular protein tyrosine phosphatase is particularly interesting because it may regulate gamma-carboxylation of osteocalcin. Novel metabolic roles of osteocalcin have been identified, including increased insulin secretion and sensitivity, increased energy expenditure, fat mass reduction, and mitochondrial proliferation and functional enhancement. To date, only a positive correlation between osteocalcin and energy metabolism in humans has been detected, leaving causal effects unresolved. Further research topics include: identification of the osteocalcin receptor; the nature of osteocalcin regulation in other pathways regulating metabolism; crosstalk between nutrition, osteocalcin, and energy metabolism; and potential applications in the treatment of metabolic diseases.
Bone Remodeling/physiology ; Bone and Bones/*metabolism ; *Energy Metabolism ; Humans ; Leptin/metabolism ; Osteocalcin/genetics/*metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the mechanism of new bone formation and remodeling of distraction osteogenesis (DO) by analysis of the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OC).

METHODSRhesus were operated to reconstruct the animal model of cleft palate (CP). The CP was closed by DO in experimental group(n = 21). After consolidation of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 weeks, every 3 animals were killed to collect the specimens, respectively. The OPN and OC and their mRNA were detected quantitatively by Real-time RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. The animals in control group (n = 2) and sham group (n = 2) were used as control.

RESULTSThe mRNA expression of OPN increased since 2nd week of consolidation and reached the peak at 4th week (7.59 +/- 0.37). The mRNA expression of OC was up-regulated since 4th week, and reach the peak at 6th week (7.94 +/- 0.31). Then they decreased to about the level in sham group at 24th week (P > 0.05). The OPN and OC were highly expressed during 4 to 6 weeks of consolidation. During 8 to 12 weeks, they decreased like their mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONThe intramembraneous new bone formation after DO can reconstruct the bone defect of CP. The new formed bone can be remodeled to be quite normal bone tissue.

Animals ; Cleft Palate ; metabolism ; surgery ; Macaca mulatta ; Osteocalcin ; metabolism ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Osteopontin ; metabolism

Animals ; Bone and Bones ; metabolism ; physiology ; Endocrine System ; metabolism ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Osteocalcin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the biological effects of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66(nHA-PA66) on the growth and activity of osteoblast.

METHODSMTT assay was used to determine the growth of osteoblast, enzymatic measure was used to determine the activity of ALP and quantitative RT-PCR (QRT-PCR) to evaluate the changes of osteoclacin mRNA expression in osteoblasts treated by DMEM eluate of nHA-PA66.

RESULTSOsteoblasts of different test groups demonstrated relative proliferation rate ranging from 98% - 106% without dose-dependent effect. The ALP activity and osteocalcin mRNA expression were similar in test and control groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONnHA-PA66 has no negative effects on the osteoblast and its osteoblast-compatibility is proved.

Durapatite ; pharmacology ; Nylons ; pharmacology ; Osteoblasts ; drug effects ; Osteocalcin ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism

Bone remodeling requires a large amount of energy, and is regulated by various hormones. Leptin, produced by adipocytes, is a well-known regulator of energy balance and is also involved in controlling bone mass through interaction with the central nervous system. Serotonin, downstream of leptin, is also emerging as a candidate for controlling energy balance and bone metabolism. Currently, bone is also considered to be an endocrine regulator of energy metabolism. Osteocalcin, secreted from osteoblasts, is known to be a key regulator of glucose and fat metabolism. In this review, we describe a novel concept that asserts that there exists a biological link between bone and energy metabolism, and we summarize what is currently known about the relationship between bone and energy metabolism.
Adipocytes ; Bone Remodeling ; Central Nervous System ; Energy Metabolism* ; Glucose ; Leptin ; Metabolism ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; Osteoblasts ; Osteocalcin ; Serotonin

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of 275 nm and 310 nm ultraviolet irradiation on ovariectomized rats' bone metabolism. METHODS: Twenty four 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat were randomly divided into control group, sham operated group, 275 nm ultraviolet (UV) irradiation group and 310 nm UV irradiation group. Each group contained 6 rats. The rats in the two irradiation groups were treated with bilateral ovariectomy. The rats in sham operated group received sham operation (They were given the same back incision and a bit of par-ovarian fat were removed). Control group received no disposition. About 24 weeks after operation, all the rats received detailed bone mineral density (BMD) detection again. Detection regions include cervical vertebra, lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur. Next, osteopenia rats in 275 nm irradiation group were UV irradiated 275 nm with fixed illumination intensity (15 μW/cm²) everyday for 16 weeks. The osteopenia rats in 310 nm irradiation group were UV irradiated 310 nm with fixed illumination intensity (15 μW/cm²) everyday for 16 weeks. The backs of the rats were shaved regularly as irradiation area (6 cm×8 cm). After 16-week irradiation, all the rats' BMD of cervical vertebra, lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur were measured. At the end of the trial, all the rats' blood specimens were obtained and serum 25(OH)D, procollagen type Ⅰ N-peptide (PINP) and osteocalcin (OC) were measured. RESULTS: Compared with control group [(238.78±26.74) mg/cm³], the BMD of the whole body were significantly lower in 275 nm [(193.34±13.28) mg/cm³] and 310 nm [(191.19±18.48) mg/cm³] irradiation groups (P=0.002, P=0.001). There were no significant difference between sham operated group [(227.20±14.32) mg/cm³] and control group. After 16-week ultraviolet irradiation, the BMD of the whole body were significantly increased in 275 nm [(193.34±13.28) mg/cm³ vs. (221.68±25.52) mg/cm³, P=0.005] and 310 nm groups [(191.19±18.48) mg/cm³ vs. (267.48±20.54) mg/cm³, P < 0.001] after corresponding irradiation. The BMD of the four body regions (lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur) had significantly increased after irradiation in 275 nm irradiation group. For 310 nm irradiation group, the BMD in cervical vertebra, lumbar vertebra, proximal femur, mid femur and distal femur also had increased significantly after 310 nm ultraviolet irradiation. The concentration of serum 25(OH)D and OC was higher in 275 nm irradiation group than in control group [(46.78±5.59) μg/L vs. (21.32±6.65) μg/L, P=0.002;(2.05±0.53) U/L vs. (1.32±0.07) U/L, P=0.022]. Compared with the control, the concentration of serum 25(OH)D [(58.05±12.74) μg/L], OC [(2.04±0.53) U/L] and PINP [(176.16±24.18) U/L] was significantly higher (P < 0.001, P=0.015, P=0.005) in 310 nm irradiation group. However, there were no significantly difference between sham operated group and the control. CONCLUSION Both 275 nm and 310 nm ultraviolet could improve rats' vitamin D synthesis. Both 275 nm and 310 nm ultraviolet could improve osteopenia rats' bone condition. The irradiation of 310 nm might be more effective on bone condition improvement.
Animals ; Bone Density ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic/metabolism* ; Female ; Femur/metabolism* ; Humans ; Osteocalcin/metabolism* ; Ovariectomy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the patterns of biochemical bone markers, such as urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD), N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX), and serum osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline pbosphatase (BSAP) in postmenopansal women with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Materials and METHOD: From July 1997 to January 1998, total 239 postmenopausal women were emolled in the present study, and 198 healthy premenopausal women with regular menstruation were served as control. The postmenopausal women were pouped into the HRT group and the non-HRT group. The women in the HRT poup have received estrogen with continuous or cyclic progestin therapy far more tban 6 months. The biochemical bone markers of all women were assayed. Results were analysed with Students t-test. RESULTS: The urinary DPD of the non-HRT group was sigaificantly higher than both the HRT poup and the premenopausal group(5.51 +/- 2.47 vs. 3.36 +/- 1.02 and 4.01 +/- 3.86 nM/mM, p < 0.05, repectively). The urinary NTX of the non-HRT group was also higher in comparison to the HRT group and the premenopausal group(48.71 +/- 11.54 vs. 33.70 +/- 17.43 and 33.70 +/- 17.43 nM BCE/mmol, p < 0.05, repectively). However, there were no significant differences in the concentrations of serum BSAP and OC among the three poups. CONCLUSION: The urinary DPD and NTX were more sensitive indicators of bone metabolism tban serum BSAP and OC in postmenopausal women undergoing HRT.
Collagen Type I ; Estrogens ; Female ; Hormone Replacement Therapy* ; Humans ; Menstruation ; Metabolism ; Osteocalcin

PURPOSE: Abnormalities in calcium(Ca), vitamin D and bone mineral density (BMD) associated with antiepileptic drug(AED) are reported, but the results are inconsistent. In case of intractable epilepsy, poor growth and altered bone mineral metabolism may be prominent, possibly related to previous long-term use of multiple AED and poor activity. The aim of this study was to assess growth status, concentrations of calcium regulating hormones and BMD in children with intractable epilepsy. METHODS: Sixty-six intractable epilepsy patients aged 0.8 to 14.7 years(mean+/-D:4.6+/-.6 years) were included in the study. Height and weight were measured and then height SDS and weight SDS were calculated. Serum Ca, i-Ca, P, Mg, Zinc, osteocalcin, intact-PTH, 25-OHD, 1,25(OH)2D were measured. BMD of the lumbar spine was measured by dual energy X-ray absorption. RESULTS: Most of the patients showed normal height SDS and weight SDS. Percentage of severe short stature(height SDS <-2) was 1.5% and tall stature(height SDS >2) was 4.5%. Percentage of severe thin(weight SDS <-2) was 1.5% and obesity(weight SDS >2) was 6%. Duration of AED was not related to height SDS or weight SDS. Etiology of epilepsy and physical activity were not related to height SDS and weight SDS. Most of them had normal Ca, iCa, P, Mg, Zinc, intact-PTH, osteocalcin, 25-OHD and 1,25(OH)2D concentrations. BMD was not related to the levels of Ca, i-Ca, P, Mg, intact-PTH, osteocalcin, 25-OHD, 1,25(OH)2D. BMD was not related to the duration of AED. BMD positively correlated with age(r=0.75, P>0.01) and body weight(r=0.72, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Most of the children with intractable epilepsy, who regularly visits epilepsy clinic, showed normal growth and normal bone mineral metabolism, but careful monitoring about growth and bone mineral metabolism is needed.
Absorption ; Bone Density* ; Calcium* ; Child* ; Epilepsy* ; Humans ; Metabolism ; Motor Activity ; Osteocalcin ; Spine ; Vitamin D ; Zinc

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of estrogen replacement therapy and pamidronate on the bone metabolism in the postmenopausal women. METHODS: This prospective randomized clinical trial examined the effects of oral pamidronate and conjugated equine estrogen, in combination and seperately, on biochemical markers of bone turnover in 140 women with low bone mass. Treatment included pamidronate (group I, n=50), or conjugated equine estrogen (group II, n=50), conjugated equine estrogen plus alendronate (group III, n=40) for 12 months. Biochemical markers of bone turnover were also measured at months 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Serum osteocalcin and urinary deoxypyridinoline in Group I, Group II and Group III decreased signifiantly at 12 months of treatment (p<0.05). But total alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly during the treatment in Group III, but not in Group I and Group II. CONCLUSION: The combined treatment with pamidronate and conjugated equine estrogen is more effective in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis by decreasing bone biochemical markers.
Alendronate ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Biomarkers ; Estrogen Replacement Therapy* ; Estrogens* ; Female ; Humans ; Metabolism* ; Osteocalcin ; Osteoporosis ; Postmenopause ; Prospective Studies