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Biomedical subjects

J Bollerslev

Publications and source records attributed to J Bollerslev.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is associated with fat distribution in endogenous Cushing's syndrome: a longitudinal study.

The weight gain and visceral obesity associated with Cushing's syndrome (CS) has been linked to elevated plasma leptin levels, although the mechanism behind a central leptin resistance in these patients is unknown. Several studies describe interactions among the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leptin, and the IL-1 system. To investigate these interactions, we have evaluated changes in regional fat distribution, by DEXA, and the role of circulating cortisol, leptin, IL-1beta, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), in relation to these changes, in 27 (19 DEXA; 27 serum measurements) patients with CS, before and after surgical treatment (mean follow-up, 31 months; range, 5-80), and compared them with measurements of age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls (also obtained longitudinally). We found that surgical treatment caused a decrease in all fat parameters, without changing lean body mass, and these changes were significantly larger than the so-called natural changes occurring in control subjects. These changes in CS patients were paralleled by decreases in cortisol, leptin, and IL-1Ra, whereas IL-1beta increased. Stepwise linear regression showed that serum IL-1Ra was strongly associated with regional fat distribution, and especially truncal fat mass, both at baseline and during treatment. In conclusion, the present study shows that treatment significantly changes body composition in CS patients by decreasing fat mass, especially in the truncal region, without major effects on lean body mass. We also show that circulating IL-1Ra is strongly associated with these changes, signifying a relationship among the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, IL-1 system, and regional fat distribution in these patients.

Adipose Tissue↗

Secondary osteoporosis in liver transplant recipients: a longitudinal study in patients with and without cholestatic liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic bone disease is one of the major long-term complications in liver transplant recipients, but it remains unclear which patients are at highest risk for developing severe bone disease following transplantation. METHODS: A total of 46 consecutive, adult patients with chronic liver disease accepted for a liver transplantation waiting list were prospectively included in the study. The patients were classified into two groups: group A--chronic cholestatic liver disease (n = 28), and group B--chronic non-cholestatic liver disease (n = 18). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at acceptance for the waiting list and at 3, 12 and 36 months following transplantation. Markers of bone turnover (serum-bone specific alkaline phosphatases (bALP), s-osteocalcin, s-1-collagen-C-terminal telopeptide (1-CTP) and urine N-terminal telopeptides u-Ntx) were measured at acceptance and at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months following transplantation. BMD and markers of bone turnover were compared with similar values in a matched control group of 42 healthy individuals. RESULTS: BMD decreased significantly during the early post-transplantation period (median bone loss femoral neck (FN) 3 months post-transplant 8.5%). BMD levels declined slightly from 3 to 12 months following transplantation and increased thereafter. The relative bone loss was greatest among group B patients (relative bone loss FN 3 months post-transplant: group A, 8% versus group B, 13%; P = 0.04). At 36 months, 8/17 group A and 2/9 group B patients had BMD levels that exceeded the pretransplant levels (P = 0.12). The early bone loss was positively correlated with an increase in resorption markers (s-1-CTP and u-Ntx). Group B had higher levels of both s-1-CTP and u-Ntx at 3 and 6 months post-transplant than group A patients (P = 0.03). Bone formation markers increased slowly from 6 months post-transplant and onwards. Relative bone loss was positively correlated to total glucocorticoid dose during the first 3 months post-transplant. There were no differences in BMD between patients receiving tacrolimus versus those receiving cyclosporin A. CONCLUSION: Bone loss following liver transplantation is considerable in patients with both cholestatic and non-cholestatic liver disease, the first group has the poorest starting-point while the latter group has the greatest bone loss following transplantation. Bone loss is closely correlated with biochemical markers of bone resorption and total dose of glucocorticoids given post-transplant.

Adult↗

Decreased trabecular bone biomechanical competence, apparent density, IGF-II and IGFBP-5 content in acromegaly.

BACKGROUND: Earlier studies on the effect of excess growth hormone (GH) on trabecular bone have been conflicting. Since insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins (IGFBPs) in part mediate the effects of GH, the present study aimed to investigate trabecular bone composition of these growth factors in relation to biomechanical properties in acromegaly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trabecular bone biomechanical competence (compression test), apparent density (peripheral quantitative computed tomography, pQCT), and bone matrix contents of calcium (HCl hydrolysis) and IGFs (guanidinium-HCl extraction) were measured in iliac crest biopsies from 13 patients with active acromegaly (two women and 11 men, aged 21-61 years) and 21 age- and sex-matched controls (four women and 17 men, aged 23-64 years). RESULTS: Trabecular bone pQCT was reduced in acromegalic patients compared with controls (P = 0.005), as was biomechanical competence (P < 0.05 for all measures). These parameters were significantly positively correlated in both acromegalic patients and controls. The calcium content of trabecular bone was significantly increased in patients compared with controls. No significant differences were found in trabecular bone content of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, or osteocalcin. However, IGF-II and IGFBP-5 content was decreased (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates reduced trabecular biomechanical competence and apparent density in acromegaly, supporting previous observations of an unfavourable effect of chronic excess GH on the axial skeleton. Furthermore, we demonstrate decreased trabecular bone content of IGF-II and IGFBP-5 in these patients. However, we found no direct causal relationship between trabecular bone density and bone content of IGF-system components.

Acromegaly↗

Parathyroid adenoma in a subject with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia: coincidence or causality?

A middle-aged woman presented with a history of constipation, easy fatigue, depressive mood, lassitude, polydipsia, and polyuria. The patient posed a challenging diagnostic dilemma due to the presence of persistent severe hypercalcemia and relative lack of clinically manifested symptoms. Clinical, biochemical, and genetic examinations confirmed the diagnosis of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia as a result of C562Y calcium-sensing receptor mutation, and a coexisting parathyroid adenoma. After adenectomy, the patient's clinical situation improved markedly, and a modest equilibrium hypercalcemia persisted. This case presents an unusual combination of two relatively common endocrine disorders.

Adenoma↗

Effects of 12 months of GH treatment on cortical and trabecular bone content of IGFs and OPG in adults with acquired GH deficiency: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

To investigate the effects of 12 months of GH treatment on cortical and trabecular bone content of IGFs, iliac crest bone biopsies were obtained from 25 patients with GH deficiency (9 women and 16 men; ages, 21-61 yr; mean, 46 yr) who were randomized to sc injections with GH (2 IU/m(2).d) or placebo for 12 months. Levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3, IGFBP-5, osteocalcin, OPG, RANKL, and total protein were determined in extracts obtained after EDTA and guanidine hydrochloride extraction. Calcium was determined after HCl hydrolysis. Comparing changes during GH or placebo treatment, significant increases were observed during GH substitution for cortical and trabecular bone content of IGF-I [mean difference vs. placebo (mean +/- SEM), 97 +/- 30 and 72 +/- 38%] and OPG (mean difference vs. placebo, 109 +/- 59 and 51 +/- 19%). Also, a significant decline was found for cortical osteocalcin (mean difference vs. placebo, -49 +/- 22%) during GH treatment. In conclusion, our results indicate that long-term GH treatment increases the accumulation of IGF-I and OPG in cortical and trabecular bone in patients with GH deficiency, and this may in turn lead to an increase in bone mass and improved skeletal biomechanical competence.

Adult↗

Albers-Schönberg disease (autosomal dominant osteopetrosis, type II) results from mutations in the ClCN7 chloride channel gene.

Albers-Schönberg disease, or autosomal dominant osteopetrosis, type II (ADO II), is the most common form of osteopetrosis, a group of conditions characterized by an increased skeletal mass due to impaired bone and cartilage resorption. Following the assignment of the gene causing ADO II to chromosome 16p13.3, we now report seven different mutations in the gene encoding the ClCN7 chloride channel in all 12 ADO II families analysed. Additionally, a patient with the severe, autosomal recessive, infantile form of osteopetrosis (ARO) was identified as being homozygous for a ClCN7 mutation. From genotype-phenotype correlations, it seems that ADO II reflects a dominant negative effect, whereas loss-of-function mutations in ClCN7 do not cause abnormalities in heterozygous individuals. Because some ARO patients have mutations in both copies of the ClCN7 gene, ADO II is allelic with a subset of ARO cases.

Alleles↗

Mapping of autosomal dominant osteopetrosis type II (Albers-Schönberg disease) to chromosome 16p13.3.

The osteopetroses are a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by a bone-density increase due to impaired bone resorption. As well as the two or more autosomal recessive types, two autosomal dominant forms of osteopetrosis, differentiated by clinical and radiological signs, are described. Autosomal dominant osteopetrosis (ADO) type II, also known as "Albers-Schönberg disease," is characterized by sclerosis, predominantly involving the spine (vertebral end-plate thickening, or Rugger-Jersey spine), the pelvis ("bone-within-bone" structures), and the skull base. An increased fracture rate can be observed in these patients. By linkage analysis, the presence, on chromosome 1p21, of a gene causing ADO type II was previously suggested. However, analysis of further families with ADO type II indicated genetic heterogeneity within ADO type II, with the chromosome 1p21 locus being only a minor locus. We now perform a genomewide linkage scan of a French extended family with ADO type II, which allows us to localize an ADO type II gene on chromosome 16p13.3. Analysis of microsatellite markers in five further families with ADO type II could not exclude this chromosomal region. A summed maximum LOD score of 12.70 was generated with marker D16S3027, at a recombination fraction (straight theta) of 0. On the basis of the key recombinants in the families, a candidate region of 8.4 cM could be delineated, flanked by marker D16S521, on distal side, and marker D16S423, on the proximal side. Surprisingly, one of the families analyzed is the Danish family previously suggested to have linkage to chromosome 1p21. Linkage to chromosome 16p13.3 clearly cannot be excluded in this family, since a maximum LOD score of 4.21 at theta=0 is generated with marker D16S3027. Because at present no other family with ADO type II has proved to have linkage to chromosome 1p21, we consider the most likely localization of the disease-causing gene in this family to be to chromosome 16p13.3. This thus reopens the possibility that ADO type II is genetically homogeneous because of a single gene on chromosome 16p13.3.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Increased levels of biochemical markers of bone turnover in relation to persistent immune activation in common variable immunodeficiency.

BACKGROUND: Based on the involvement of cytokines and growth factors in bone homeostasis, we hypothesised that patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVI), characterised by persistent immune activation in vivo, may have disturbed bone metabolism as evaluated by biochemical markers of bone turnover. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), osteocalcin, carboxyterminal crosslinking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) were measured in 25 patients with CVI and compared to 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Patients with CVI had significantly higher serum levels of CTX-I and B-ALP, and significantly lower serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 compared to controls as shown in cross-sectional, and as for B-ALP and CTX-I, also during longitudinal testing. No differences were observed for osteocalcin between the two groups. The elevated B-ALP and decreased IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were most pronounced in a subgroup of CVI patients characterised by persistent activation of proinflammatory cytokines in vivo. Raised B-ALP and decreased IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were also significantly correlated with enhanced IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that persistent immune activation in vivo, with raised levels of proinflammatory cytokines, may be related to disturbed bone homeostasis in CVI patients, further supporting an interaction between immune related mediators and bone metabolism in humans.

Adult↗

Leptin response to endogenous acute stress is independent of pituitary function.

There are close interactions between the adipocyte-derived hormone, leptin, and the anterior pituitary, especially the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We investigated the relationship between the sympathetic adrenergic system and serum leptin levels, dependent on the function of anterior pituitary hormone axes, in 27 patients without a history of a hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma or other underlying endocrine disease. Based on responses in a routine insulin hypoglycemia test (ITT), the patients were classified as hypopituitary (HP; n=15), growth hormone deficient (GHD; n=6) or controls (CTR; 6 patients with normal responses). Nadir plasma glucose was 1.5+/-0.1 mmol/l at the time of maximum hypoglycemia. Each group had a significant increase in plasma epinephrine; however the magnitude of change was significantly higher in GHD (6.066+/-1.633 nmol/l) compared with HP patients (1.781+/-0.492 nmol/l) (P<0.01). The rise in norepinephrine was delayed (60 min) in the HP and CTR groups. However, in GHD patients there was a considerable increase at the time of hypoglycemia which was significantly different from HP (P<0.001) and CTR (P<0.05) patients. The increase in catecholamines was followed by a quick and significant decrease in serum leptin levels 45 min after an i.v. bolus injection of insulin in HP patients (-4.7+/-2.5%, P<0.05), which was significantly sustained after 60 min (-5.6+/-2.5%, P<0.05). In CTR patients there was a significant decrease in serum leptin levels 60 min after i.v. insulin (-14.4+/-6.9%, P<0.05), while no significant response was observed in the GHD group, although 5 of 6 patients had decreased levels at 45 and 60 min. No differences between the groups were found by ANOVA. In conclusion, an acute increase in endogenous circulating catecholamines is associated with a quick decrease in serum leptin levels. Intact anterior pituitary function seems not to be essential for this hitherto poorly understood mechanism.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Increased serum osteoprotegerin in disorders characterized by persistent immune activation or glucocorticoid excess--possible role in bone homeostasis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in bone metabolism in humans by measuring serum levels of OPG in five well-characterized patient populations with known or suspected pathology in bone homeostasis, but with differences in the pathogenesis of these disturbances. DESIGN: The study comprised 34 patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS), 24 acromegalic patients, 16 patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), 29 HIV-infected patients, 25 patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) and 59 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (CTR). METHODS: Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, OPG, C-terminal telopeptides of Type-I collagen (CTX-I) and osteocalcin were determined in all study subjects as well as cortisol (CS and CTR) and IGF-I (acromegaly, GHD and CTR). RESULTS: OPG levels were significantly elevated in both CVI (median increase approximately 32%, P < 0.05) and HIV-infected patients with especially high levels in the latter group ( approximately 52%, P < 0.001), significantly correlated with increased TNFalpha levels (r = 0.47, P < 0.02). Also CS patients had elevated serum OPG ( approximately 24%, P < 0.01), significantly correlated with increased serum cortisol (r = 0.35, P < 0.05). In contrast, OPG levels in acromegalic and GHD patients were not different from healthy controls. No relationships were found between OPG levels and CTX-I or osteocalcin. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that enhanced OPG levels may be a compensatory response to enhanced osteoclast activity or negative bone remodeling balance in some conditions, but may also be a parameter of enhanced activity in the OPG system possibly correlated to enhanced activity of other members of the TNF family.

Acromegaly↗

[Marginal primary hyperparathyroidism. Indication for treatment?].

Non familial primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is often diagnosed accidentally by serum calcium screening. Som patients have marginally elevated calcium values, normal renal function, no renal stone disease and no clinical signs of bone disease. Bone densitometry reveals slightly reduced bone mineral content. Long time observation may show no progression. Observation is recommended due to the potentially stationary and symptomfree condition. Recent investigations have however shown that pHPT is associated with cardiac changes and elevated risk of cardiovascular death. Neuropsychiatric changes influencing level of function and quality of life have been demonstrated. There is therefore a substantial need for re-evaluation of the natural course of apparent asymptomatic pHPT and the effect of parathyroid surgery.

Bone Density↗

[Acromegaly--diagnosis and treatment].

BACKGROUND: Acromegaly is a rare but clinically important disease caused by growth hormone hypersecretion, usually from a pituitary adenoma. The condition is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prevalence of acromegaly is estimated to be 4-6 cases per million per year. The diagnosis is based on glucose-suppressed plasma growth hormone. When the diagnosis is confirmed, MR imaging of the pituitary gland is performed. RESULTS: Standard treatment is transsphenoidal microsurgery; however, radicality is often difficult because of extensive tumour growth. Preoperative administration of somatostatin analogues may improve the surgical outcome. INTERPRETATION: We have initiated a randomized, prospective study to elucidate this adjuvant treatment. Somatostatin analouges are required in the case of postoperative activity. This treatment is without tachyphylaxis and has few side effects. Alternatively, dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine can be used, especially in mixed tumours coproducing prolactin. Newer, more specific dopamine agonists are currently being evaluated. Radiation therapy may be required in large, unresectable tumours, but the effects are slow-acting, and almost all patients develop hypopituitarism. Gamma knife radiosurgery seems promising for stopping tumour growth as well as for decreasing excessive hormone production. However long-time follow-up results are so far lacking.

Acromegaly↗

Leptin levels in relation to body composition and insulin concentration in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome compared to controls matched for body mass index.

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with weight gain and visceral obesity. We examined the relationship between regional fat distribution and serum levels of leptin, cortisol and insulin. Twenty-three consecutive patients with recently diagnosed CS (18 with pituitary adenoma, 5 with adrenal tumor), where compared to obese controls, matched for age, sex and Body Mass Index (BMI). Serum insulin, leptin, cortisol, C-peptide and body composition determined by DEXA were measured. Serum leptin levels were significantly increased in patients with CS (36.9+/-3.8 vs 18.9+/-2.4 ng/ml, p<0.001; women: 40.1+/-4.6 vs 21.7+/-2.9 ng/ml, p<0.01; men: 27.9+/-5.7 vs 10.9+/-2.3 ng/ml; p<0.05), the same were fasting insulin levels (178+/-30 vs 81+/-10 pmol/l; p<0.01) and C-peptide (1.51+/-0.12 vs 0.77+/-0.07 nmol/l; p<0.001). In a subgroup of 12 patients, truncal fat mass was significantly elevated when compared to obese controls (19.2 kg vs 14.7 kg, p<0.01, and 42% vs 36% in percentage of truncal body tissue, p<0.05), whereas total fat mass was insignificantly increased. Serum leptin correlated positively to total body fat (%) as in patients with CS (r=0.94, p<0.001) as in controls (r=0.68, p<0.01). The correlation to truncal body fat (%) was also significant in both groups (CS: r=0.84, p<0.001; controls: r=0.63, p<0.01). Multiple regression showed that percent total body fat was the predictor of leptin concentrations among patients with CS (r2=0.88, p<0.001) whereas insulin did not contribute significantly to the variance in leptin concentrations. In controls, both leptin and insulin (r2=0.65, p<0.001) contributed significantly to the variations in leptin levels. Controlled for the differences in total body fat, patients with endogenous CS have significantly increased serum leptin levels, compared to BMI-matched obese controls. This suggests that hyperleptinemia in CS not primarily reflects changes in body composition, but is the result of different hormonal influences on adipose tissue.

Adipose Tissue↗

Serum creatine kinase isoenzyme BB in mammalian osteopetrosis.

In mammalian osteopetrosis the different mutations exemplify reduced bone resorption leading to net accumulation of bone. Recently, high blood levels of creatine kinase-BB have been reported in some human forms, suggesting it as a marker of osteopetrosis. In the current study serum creatine kinase-BB was evaluated in relation to known osteoclastic pathophysiology in two human types of autosomal dominant osteopetrosis at baseline and after stimulation with triiodothyronine and in four different rodent mutations. Creatine kinase-BB was increased markedly in Type 2 autosomal dominant osteopetrosis and in the incisors absent rat, both characterized by large numbers of giant osteoclasts, and did not change significantly after stimulation. Although creatine kinase-BB was unchanged in Type 1 autosomal dominant osteopetrosis at baseline and after stimulation, the rodent counterparts characterized by small osteoclasts, microphthalmic and osteopetrotic mice and toothless rats, had significantly decreased levels. Similar differences were observed in both types of autosomal dominant osteopetrosis compared with controls concerning tartrate resistant acid phosphatase. Creatine kinase-BB in mammalian osteopetrosis is related to osteoclastic number and size, where it probably reflects the differentiation and maturation of inactive bone resorbing cells. The isoenzyme does not seem to be a valuable screening marker for osteopetrosis.

Adult↗

[Borderline primary hyperparathyroidism].

The clinical presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism has changed considerably after the application of biochemical autoanalysers. The condition was previously found with characteristic symptoms in bone, kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract; less than 1% of patients were assumed to be asymptomatic. Today, most patients have mild and uncharacteristic symptoms. Primary hyperparathyroidism has been detected with increasing frequency in the western world, but there are large variations within demographically otherwise comparable areas. There are also regional differences regarding the incidence of surgical treatment of the disease. Demographic studies have shown increased morbidity and mortality primarily from cardiovascular and possibly malign diseases related to hypercalcemia. Follow-up studies based on surgical series have shown increased mortality related to preoperative serum calcium level. In view of the altered clinical picture of primary hyperparathyroidism, treatment of moderate and possibly "benign" primary hyperparathyroidism has been actualised. At an international consensus conference in 1990, this patient group was defined by an arbitrary serum calcium limit of 3.0 mmol/l, but this limit has been found to be unacceptably high. Regardless of where the upper limit is set, there are so far well accepted indications for surgery, but only one in two patients fulfil these criteria. A working group of endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons from nine university clinics in Scandinavia have recently initiated a prospective, randomised study evaluating surgical treatment and a systematic follow-up of patients with borderline primary hyperparathyroidism.

Bone Density↗

[A Scandinavian multicenter study will investigate the question: surgery or not in mild primary hyperparathyroidism?].

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disease particularly prevalent among elderly women. A majority of these patients diagnosed today are mildly hypercalcaemic, and many seem to lack manifest symptoms or complications. In such cases, conservative follow-up rather than parathyroid surgery may be suggested. However, long-term follow-up may entail costly investigations and be difficult to accomplish. Moreover, conservative follow-up is associated with a risk of subsequent complications or even premature death due to cardiovascular disorders. A Scandinavian multicentre study has been initiated to assess survival, morbidity and quality of life in surgically vs. conservatively treated patients.

Aged↗

Increased cortical bone content of insulin-like growth factors in acromegalic patients.

To investigate cortical bone composition and the role of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in active acromegaly, iliac crest bone biopsies were obtained from 15 patients (3 women and 12 men), aged 21-64 yr (mean, 45.6 yr), and 25 age- and sex-matched controls (8 women and 17 men), aged 22-66 yr (mean, 44.6 yr). Levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), IGFBP-5, and total protein were determined in extracts obtained after ethylenediamine tetraacetate and guanidine hydrochloride extraction. Osteocalcin and calcium were determined in extracts after HCl hydrolysis. Cortical bone contents of IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP-5 were significantly elevated in the acromegalic patients compared with control values [91% (P < 0.001), 44% (P < 0.04), and 115% (P < 0.004), respectively]. There was no significant difference in IGFBP-3, osteocalcin, protein, and calcium between patients and controls. This study suggests that the increased levels of growth factors in cortical bone from acromegalics is a reflection of local production, secondary to a chronic systemic excess of GH and IGF-I.

Acromegaly↗

Decreased bone formative and enhanced resorptive markers in human immunodeficiency virus infection: indication of normalization of the bone-remodeling process during highly active antiretroviral therapy.

As cytokines and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] appear to have an important role in bone homeostasis, we examined the possibility that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, characterized by enhanced levels of proinflammatory cytokines and 1,25-(OH)2D deficiency, have disturbed bone metabolism by analyzing serum markers of bone formation (osteocalcin) and bone resorption (C-telopeptide) in 73 HIV-infected patients. HIV-infected patients with advanced clinical and immunological disease and high viral load were characterized by increased C-telopeptide and particularly by markedly depressed osteocalcin levels. HIV-infected patients had enhanced activation of the TNF system. Serum concentrations of p55 and p75-TNF receptors were negatively correlated with osteocalcin, and p75-TNF receptor was positively correlated with C-telopeptide. HIV-infected patients with advanced disease also had decreased serum concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D, but this parameter was not correlated with osteocalcin or C-telopeptide. During 24 months with highly active antiretroviral therapy there was a marked rise in serum osteolcalcin levels together with a profound fall in viral load and TNF components and a marked rise in CD4+ T cell counts. Also, there was a shift from no correlation to a significant correlation between osteocalcin and C-telopeptide levels during such therapy. The present study suggests disturbed bone formation and resorption during HIV infection. Our findings indicating synchronization of bone remodeling during highly active antiretroviral therapy may represent a previously unrecognized beneficial effect of such therapy and expand our knowledge of the interactions between cytokines and bone in the bone-remodeling process.

Adult↗