Bone Abstracts

Background and Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease characterized by severe bone destruction which has been associated with altered lipid metabolism. Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) is a lipoprotein mainly produced by macrophages. ApoE has been described as crucial in lipid metabolism but also as an important anti-inflammatory mediator regulating innate immunity and bone turnover. In the present study we investigated the role of Apo E in bone destruction during ...

Introduction: Recent data suggest that imbalances in lipid metabolism affect bone cell function resulting in osteoporosis. Here, we investigated the role of apolipoprotein E (ApoE), essential component of chylomicron and very low density Lipoprotein metabolic pathways, in the regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast function and thus in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.Material and methods: We used apoE deficient (ApoE−/−) and wild ...

Introduction: Recent data suggest that lipid metabolism imbalances affect bone cell function and therefore may result in the development of osteoporosis. We investigated the role of apolipoprotein-E (ApoE), a plasma protein playing cardinal role in lipoprotein metabolism, in the regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast function and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.Material and methods: We used apoE deficient (ApoE−/−) and C57BL/6 (c...

Objective: Although metabolic syndrome is common in gout patients, recent reports that bone mineral density may actually be reduced (and falls common) in this group have led researchers to hypothesise that osteoporotic fracture may be more common in subjects with gout than in healthy controls. We tested this hypothesis in a national Danish registry.Material and Methods: We identified subjects as new users of allopurinol, a proxy for gout, for the years 1...

Osteocytes make up >90% of bone cells, are embedded in mineralised matrix where they form a communication network. Osteocytes differentiate from osteoblasts, and are mechano-sensitive. They are very difficult to isolate with a dependence on cell lines for in vitro studies of osteocyte biology. Therefore new methods to study these cells are essential. Recent publications indicate that osteoblasts maintained in in vitro 3D collagen gels may differentiate to...

Despite its importance, the resorptive surface of osteoclasts has not been directly visualised. We exploited a novel approach that enables us to inspect the substrate-apposed surface of cells. To achieve this, we incubated osteoclasts on vitronectin-coated nail varnish and, afterwards, we dissolved the substrate and visualised the cells resorbing-side up in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). We then employed confocal microscopy to correlate the SEM appearances with the di...

Children with cerebral palsy who are unable to walk independently are prone to lower limb muscle weakness which contributes to pain, deformity and functional loss. As a result of these motor difficulties the children are less physically active than their unimpaired peers and subsequently at greater risk of reduced bone density. This pilot study introduced a novel mobility device, running bikes, to a group of non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy to investigate if it was a ...

Background: Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is most commonly caused by a defect in the genes which produce type 1 collagen. Features of OI include fractures, hypermobility and weakness. Severely affected children can present with deformities such as bowing of long bones and spinal curves. Mobility may be significantly impaired. The medical management of children with severe OI includes orthopaedic surgery and bisphosphonate treatment. Physiotherapy to promote function and partici...

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Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is most commonly caused by a defect in the gene that produces type I collagen. Features include fractures and ligamentous laxity. Reduced muscle tone is often seen, which can result in gross motor delay in younger children.Dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses (DEFOs or lycra garments) are widely used in children with low truncal muscle tone, have been shown to improve posture, and increase stability. There is no research in th...