Bone Abstracts

Bisphosphonates (BP) are used as anti-resorptive drugs in benign (osteoporosis) and malignant (myeloma, bone metastasis) bone diseases. Their high affinity for biominerals allows prolonged storage within bone. However information about molecular impact of BP on bone quality are missing. Better understanding of BP properties to optimize their clinical use is needed. The aim of this study was thus to investigate human bone physicochemical changes upon BP uptake.<p class="abs...

Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D have been documented among inhabitants of the wider Middle East and North African countries. Sunlight has long been recognized as a major provider of vitamin D. In this study we aimed to determine the optimum time for sun exposure in the Central region of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ampoules containing 7-dehydrocholesterol in ethanol were exposed to sunlight every hour starting from sunrise until sunset in July and December. Our results demonstrated...

Background: The Ketogenic Diet Treatment (KDT) is a well-established intervention for intractable childhood epilepsy and the first choice treatment for Gluccose-1-transporter-deficiency-syndrome and Pyruvate-dehydrogenase-complex deficiency. During long-term follow up of children treated with KDT an increased incidence of bone fractures has been found. However, the exact contribution of KDT to a decreased BMD remains unclear. Prophylactic supplementation with calcium and vitam...

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders of bone formation, resulting in low bone mass and an increased propensity to fracture. It is a variable condition with a range of clinical severity. About 90% of patients with a clinical diagnosis of OI have a mutation in the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes, which shows an autosomal dominant pattern (AD) of inheritance. Other genes are associated with the autosomal recessive (AR) ...

Genetic skeletal diseases (GSDs) are an extremely diverse and complex group of rare genetic diseases that primarily affect the development and homeostasis of the osseous skeleton. There are more than 450 unique and well-characterised phenotypes that range in severity from relatively mild to severe and lethal forms. Although individually rare, as a group of related genetic diseases, GSDs have an overall prevalence of at least 1/4000 child. Qualitative defects in cartilage struc...

Biographical DetailsMichael D Briggs obtained his PhD at the MRC Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, studying the genetic basis of osteogenesis imperfecta. He undertook postdoctoral work at UCLA identifying the genetic basis of chondrodysplasias. In 1996 Mike moved to Manchester as an AR-UK Fellow to continue studying disease mechanisms in chondrodysplasia. In 2004 he was awarded a Wellcome...

Objectives: Young male jockeys undertake calorie restriction and high volumes of physical activity during periods of musculoskeletal growth and development. Previous research shows that jockeys have compromised bone health1–4 and display disordered eating5–7. Restricted intakes of calcium and vitamin D, together with excessive amounts of exercise, increase the risk of osteoporosis in males8. The aim of this study was to establish whet...

Background: A 3 month-old boy was born at term, to non-consanguineous parents by spontaneous vaginal delivery, in good condition, weighing 4.19 kg. Newborn examination, including eyes, was normal prior to discharge. He has two older brothers in good health.Presenting problem: He was admitted at 7 days of life with focal seizures and hypocalcaemia (1.5 mmol/l), hypomagnesaemia (0.6 mmol/l), hyperphosphataemia (3.7 mmol/l) and inappropriately low parathyro...

In sharp contrast to the great interest in morphology of the proximal femur in aged individuals, there is a paucity of studies in children. To date, a comprehensive quantitative analysis of trabecular micro-architecture in various biomechanically relevant subregions of the immature proximal femur has been lacking. The aim of this study was to characterize postnatal development of trabecular bone in various regions of the human proximal femur. The study sample was comprised of ...

Habitual physical activities of past populations are frequently reconstructed based on musculoskeletal markers (MSM) in human skeletal remains, i.e. particular morphological features of muscles attachment sites. However, the relationship between muscular activity and bone microstructure at the site of muscle attachments is unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed at analyzing bone microstructural characteristics of the muscles attachments sites and correlating these features wi...