Bone Mass and Bone Metabolism Markers during Adolescence: The HELENA Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: The assessment of bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) status in children and adolescents is important for health and the prevention of diseases. Bone metabolic activity could provide early information on bone mass development. Our aim was to describe bone mass and metabolism markers according to age and Tanner stage in adolescents. Methods: Spanish adolescents (n = 345; 168 males and 177 females) aged 12.5–17.5 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Body composition variables were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum osteocalcin (n = 101), aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (n = 92) and β-isomerized C-telopeptides (β-CTX, n = 65) and urine samples (β-CTX; n = 237) were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: Analysis of covariance showed that females had higher values for BMC and BMD in most of the regions. Both males and females had a significant decrease in bone markers while sexual maturation increases (all p < 0.05). Males had an increased bone turnover compared to females (all p < 0.05, except for urine β-CTX in Tanner ≤IV). Conclusion: Our results support the evidence of dimorphic site-specific bone accretion between sexes and show an increased bone turnover in males, suggesting higher metabolic activity.

The Tromsø Study: Fit Futures: a study of Norwegian adolescents’ lifestyle and bone health

“…Except for the 17 years old boys and girls in the ALSPAC cohort, reporting higher BMD levels at the hip [27] , most studies report lower BMD values for total hip and total body than Fit Futures do [28][29][30][31][32]. After converting Hologic measurements to GE-Lunar [33] mostly all our mean BMD values remained higher, which support our conclusions; the overall tendency of higher Fit Futures than Lunar values, may be explained by true population differences.…”

Association of Lean and Fat Body Mass, Bone Biomarkers and Gonadal Steroids with Bone Mass during Pre- and Midpuberty

“…This complex process of bone accrual is genetically determined and influenced by adequate nutrition, regular physical activity and optimal levels of thyroid, parathyroid, gonadal and pituitary hormones. Moreover, insulin-like growth factor-1, leptin and vitamin D also influence bone mass gain [1,2,3,4]. Puberty has a positive effect on bone mass, and during this time, peak bone mass increases by approximately 50% [5].…”

“…Bone mineralization increases throughout childhood, and the skeletal mass is doubled. Nearly 50% of peak bone mass accumulates during pubertal growth [1,5]. However, according to widespread examinations of bone mass, numerous influencing factors should be taken into account both before and during puberty.…”

“…Many studies from various countries have examined bone mass and bone turnover markers during puberty, but fewer studies have focused on such markers during prepuberty [1,10]. Numerous researchers have investigated the relationship between bone mass, bone turnover and gonadal steroids in different stages of puberty [2,12].…”

Effect of fitness and physical activity on bone mass in adolescents: the HELENA Study

“…It may contribute to more than half of the variability of bone mass with age with as much as 51% of peak bone mass accumulated during pubertal growth (Rizzoli et al 2010). In general, male adolescents have a signiWcant higher bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) than female adolescents in most of regions, in both age and sexual maturation groups (Gracia-Marco et al 2010). This should be considered taking into account that girls are at a higher risk than males of developing osteoporosis in adulthood (Campion and Maricic 2003).…”