In contrast to “classical” forms of Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) types I to IV, caused by a mutation in COL1A1/A2, OI type V is due to a gain-of-function mutation in the IFITM5 gene, encoding the interferon-induced transmembrane protein 5, or bone-restricted ifitm-like protein (BRIL). Its phenotype distinctly differs from OI types I to IV by absence of blue sclerae and dentinogenesis imperfecta, by the occurrence of ossification disorders like hyperplastic callus and forearm interosseous membrane ossification. Little is known about the impact of the mutation on bone tissue/material level in untreated and bisphosphonate treated patients.
Therefore investigations of transiliac bone biopsy samples from a cohort of OI type V children (n=15, 8.7±4 years old) untreated at baseline and a subset (n=8) after pamidronate treatment (2.6 years in average) were performed. Quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) was used to determine bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) as well as osteocyte lacunar density. The BMDD of type V OI bone was distinctly shifted towards higher degree of mineralization. The most frequently occurring calcium concentration (CaPeak) in cortical (Ct) and cancellous (Cn) bone was markedly increased (+11.5%, +10.4%, respectively, P<0.0001) compared to healthy reference values. Treatment with pamidronate resulted in only a slight enhancement of mineralization. The osteocyte lacunar density derived from sectioned bone area was elevated in OI type V Ct and Cn bone (+171%, P<0.0001 and +183.3%, P<0.01, respectively) versus controls. The high osteocyte density was associated with an overall immature primary bone structure (”mesh-like”) as visualized by polarized light microscopy.
In summary the bone material from OI type V patients is hypermineralized, similarly to other forms of OI. The elevated osteocyte lacunar density in connection with lack of regular bone lamellation points to an exuberant primary bone formation and an alteration of the bone remodeling process in OI type V.