Brief Article
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World J Diabetes. Aug 15, 2013; 4(4): 145-150
Published online Aug 15, 2013. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v4.i4.145
Diabetes-related impairment in bone strength is established early in the life course
Krista Casazza, Lynae J Hanks, Gregory A Clines, Hubert M Tse, Alan W Eberhardt
Krista Casazza, Lynae J Hanks, Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-3360, United States
Gregory A Clines, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-3360, United States
Hubert M Tse, Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-3360, United States
Alan W Eberhardt, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-3360, United States
Author contributions: Casazza K and Eberhardt AW performed the majority of experiments; Tse HM provided animals and analytical tools and were also involved in editing the manuscript; Casazza K, Clines GA, Hanks LJ and Tse HM coordinated and provided the collection of all data in addition to providing financial support for this work; Casazza K, Hanks LJ and Clines GA designed the study and wrote the manuscript.
Supported by R00DK083333 (KC); T32DK007545 (LJH); P60DK079626 UAB Diabetes Research Center Pilot/Feasibility Grant
Correspondence to: Krista Casazza, PhD, Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave S, WEBB 439, Birmingham, AL 35294-3360, United States. kristac@uab.edu
Telephone: +1-205-9754316 Fax: +1-205-9347050
Received: March 6, 2013
Revised: April 24, 2013
Accepted: June 18, 2013
Published online: August 15, 2013
Abstract

AIM: To evaluate properties of bone quantity/quality using young non-obese Type 1 (T1D)-diabetic (NOD) prone and syngenic non-diabetic (NOD.scid) mice.

METHODS: Quantitative bone assessment of tibia was conducted using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for the evaluation of body mass, bone mineral content, body fat mass and lean mass. Qualitative assessment was accomplished by three-point breakage for assessment of force to failure and micro-computed tomography for evaluation of trabecular and cortical properties of bone. In addition, fasting blood was evaluated prior to sacrifice at week eleven and fifteen to evaluate and compare glucose homeostasis between the strains of mice.

RESULTS: Our findings support a perturbation in the relationship between bone quantity, quality, and subsequently, the association between structure and strength. There were no differences in DXA-assessed body composition (body fat, % fat mass and lean mass) and bone composition (bone mineral content and bone mineral density) between strains. However, relative to NOD.scid, NOD mice had lower trabecular bone volume, relative trabecular bone volume, trabecular number and trabecular total material density (P < 0.05). Conversely, NOD mice had greater cortical total mean volume (P < 0.05). General linear models analysis adjusted for body weight revealed a significant contribution of T1D to bone health as early as 5 wk.

CONCLUSION: It is well-established that diabetes is a significant risk factor for increased fractures, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Investigation of bone parameters encompassing strength and structure early in the life course will facilitate the elucidation of the pathogenesis of impaired bone integrity.

Keywords: Diabetes, Bone strength, Skeletal integrity, Development and growth, Non-obese diabetic

Core tip: Diabetes-related impairment in bone microarchitectural properties and parameters of quality was apparent as early as 5 wk.