Bone density and bone-related biochemical variables in normal men: a longitudinal study

Abstract

Background. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of forearm bone loss and its relationship to markers of bone turnover and sex steroids in normal men. This was a longitudinal study over a median interval of 41 months. The study was conducted in Adelaide, Australia. Study participants were 123 healthy male subjects, between the ages of 20 and 83 years. Methods. Fat-corrected forearm bone mineral content (fcBMC), markers of bone formation (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, procollagen type 1 C-terminal extension peptide) and bone resorption (collagen type I cross-linked telopeptide, hydroxyproline/creatinine, pyridinoline/creatinine, and deoxypyridinoline/creatinine), calculated serum bioavailable testosterone, and serum estradiol were measured. Results. The mean time-weighted rate of change in forearm fcBMC was −0.33% ± 0.72 (SD) per year. Bone loss commenced after 30 years of age and increased with age (p < .001), particularly after age 70 years. There was no relationship between the rate of change in fcBMC and either markers of bone turnover or serum sex steroids. Conclusions. In normal men, bone loss increases with age; there does not appear to be any relationship between this loss and either markers of bone turnover or levels of free androgen or estrogen.