Distúrbios do metabolismo mineral e ósseo são altamente prevalentes e considerados como causa relevante da morbidade e mortalidade dos pacientes com doença renal crônica. Diversas estratégias diagnósticas e terapêuticas têm sido estudadas nesses doentes; entretanto, pouco valor é dado ao cálcio do dialisato, apesar do impacto que possa exercer sobre o balanço de cálcio durante a hemodiálise. Os fatores determinantes da transferência de cálcio durante o procedimento são ainda controversos. Nesse estudo prospectivo, avaliamos a influência da remodelação óssea sobre o balanço de cálcio em dez pacientes dialíticos em três situações consecutivas: hiperparatireoidismo grave (Pré paratireoidectomia), durante a \"síndrome de fome óssea\" (Fome óssea) imediatamente após a paratireoidectomia e após estabilização clínica (Paratireoidectomia tardia). Durante cada fase os participantes foram submetidos a três sessões randômicas de hemodiálise com diferentes concentrações de cálcio no dialisato: 2,5; 3,0 e 3,5 mEq/L. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à biópsia óssea para análise histomorfométrica e quantificação de proteínas ósseas no início do estudo. A transferência de cálcio variou grandemente entre os pacientes em cada fase do estudo mesmo usando o mesmo cálcio no dialisato, com valores negativos de medianas no Pré paratireoidectomia e Fome óssea (-161mg e -218mg, respectivamente) e discretamente positivo no Paratireoidectomia tardio (39mg; p < 0,05 versus Pré paratireoidectomia e Fome óssea). Análise de regressão multivariada mostrou que o gradiente de cálcio entre o cálcio iônico sérico inicial e o cálcio do dialisato, a diferença entre o cálcio iônico sérico final e o inicial e a forma não carboxilada da osteocalcina foram preditores independentes da transferencia de cálcio (R2=0.48; p < 0.05). Pelo fato da remodelação óssea também influenciar os níveis séricos de cálcio iônico e suas variações durante a diálise, nesse estudo demonstramos que o esqueleto tem papel fundamental no balanço de cálcio e essas variáveis devem ser consideradas na individualização do cálcio do dialisato de nossos pacientes / Disturbances in mineral and bone metabolism are highly prevalent and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients. Different diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have been studied in these patients. However, little attention is paid to the calcium concentration in the dialysate, despite the impact it could exert over calcium balance during dialysis. The variables that determine calcium transfer during hemodialysis are still controversial. In this study, we have prospectively investigated the influence of bone remodeling on calcium balance in ten dialysis patients in three consecutive situations: severe hyperparathyroidism (Pre parathyroidectomy), during \"hungry bone syndrome\" (Hungry bone) right after surgery and after stabilization of clinical status (Late parathyroidectomy). During each phase participants were submitted to 3 random hemodialysis sessions, with different dialysate calcium: 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 mEq/L. Bone biopsy for hystomorphometric analysis and bone proteins quantification were performed in all patients at baseline. Calcium mass transfer varied widely among patients in each study phase even using the same dialysis calcium with negative median values in Pre parathyroidectomy and Hungry Bone (-161 and -218mg, respectively) and slightly positive in Late parathyroidectomy (39mg; p<0.05 versus Pre parathyroidectomy and Hungry Bone). Multiple regression analysis showed that calcium gradient between initial serum ionic calcium and the dialysate calcium, the difference between final and initial serum ionic calcium and serum undercarboxylated form of osteocalcin were independent predictors of calcium mass transfer (R2=0.48; p<0.05). As bone remodeling also influences the serum levels of ionic calcium and its variance during dialysis, in this study we have added new data by demonstrating that the skeleton plays a key role on calcium balance and these variables must be considered when individualizing calcium dialysate for our patients

As alterações do metabolismo mineral ocorrem precocemente nos pacientes com doença renal e podem interferir na formação, reabsorção e mineralização óssea comprometendo a integridade do esqueleto. Recentemente demonstramos que animais com sobrecarga de fósforo desenvolvem lesões ósseas semelhantes à osteoporose. O controle da hiperfosfatemia se faz com restrição de fósforo na dieta, e com o uso de quelantes. Um dos quelantes mais utilizados são os sais de cálcio. Estudos demonstraram que o uso desses quelantes favorece a progressão de calcificações arteriais nos pacientes com doença renal crônica. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o efeito isolado do cálcio e do cálcio/fósforo no tecido ósseo e cardiovascular de ratos urêmicos submetidos a nefrectomia 5/6 (Nx) e paratireoidectomia (PTX),variando o conteúdo de cálcio e de cálcio/fósforo na dieta desses animais. Os níveis de paratormônio (PTH) foram restaurados com implante de mini-bombas osmóticas para infusão do 1-34 PTH de rato na dose de 0.022 g/100 g/h (fisiológica), ou de veículo (2% cisteina). Imediatamente após a Nefrectomia ou Sham Nx, os animais foram divididos em grupos de acordo com a dieta que continha Ca/P: 0,7%(Grupo Sham), Ca 1,2% (Grupo Nx RCa) e Ca/P: 1,2%/ 1,2% (Grupo Nx RCa/P). Após 2 meses, os animais foram sacrificados e foram realizadas as análises bioquímicas e histomorfométricas. Os animais nefrectomizados desenvolveram doença renal moderada, elevação da pressão arterial, assim como hiperfosfatemia, enquanto que apenas os animais Nx RCa/P cursaram com hipocalcemia. A infusão de 1-34 PTH foi efetiva, e os animais Nx RCa/P cursaram com elevação do FGF 23 e diminuição do calcitriol. Os animais que ingeriram dieta RCa e RCa/P apresentaram diminuição do volume trabecular (BV/TV), com diminuição dos parâmetros de formação(OS/BS e Ob.S/BS). Os animais que ingeriram dieta rica em cálcio e em cálcio/fósforo apresentaram maior apoptose de osteoblastos. A expressão gênica da TRAP foi maior nos animais Nx. Não detectamos calcificação vascular no tecido cardíaco e aorta dos animais. Em conclusão a sobrecarga de cálcio e de cálcio/fósforo associada à infusão fisiológica de PTH levam a diminuição do volume ósseo de animais urêmicos, conseqüente ao aumento da apoptose dos osteoblastos levando menor formação óssea; assim como maior atividade dos osteoclastos avaliada pela TRAP e não promoveu calcificação vascular nestes animais. O modelo animal que utilizamos reflete condições clínicas encontradas em pacientes com DRC / Bone and mineral metabolism disturbances occur early in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may interfere in bone formation, resorption or mineralization, compromising skeletal integrity. We previously have shown that phosphate (P) overload in uremic rats leads to decreased bone volume. In the clinical setting, the therapy for hyperphosphatemia includes dietary P restriction, as well as P binders, including calcium (Ca) salts. Previous studies have shown that Ca-based P binders favor the progression of vascular calcification in CKD patients. The current study evaluated the isolated effect of Ca or Ca and P overload on bone and cardiovascular tissues from uremic rats that were submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) and parathyroidectomy (PTx), manipulating the Ca and P content in their diets. Parathormone (PTH) serum levels were kept in a normal range using miniosmotic pumps delivering rat 1-34 PTH or using vehicle. After Nx, animals were divided into three groups according to the diet: 0.7% Ca, 0.7% P (Sham Group); 1.2% Ca, 0.7% P (Nx HCa Group) and 1.2% Ca, 1.2% P (Nx HCa/P Group). After two months, animals were killed and biochemical and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Nx animals developed moderate CKD, arterial hypertension, as well as hyperphosphatemia, whereas only Nx HCa/P animals showed hypocalcemia. Osmotic infusion of PTH was effective, as confirmed by serum PTH levels. Nx HCa/P animals showed elevated serum FGF 23, as well as decreased serum calcitriol. Animals that were submitted to Ca or Ca/P overload showed decrease trabecular volume and a reduction in bone formation parameters, such as osteoid and osteoblastic surfaces. A significant increase in osteoblast apoptosis was seen in Nx HCa and Nx HCa/P Groups. The TRAP expression was higher in Nx animals. We could not observe vascular calcification in these animals. In conclusion, Ca or Ca/P overload associated with physiologic PTH infusion was associated with lower bone volume in uremic animals, explained by a increased osteoblastic apoptosis leads to decreased bone formation, and increased osteoclastic activity assessed by TRAP. This model resembles clinical conditions that are commonly observed in CKD patients

The effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH), prostaglandins (PGE1, PGE2, PGF2a), cAMP, cAMP-analogues, phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors and la (OH) D3 on bone resorption and associated cellular process have been studied in a bone organ culture system using half- calvaria from 6-7 day-old mice. Bone resorption was assessed by determining the release of calcium (Ca2+), inorganic phosphate (Pi) and 45Ca from the calvarial bones to the culture media. The release of lysosomal enzymes was studied by analysing the activities of β-glucuronidase, β-N-acetyl- glucosaminidase, β-galactosidase and p-nitrophenyl phosphatase in bone expiants and culture media. The release of non-lysosomal enzymes was followed by assaying the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) in the expiants as well as the media. In addition glucose consumption and lactate production was registered. The findings may be summarized as follows: 1. cAMP and PDE-inhibitors have the capacity to inhibit the initial stages of spontaneous as well as PTH- PGE1- and PGE2-stimulated bone resorption. 2. cAMP and PDE-inhibitors produce after a lag period, or a period of reduced bone resorption, a stimulatory effect on bone resorption. 3. There is a significant correlation between bone resorption and lysosomal enzyme release both as regards the inhibitory and stimulatory effect of cAMP. 4. PGE2 and la (OH) D3 increase the release of lysosomal enzymes in parallel with bone resorption. 5. Bone resorption stimulated by cAMP and PGE2 is associated with increased glucose consumption and lactate production, while la (OH) D3 promotes bone resorption without any change with regard to these parameters of glucose metabolism. It is concluded that the initial stages of bone resorption stimulated by PTH, PGE1 and PGE2 is medited by cAMP-independent mechanisms, but that this nucleotide may be an intracellular mediator of these hormones of later stages of bone resorption. It is suggested that the role played by cAMP may be related to the capacity of PTH and PGE2 to develop new osteoclasts. The observations further support the concept that lysosomal enzyme release is intimately associated with bone resorption. Finally it is concluded that increased lactate production seems to be related to bone resorption stimulated by agents which increase the level of cAMP (PTH, PGE2, dbcAMP), but that it is not an indispensible part of the mechanism by which the osteoclasts solubilize bone mineral. / digitalisering@umu.se

The parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) and Indian Hedgehog (IHH) are two secreted molecules, acting as paracrine factors during embryonic development and post-natal growth of endochondral bones. PTHrP and IHH are essential factors for the regulation of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. However, it has previously been shown that PTHrP and IHH are also expressed in the chick and mouse embryos intramembranous bones, which do not form through a cartilage intermediate and in which chondrocytes are absent. Similarly, the zebrafish orthologs, pthrp1 and ihha, are also expressed during the regeneration of the intramembranous bones of the fin rays of the zebrafish caudal fin. This surprising observation led us to further analyze the expression and function of pthrp1 and ihha in the regenerating fin rays. Gene expression analysis using in situ hybridization shows that pthrp1 is expressed in a stripe of cells located within the domain of expression of ihha in the newly differentiating osteoblasts in the regenerating fin rays. Also, pthrp1 expression is observed at the level of the joints between the bone segments forming the rays and co-localizes with the expression domain of evx1, a transcription factor that has been implicated in the formation of joints in the caudal fin. Furthermore, RT-PCR analyses show that pthrp2 and the pthrp receptors mRNA (pth1r, pth2r and pth3r) are also present in the fin regenerate. Finally, functional analysis shows that the knockdown of pthrp1 or ihha expression by electroporation of morpholinos induces a delay of the regenerative outgrowth of the fin. These results suggest that pthrp1 and ihha may be involved in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of chondrocyte-like osteoblasts in the fin rays, playing a role similar to that described in the mammalian growth plate of endochondral bones. In addition, pthrp1 is possibly an important factor involved in the formation and maintenance of joints of the dermal bones of the fin rays.

As alterações do metabolismo mineral ocorrem precocemente nos pacientes com doença renal e podem interferir na formação, reabsorção e mineralização óssea comprometendo a integridade do esqueleto. Recentemente demonstramos que animais com sobrecarga de fósforo desenvolvem lesões ósseas semelhantes à osteoporose. O controle da hiperfosfatemia se faz com restrição de fósforo na dieta, e com o uso de quelantes. Um dos quelantes mais utilizados são os sais de cálcio. Estudos demonstraram que o uso desses quelantes favorece a progressão de calcificações arteriais nos pacientes com doença renal crônica. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o efeito isolado do cálcio e do cálcio/fósforo no tecido ósseo e cardiovascular de ratos urêmicos submetidos a nefrectomia 5/6 (Nx) e paratireoidectomia (PTX),variando o conteúdo de cálcio e de cálcio/fósforo na dieta desses animais. Os níveis de paratormônio (PTH) foram restaurados com implante de mini-bombas osmóticas para infusão do 1-34 PTH de rato na dose de 0.022 g/100 g/h (fisiológica), ou de veículo (2% cisteina). Imediatamente após a Nefrectomia ou Sham Nx, os animais foram divididos em grupos de acordo com a dieta que continha Ca/P: 0,7%(Grupo Sham), Ca 1,2% (Grupo Nx RCa) e Ca/P: 1,2%/ 1,2% (Grupo Nx RCa/P). Após 2 meses, os animais foram sacrificados e foram realizadas as análises bioquímicas e histomorfométricas. Os animais nefrectomizados desenvolveram doença renal moderada, elevação da pressão arterial, assim como hiperfosfatemia, enquanto que apenas os animais Nx RCa/P cursaram com hipocalcemia. A infusão de 1-34 PTH foi efetiva, e os animais Nx RCa/P cursaram com elevação do FGF 23 e diminuição do calcitriol. Os animais que ingeriram dieta RCa e RCa/P apresentaram diminuição do volume trabecular (BV/TV), com diminuição dos parâmetros de formação(OS/BS e Ob.S/BS). Os animais que ingeriram dieta rica em cálcio e em cálcio/fósforo apresentaram maior apoptose de osteoblastos. A expressão gênica da TRAP foi maior nos animais Nx. Não detectamos calcificação vascular no tecido cardíaco e aorta dos animais. Em conclusão a sobrecarga de cálcio e de cálcio/fósforo associada à infusão fisiológica de PTH levam a diminuição do volume ósseo de animais urêmicos, conseqüente ao aumento da apoptose dos osteoblastos levando menor formação óssea; assim como maior atividade dos osteoclastos avaliada pela TRAP e não promoveu calcificação vascular nestes animais. O modelo animal que utilizamos reflete condições clínicas encontradas em pacientes com DRC / Bone and mineral metabolism disturbances occur early in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may interfere in bone formation, resorption or mineralization, compromising skeletal integrity. We previously have shown that phosphate (P) overload in uremic rats leads to decreased bone volume. In the clinical setting, the therapy for hyperphosphatemia includes dietary P restriction, as well as P binders, including calcium (Ca) salts. Previous studies have shown that Ca-based P binders favor the progression of vascular calcification in CKD patients. The current study evaluated the isolated effect of Ca or Ca and P overload on bone and cardiovascular tissues from uremic rats that were submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) and parathyroidectomy (PTx), manipulating the Ca and P content in their diets. Parathormone (PTH) serum levels were kept in a normal range using miniosmotic pumps delivering rat 1-34 PTH or using vehicle. After Nx, animals were divided into three groups according to the diet: 0.7% Ca, 0.7% P (Sham Group); 1.2% Ca, 0.7% P (Nx HCa Group) and 1.2% Ca, 1.2% P (Nx HCa/P Group). After two months, animals were killed and biochemical and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Nx animals developed moderate CKD, arterial hypertension, as well as hyperphosphatemia, whereas only Nx HCa/P animals showed hypocalcemia. Osmotic infusion of PTH was effective, as confirmed by serum PTH levels. Nx HCa/P animals showed elevated serum FGF 23, as well as decreased serum calcitriol. Animals that were submitted to Ca or Ca/P overload showed decrease trabecular volume and a reduction in bone formation parameters, such as osteoid and osteoblastic surfaces. A significant increase in osteoblast apoptosis was seen in Nx HCa and Nx HCa/P Groups. The TRAP expression was higher in Nx animals. We could not observe vascular calcification in these animals. In conclusion, Ca or Ca/P overload associated with physiologic PTH infusion was associated with lower bone volume in uremic animals, explained by a increased osteoblastic apoptosis leads to decreased bone formation, and increased osteoclastic activity assessed by TRAP. This model resembles clinical conditions that are commonly observed in CKD patients

Paratyroideahormon (PTH) och kortisol är två analyter som i dagsläget analyseras i serum med elektrokemilumenicense på instrumentet Cobas 8000® på Klinisk Kemi på Länssjukhuset i Kalmar. I framtiden är det planerat att övergå till att analysera dem i plasma. Syftet med projektet var att jämföra värden som erhållits för serum samt plasma för de båda analyterna och undersöka korrelationen mellan dem. Samtidigt utvärderades metodernas repeterbarhet samt eventuellt inflytande av oförutsebara faktorer på mätresultaten med en totalimprecisionsstudie.  PTH är ett peptidhormon som reglerar kalciumhomeostasen i kroppen. Dysfunktion i produktionen av PTH kan leda till osteoporos, hjärtarytmier, muskelkramper samt mentala störningar. Kortisol är ett livsnödvändigt steroidhormon som påverkar ämnesomsättningen och säkerställande det centrala nervsystemets energibehov i situationer med hög stress. Båda analyserna utförs rutinmässigt samt akut och en övergång till plasma skulle framför allt vara tidsbesparande och generera kortare svarstider. Jämförelsen av serum och plasma gjordes med 15 prover från patienter där ett serumrör samt ett plasmarör hade tagits vid samma provtillfälle. Detta resulterade i en determinationskoefficient (r2) som var för PTH 0,9988 och för kortisol 0,9993.  Totalimprecisionen uppskattades genom att analysera två serumkontroller för PTH och kortisol med sex replikat under fem dagar. Variationskoefficienten (CV) för de två PTH-serumkontrollerna var 3,9% för IM2 respektive 3,1% för IM3. För kortisol-serumkontrollerna var CV 2,1% för IM1 respektive 1,3% för IM2. För metoderna eftersträvades ett CV under 5%. Slutsatsen var att korrelationen mellan serum och plasma var mycket god samt att metoderna hade en bra stabilitet och repeterbarhet. / Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and cortisol are hormones involved in regulation of important mechanisms in the human body. PTH regulates the homeostasis of calcium and dysfunction in PTH production and release could lead to osteoporosis and arrythmia. Cortisol is involved in the metabolism and assures energy to the central nervous system in times of physiological stress. The concentration of these analytes is clinically determined by electrochemical luminescence on the immunochemical assay platform Cobas 8000®. In the laboratory of clinical chemistry in Kalmar the assays are performed on samples obtained from serum but changing to plasma assays would be more efficient and less time consuming. The aim of this project was to compare measured concentrations for PTH and cortisol using samples obtained from serum and plasma, respectively and to determine the correlation between the obtained results. The analytical precision was also evaluated to appreciate the influence of unpredictable events on the results.  The comparison between the results obtained from serum and plasma was performed by analysing 15 patient samples. Each serum and plasma sample were taken at the same time and from the same patient. The coefficient of determination for PTH was calculated to 0,9988 and for cortisol 0,9993 in serum and plasma, respectively. For the evaluation of the analytical precision, six replicates of two different serum controls for each analyte was assayed during six replicates for five days. In total of 30 replicates for each control. The coefficient of variation (CV) for PTH controls was 3,9% for IM2 and 3,1% for IM3. CV for cortisol was 2,1% for IM1 and 1,3% for IM2. The conclusion from this project was that there was a strong correlation between serum and plasma and both assays had good precision and repeatability.

A new tool for kinetic evaluation of kinetic rate constants is enabled by a 3rd generation biosensor. The tool is developed to meet the need of reliably experimental information and communication between pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies to increase the productivity and decrease the associated risks. Too obtain the necessary competences and resources for this, a project consisting of Attana AB, AstraZeneca AB, Waters Nordic AB and Karlstad University was established. The main aim of the project is to achieve a comprehension understanding of interactions of different character e.g. fast and slow kinetics. This report concerns a fast interaction system. By analyzing a parathyroid hormone system using standard biosensor assays and single cycle kinetics with Attana Cell™ 200 instruments the fast interaction was characterized. The experimental data was analyzed using standard kinetic evaluation and an adaptive interaction distribution algorithm. The latter tool is developed at Karlstad university in order to describe the heterogeneity of interactions. The idea is to use the heterogeneity information as a decision support in drug development. A sub aim was to investigate the feasibility of the single cycle kinetic assays compared to the standard biosensors assays. The results shows a decrease of experimental time by 70% for homogene interaction and the protocol enables assay without or with less regeneration.

No description available.

Motivation - The burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasing in developing countries worldwide, but even more so in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to rapid urbanisation, black populations experience lifestyle changes (e.g. unhealthy diet, increased access to alcohol and tobacco) that predispose them to increased obesity and cardiovascular risk. In this study, attention will be given to cardiovascular alterations, specifically arterial calcification, in lean and overweight/obese women nearing or already experiencing menopause. These include elevated blood pressure, large artery stiffness (indicated by increased central pulse pressure (cPP)) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Other factors linked to arterial calcification include the level of obesity as well as low bone mineral density. Ectopic calcification plays a significant role in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, especially in renal failure patients, osteoporotic and elderly women. Factors contributing to the development and progression of arterial calcification include calciotropic hormones and altered bone metabolism, particularly in older postmenopausal women. This is due to the lack of protective effects of oestrogen against vascular alterations and bone loss after menopause. Previous studies have shown that increased bone resorption indicated by elevated levels of c-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), parathyroid hormone (PTH), low 25- hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) and parathyroid hormone to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol ratio (PTH:25(OH)D3) are independently linked to arterial stiffening, CIMT and vascular calcification. Knowledge on the contribution of altered bone metabolism and associated calciotropic hormones on cardiovascular health in Africans is limited. Previous studies on ectopic calcification in South Africans focused on men and renal failure patients. This study will explore the possible role of altered calcium regulation and bone metabolism in the development of arterial calcification and CVD in older African women. Aim - The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of brachial and central pressures and CIMT with PTH, PTH:25(OH)D3 and CTX, a marker of bone resorption, in lean and overweight/obese African women older than 46 years. Methodology - This sub-study forms part of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. A total of 434 urban and rural women older than 46 years were included in the study. Women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were excluded from the study. The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the North-West University (Potchefstroom campus) and all participants signed an informed consent form prior to enrolment into the project. Field workers administered demographic, general health and physical activity questionnaires in the participants’ home language. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height and waist circumference, while body mass index (BMI) was calculated in kg/m2. Cardiovascular measurements included brachial and central systolic blood pressure (SBP), brachial diastolic blood pressure (DBP), brachial and central pulse pressure (PP) as well as CIMT and carotid cross-sectional wall area (CSWA). Blood pressure measurements were performed on the right arm with the participant in the sitting position. Blood was drawn after an overnight fasting period. We performed biochemical analyses from serum and plasma samples for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), PTH, 25(OH)D3, and CTX. HIV testing was performed according to standardised procedures. Since interactions existed for BMI with regards to associations of CIMT and cPP with PTH:25(OH)D3, the study population was divided into the lean (BMI <25 kg/m2) and overweight/obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) groups. We performed independent T-tests to compare means and used the chi-square test to compare proportions. Single and multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations of markers of vascular structure and function with CTX and calciotropic hormones. Results - In this study, 90% of the women displayed an FSH concentration exceeding the cut-off value of 35 mIu/mL, indicating a postmenopausal state. When comparing lean and overweight/obese African women, we found that lean women had higher levels of CTX and 25(OH)D3 (both p<0.001), while the overweight/obese group was older (p=0.007) and presented with higher PTH and PTH:25(OH)D3 levels (both p<0.001). Brachial and central pressures did not differ between the groups (p≥0.23), except for DBP being higher in the overweight/obese group (p=0.017). Overweight/obese women had higher CIMT (p<0.001) and CSWA (p=0.001) as compared to their lean counterparts. A larger proportion of lean women smoked (63%) and self-reported on alcohol use (37%) than overweight/obese women (41% and 18%, respectively) (both p<0.001). Forty-one percent of overweight/obese women used antihypertensive medication, opposed to 25% in the lean group (p=0.001). In multivariate regression analyses, an independent positive association existed between CIMT and PTH:25(OH)D3 (R2=0.22; β=0.26; p=0.003) in lean women. In the overweight/obese group independent positive associations were confirmed between brachial SBP and PTH (p=0.013) and CTX (p=0.038), and between DBP and PTH (p=0.030). Brachial PP and central SBP remained positively associated with CTX (p=0.016 and p=0.024, respectively), while cPP was independently associated with PTH:25(OH)D3 (R2=0.20; β=0.17; p=0.017) and CTX (R2=0.20; β=0.17; p=0.025). Conclusion - Our results indicate that in older African women, large artery structure and function are associated with calciotropic hormones and bone resorption, suggesting that altered bone metabolism and associated calciotropic hormones play a role in the development of vascular calcification. The different associations in lean and overweight/obese women suggest different mechanisms at work regarding arterial calcification in states of low and high adiposity. These findings need confirmation in larger prospective and experimental studies. / MSc (Physiology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Motivation - The burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasing in developing countries worldwide, but even more so in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to rapid urbanisation, black populations experience lifestyle changes (e.g. unhealthy diet, increased access to alcohol and tobacco) that predispose them to increased obesity and cardiovascular risk. In this study, attention will be given to cardiovascular alterations, specifically arterial calcification, in lean and overweight/obese women nearing or already experiencing menopause. These include elevated blood pressure, large artery stiffness (indicated by increased central pulse pressure (cPP)) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Other factors linked to arterial calcification include the level of obesity as well as low bone mineral density. Ectopic calcification plays a significant role in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, especially in renal failure patients, osteoporotic and elderly women. Factors contributing to the development and progression of arterial calcification include calciotropic hormones and altered bone metabolism, particularly in older postmenopausal women. This is due to the lack of protective effects of oestrogen against vascular alterations and bone loss after menopause. Previous studies have shown that increased bone resorption indicated by elevated levels of c-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), parathyroid hormone (PTH), low 25- hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) and parathyroid hormone to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol ratio (PTH:25(OH)D3) are independently linked to arterial stiffening, CIMT and vascular calcification. Knowledge on the contribution of altered bone metabolism and associated calciotropic hormones on cardiovascular health in Africans is limited. Previous studies on ectopic calcification in South Africans focused on men and renal failure patients. This study will explore the possible role of altered calcium regulation and bone metabolism in the development of arterial calcification and CVD in older African women. Aim - The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of brachial and central pressures and CIMT with PTH, PTH:25(OH)D3 and CTX, a marker of bone resorption, in lean and overweight/obese African women older than 46 years. Methodology - This sub-study forms part of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. A total of 434 urban and rural women older than 46 years were included in the study. Women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were excluded from the study. The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the North-West University (Potchefstroom campus) and all participants signed an informed consent form prior to enrolment into the project. Field workers administered demographic, general health and physical activity questionnaires in the participants’ home language. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height and waist circumference, while body mass index (BMI) was calculated in kg/m2. Cardiovascular measurements included brachial and central systolic blood pressure (SBP), brachial diastolic blood pressure (DBP), brachial and central pulse pressure (PP) as well as CIMT and carotid cross-sectional wall area (CSWA). Blood pressure measurements were performed on the right arm with the participant in the sitting position. Blood was drawn after an overnight fasting period. We performed biochemical analyses from serum and plasma samples for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), PTH, 25(OH)D3, and CTX. HIV testing was performed according to standardised procedures. Since interactions existed for BMI with regards to associations of CIMT and cPP with PTH:25(OH)D3, the study population was divided into the lean (BMI <25 kg/m2) and overweight/obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) groups. We performed independent T-tests to compare means and used the chi-square test to compare proportions. Single and multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations of markers of vascular structure and function with CTX and calciotropic hormones. Results - In this study, 90% of the women displayed an FSH concentration exceeding the cut-off value of 35 mIu/mL, indicating a postmenopausal state. When comparing lean and overweight/obese African women, we found that lean women had higher levels of CTX and 25(OH)D3 (both p<0.001), while the overweight/obese group was older (p=0.007) and presented with higher PTH and PTH:25(OH)D3 levels (both p<0.001). Brachial and central pressures did not differ between the groups (p≥0.23), except for DBP being higher in the overweight/obese group (p=0.017). Overweight/obese women had higher CIMT (p<0.001) and CSWA (p=0.001) as compared to their lean counterparts. A larger proportion of lean women smoked (63%) and self-reported on alcohol use (37%) than overweight/obese women (41% and 18%, respectively) (both p<0.001). Forty-one percent of overweight/obese women used antihypertensive medication, opposed to 25% in the lean group (p=0.001). In multivariate regression analyses, an independent positive association existed between CIMT and PTH:25(OH)D3 (R2=0.22; β=0.26; p=0.003) in lean women. In the overweight/obese group independent positive associations were confirmed between brachial SBP and PTH (p=0.013) and CTX (p=0.038), and between DBP and PTH (p=0.030). Brachial PP and central SBP remained positively associated with CTX (p=0.016 and p=0.024, respectively), while cPP was independently associated with PTH:25(OH)D3 (R2=0.20; β=0.17; p=0.017) and CTX (R2=0.20; β=0.17; p=0.025). Conclusion - Our results indicate that in older African women, large artery structure and function are associated with calciotropic hormones and bone resorption, suggesting that altered bone metabolism and associated calciotropic hormones play a role in the development of vascular calcification. The different associations in lean and overweight/obese women suggest different mechanisms at work regarding arterial calcification in states of low and high adiposity. These findings need confirmation in larger prospective and experimental studies. / MSc (Physiology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014