Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone mass and increased risk of fractures, with limitations in traditional treatment methods. The “brain-bone axis” theory has revealed a bidirectional regulatory network between the central nervous system and the skeletal system, providing new insights into the mechanisms and treatment of OP. This review summarizes the bidirectional regulatory mechanisms of the “brain-bone axis”, including descending pathways (such as the regulation of bone metabolism by the sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, and hypothalamic nuclei) and ascending feedback (such as bone-derived factors influencing central nervous system function through the blood-brain barrier), and explores the synergistic roles of endocrine systems (such as the thyroid axis and gonadal axis) within this network. Additionally, the article summarizes multi-modal treatment strategies based on the “brain-bone axis” theory, offering new insights for the precise prevention and treatment of OP. Future research should further integrate basic and clinical studies to advance the paradigm shift of OP from a localized bone disorder to a systemic disease.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an increased risk of osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with vertebral fractures and treatment goals to prevent new vertebral fractures in patients with RA. The database used in this study included outpatient data of RA patients at the authors' hospital of RA patients taken from 2018 to 2022. The patients underwent annual imaging evaluations to assess parameters, including bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (LS; L2-4), total hip, and femoral neck, as well as vertebral fractures. Vertebral fractures were evaluated using radiographic images of the T8 to L5 vertebrae. The prevalence rates of new vertebral fractures in 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020- 2021, and 2021-2022 were 2.0%, 1.3%, 2.3%, and 2.0%, respectively. The presence of existing vertebral fractures was associated with new vertebral fractures (p=0.003; odds ratio, 0.241; 95% confidence interval, 0.093-0.624). The cut-off T-score values for the LS for new vertebral fractures in patients with or without pre-existing vertebral fractures were -0.7 (sensitivity, 40.9%; specificity, 100%) and -1.4 (sensitivity, 69.0%; specificity, 62.5%), respectively. The presence of pre-existing vertebral fractures is an independent factor associated with new vertebral fractures. It is important to tailor treatment goals based on the presence or absence of vertebral fractures to effectively prevent new fractures.

This review aims to synthesize current knowledge regarding the use of bisphosphonates (BPs) in the treatment of bone complications in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). NF1 is a genetic disorder marked by multiple benign tumors of the nervous system and various skeletal abnormalities, such as osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. BPs are drugs that inhibit bone resorption, commonly used to treat osteoporosis and other bone diseases. The review identified multiple studies examining the effects of BP therapy in NF1 patients. Most studies reported improvements in bone mineral density and reduced fracture occurrence. The most commonly reported side effects were mild gastrointestinal symptoms and transient musculoskeletal pain. However, the evidence is limited by the small number of studies and the heterogeneity of patient populations and treatment protocols. In conclusion, BPs show improvements in managing NF1 complications such as osteoporosis and a reduction of fracture risk in NF1 patients. While the existing studies suggest positive outcomes, there is a need for more rigorous, large-scale studies to establish standardized treatment protocols and long-term safety profiles. Healthcare providers should consider BP therapy as a potential option for NF1 patients with significant bone complications, while also monitoring for possible adverse effects.

BackgroundHypothyroidism is the most common thyroid dysfunction, and current evidence suggests that it increases the risk of osteoporosis in these patients. Assessing the level of osteoporosis awareness and understanding among hypothyroid patients is an important requirement for implementing preventive interventions to maintain bone health.MethodsThyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels were recorded along with the patients’ demographics. Osteoporosis awareness was assessed with the osteoporosis awareness scale (OAS), and knowledge level was assessed with the revised osteoporosis knowledge test (R-OKT). Health beliefs related to osteoporosis were evaluated using the osteoporosis health belief scale (OHBS).ResultsThe median (interquartile range) values for OAS and R-OKT of 348 patients were calculated as 66.0 (32.0) and 9.0 (5.0), respectively. Female patients had higher OAS scores (P<0.001), OHBS benefits of exercise (P=0.002), and calcium intake (P<0.001) subscores compared to males. The distribution of OAS, R-OKT, and OHBS total and susceptibility scores differed significantly across education categories (P<0.001). The linear regression model revealed significant predictors of OAS score variation, including gender (β=−0.27, P<0.001), education (β=0.09, P=0.045), and osteoporosis knowledge (β= 0.49, P<0.001).ConclusionsPatients with hypothyroidism, particularly males and those with lower educational attainment, lack adequate knowledge and awareness regarding osteoporosis. To better comprehend and manage osteoporosis, targeted educational initiatives are required for this vulnerable group.

BackgroundThis review explores the discriminative ability of fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) in major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and hip fracture (HF) risk prediction and the densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis in Asian populations.MethodsWe systematically searched the EMBASE, Cochrane, and PubMed databases from the earliest indexing date to January 2024. Studies were included if FRAX was used to identify future osteoporotic fractures or a densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis in an Asian population and reported the area under the curve (AUC) values. Meta-analyses were conducted after quality assessment for AUC with 95% confidence intervals across the following categories: standard FRAX without/with bone mineral density (BMD), adjusted FRAX, and BMD alone for fracture prediction, as well as standard FRAX for densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis.ResultsA total of 42 studies were included. The AUC values for predicting fracture risk using FRAX-MOF with BMD (0.73 [0.70–0.77]) was highest compared to FRAX-MOF without BMD (0.72 [0.66–0.77]), and adjusted FRAX-MOF (0.71 [0.65–0.77]). The AUC values for predicting fracture risk using FRAX-HF with BMD (0.77 [0.71–0.83]) was highest compared to FRAX-HF without BMD (0.72 [0.65–0.80]), and adjusted FRAX-HF (0.75 [0.63–0.86]). The AUC values for BMD alone (0.68 [0.62–0.73]) was lowest for fracture prediction. The AUC values for identifying a densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis was 0.77 [0.70–0.84] and 0.76 [0.67–0.86] using FRAX-MOF and FRAX-HF, respectively.ConclusionsFRAX with BMD tends to perform more reliably in predicting HF compared to MOF in Asia. However, its accuracy in predicting fracture risk in Asian populations can be improved through region-specific, long-term epidemiological data.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with inadequate bone health and quality and heightened susceptibility to fractures, even in patients with normal or elevated bone mineral density. Elevated advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and a suppressed incretin pathway are among the mechanisms through which diabetes affects the bone. Accordingly, the present review aimed to investigate the effects of antidiabetic medications on bone quality, primarily through AGEs and the incretin pathway. Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and PubMed were used to examine related studies until February 2024. Antidiabetic medications influence AGEs and the incretin pathway directly or indirectly. Certain antidiabetic drugs including metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DDP-4) inhibitors, α-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs), sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, and thiazolidinediones (TZDs), directly affect AGEs through multiple mechanisms. These mechanisms include decreasing the formation of AGEs and the expression of AGEs receptor (RAGE) in tissue and increasing serum soluble RAGE levels, resulting in the reduced action of AGEs. Similarly, metformin, GLP-1RA, DDP-4 inhibitors, AGIs, and TZDs may enhance incretin hormones directly by increasing their production or suppressing their metabolism. Additionally, these medications could influence AGEs and the incretin pathway indirectly by enhancing glycemic control. In contrast, sulfonylureas have not demonstrated any obvious effects on AGEs or the incretin pathway. Considering their favorable effects on AGEs and the incretin pathway, a suitable selection of antidiabetic drugs may facilitate more protective effects on the bone in diabetic patients.

As recognized by the World Health Organization in 2016 with its inclusion in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision as M62.84, and by South Korea in 2021 as M62.5, the diagnostic guidelines for sarcopenia vary globally. Despite its prevalence in older populations, data on sarcopenia in Koreans aged 60 and above is scarce, highlighting the need for research on its prevalence in this demographic. Utilizing the 2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset, sarcopenia was assessed among 1,946 individuals aged 60 or older according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria, incorporating grip strength and bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements. Statistical analyses were performed to differentiate categorical and continuous variables using logistic regression and Student's t-tests, respectively. The prevalence of sarcopenia was found to increase with age, with the highest prevalence observed in the oldest age group (80 years and older). The overall prevalence of sarcopenia in our study population was 6.8%. Among men, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 5.5% in the 60 or older age group, 9.6% in the 70 or older age group, and 21.5% in the 80 or older age group. Among women, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 7.9%, 10.5%, and 25.9%, respectively. This study highlights the significant burden of sarcopenia in elderly Koreans, particularly among the oldest individuals. These findings call for targeted interventions to manage and prevent sarcopenia, along with further research on its risk factors, consequences, and effective mitigation strategies.

Common variants in the fat mass and obesity-related transcript (FTO) gene are related to body mass index and obesity, suggesting its potential association with bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk. This study sought to define the association between FTO gene variants and the following phenotypes: (1) BMD; (2) bone loss; and (3) fracture risk. This analysis was based on the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study that included 1,277 postmenopausal women aged ≥60 years living in Dubbo, Australia. BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine was measured biennially by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar). Fractures were radiologically ascertained. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1421085, rs1558902, rs1121980, rs17817449, rs9939609, and rs9930506) of the FTO gene were genotyped using TaqMan assay. Women homozygous for the minor allele (GG) of rs9930506 had a significantly higher risk of hip fracture (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-3.23) than those homozygous for the major allele (AA) after adjusting for potential confounding effects. Similar associations were also observed for the minor allele of rs1121980. However, there was no significant association between the FTO SNPs and BMD or the rate of bone loss. Common variations in the FTO gene are associated with a hip fracture risk in women, and the association is not mediated through BMD or bone loss.

Background: Osteoporosis can be delayed by providing accurate and adequate information to people at risk. Therefore, we aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and behavior levels of women in the postmenopausal period, which is the largest group at risk.Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary Training and Research Hospital between 1 December 2018 and 1 May 2019 in 225 postmenopausal women who applied to the Family Medicine outpatient clinic and bone mineral density (BMD) outpatient clinics for BMD measurement or had previously had this measurement at least once. A questionnaire evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior levels related to osteoporosis was applied to all patients included in the study.Results: The mean age was 58.05±9.1 years. The median osteoporosis knowledge score was 7 out of 19 points. A total of 119 (52.9%) had low knowledge scores and 106 (47.1%) had higher knowledge scores. Of the individuals with high scores, 40 (37.7%) were smoking, 64 (60.4%) did not sunbathe, 89 (84%) did not consume the recommended daily amount of calcium, and 58 (54.7%) were not exercising in the recommended time. It was seen that those who were university graduates, who had previously learned about osteoporosis from a health professional, and who had a family history of osteoporosis had higher knowledge levels.Conclusions: Even in postmenopausal women who are aware that they are in the risk group and that they should have BMD, their knowledge, attitude, and behavior levels on osteoporosis were found to be quite low.

BackgroundWith an aging population, the importance of treating and diagnosing osteoporosis is increasing. Osteoporosis, previously known as a resorptive change primarily related to endocrinological mechanisms, is also being approached as a phenomenon of senile change. Denosumab is gaining popularity among osteoporosis medications due to its ability to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and the economic benefit arising from the 6-month cycle. In line with previous literature, this study aimed to examine the BMD-augmenting effect of denosumab through which it reduces fracture risk in individuals aged over 80 years.MethodsWe reviewed patients who received denosumab between 2018 and 2022 with a minimum clinical observation period of 12 months. BMD was measured every 12 months, and patients were classified per their period of denosumab use. Fracture risk was evaluated using the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) and fracture incidence during the observation period were assessed.ResultsAmong 155 patients, a significant increase in BMD was observed at 3 sites: the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.001, respectively). The patients were divided according to the length of clinical follow-up they received, and similar results were found in all subgroups. Fracture risk assessment was performed using FRAX and the incidence of fracture events during follow-up. FRAX significantly decreased in all subgroups except those who received 24 months of follow-up (P=0.003, P=0.41, P=0.001 in the 12, 24, and ≥36 months groups, respectively).ConclusionsDenosumab use resulted in long-term BMD increase and reduced fracture risk in individuals aged 80 and above.