American College Health Association

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional investigation was to examine (1) gender differences in osteoporosis-related knowledge and beliefs and (2) if these beliefs could predict vigorous physical activity behavior in university students. Participants: Male (n = 176) and female (n = 351) university students participated in the study. Methods: Participants completed self-report measures of osteoporosis knowledge and health beliefs and vigorous physical activity. Results: Regardless of gender, osteoporosis knowledge was relatively poor. Women reported higher knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and calcium barriers, and lower exercise self-efficacy than men. Regression analyses showed that for women, perceived susceptibility, health motivation, and exercise self-efficacy predicted vigorous physical activity, whereas for men, exercise barriers was the only predictor. Conclusions: Gender differences in osteoporosis health beliefs appear to be greater in older adults than college-aged students. Interventions designed to increase vigorous physical activity may want to target different beliefs for men and women.     

Prevalence of low forearm bone mineral density in Bulgarian men: a pilot study

Objective. To determine the prevalence of osteoporosis at the distal forearm in a male cohort referred for bone density testing and to compare it to published data of Bulgarian women.

Design and subjects. 315 consecutive Bulgarian men aged 20 to 84 years were included (mean age 53.74 ± 14.67 years). 59% of them were self-referrals. The comparative female group consisted of 8869 Bulgarian women whose forearm bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in another study.

Measurements. BMD was measured by single X-ray absorptiometry at the distal forearm (distal and ultradistal sites) in all men. T-scores were calculated from manufacturer-provided Danish male reference data.

Results. The ratio of female to male patients was 28.2 (8869 to 315). Peak BMD was observed in men aged 30 to 39 years: 0.560 ± 0.065 g/cm² (distal site) and 0.490 ± 0.070 g/cm² (ultradistal site). A steady BMD decline followed reaching 0.492 ± 0.064 g/cm² at the distal and 0.412 ± 0.069 g/cm² at the ultradistal site in age group >70. Age had a rather weak negative impact on forearm BMD described by a linear model. In men aged over 50 years the prevalence of osteoporosis at the distal site was 21.19%, compared to 20.45% in women. Low bone mass was seen in 48.77% of men and 32.50% of women. Normal BMD was more frequent in women (47.05%) than in men (30.04%).

Conclusions. We found a high prevalence of forearm osteoporosis in Bulgarian men which is comparable to that already known in women.     

Osteoporosis in the aging population: the male perspective

The importance of senile osteoporosis in men as a public health problem has long been underestimated. Elderly men are at substantial risk for fracture, and morbidity after osteoporotic fractures appears to be more serious and mortality more common in men than in women. Risk factors for osteoporotic fractures in men appear to be qualitatively similar to those in women, but there are quantitative differences. Low bone mineral density (BMD) is an important risk factor for fracture in men; however, further clarification of the relationship between BMD, bone geometry and fracture risk is needed before formulating definitive proposals on operational densitometric criteria for diagnosis of osteoporosis in men and the identification of men at high risk for fracture. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying senile bone loss and the pathogenesis of senile osteoporosis in men remains fragmentary with, in particular, the need for further clarification regarding the precise impact of hormonal status in elderly men on skeletal homeostasis. Recommendations on prevention and treatment of senile osteoporosis in men should focus on the minimization of known risk factors for bone loss and falls. Testosterone treatment may be useful in those men with initially low serum testosterone. As to other pharmacological treatment modalities, prospective trials specifically in elderly men, and preferably with fracture incidence as the primary clinical endpoint, are required.     

Bone mineral density at distal forearm in men over 40 years of age in Mae Chaem district,Chiang Mai Province,Thailand: a pilot study

Objective: To study the prevalence of bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis in the distal forearm among Thai men over 40 years of age in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Methods: The subjects in this study were 194 Thai men, aged between 40 and 87 years who resided in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Self-administered questionnaires were used for receiving the demographic characteristics information. BMD was measured by peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the nondominant distal forearm in all men.

Results: The BMD was highest in the age-group 40–49 years and lowest in the age-group 70–87 years. The average T-score at the distal forearm was also highest in the age-group 40–49 years and lowest in the age-group 70–87 years. The BMD decreased as a function of age-group (p?p?p?>?.05). The percentage of osteopenia and osteoporosis are increased as a function of age-group in, while decreased in that of normal bone density.

Conclusions: We found the prevalence of osteoporosis in men who resided in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.     

Lead exposure is a risk for worsening bone mineral density in middle-aged male workers

Abstract

Objective: Lead exposure linked to osteoporosis in women. However, there is no direct evidence whether lead exposure has effects on bone metabolism in middle-aged male subjects. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between bone mineral densitometry measurements, bone markers, endocrine hormones and blood lead levels.

Material and methods: The present study included lead exposure patients (n: 30) and control subjects (n: 32). We recorded information on patient demographics and risk factors of osteoporosis. Blood lead levels were evaluated using Varian AA 240Z atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bone mineral density measurements were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results: Each lumbar T and Z scores in the lead exposure group were lower than the control group. There were no significant differences in femur neck and femur total T and Z scores between two groups. Blood lead levels were also negatively correlated with lumbar 2-4 T score, total lumbar T score, lumbar 2-4 Z score and total lumbar Z score. Urinary hydroxyproline and urinary deoxypyridinoline levels in the lead exposure group were significantly higher compared to controls. Blood lead levels were strong, positively correlated with urinary deoxypyridinoline. Endocrine hormone levels and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 levels were comparable between lead exposure and control group.

Conclusion: Lead exposure in male workers is an important factor for deterioration in bone mineral density. We should be screening blood lead levels and history of lead exposure in male osteoporosis.     

The effects of daily alendronate,daily calcitonin and alendronate every other day on bone mineral density in osteoporotic men

Objectives. Biphosphonates have been widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis, but there is not enough data on their use in men. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of twelve months' treatment with daily 10 mg alendronate, every other day 10 mg alendronate and daily 200 IU calcitonin on bone mineral density (BMD) in men with osteoporosis.

Materials and methods. 46 men with osteoporosis were randomly allocated to three groups: 15 patients in the first group received daily 10 mg alendronate and calcium (1000 mg/day), 14 patients in the second group used every other day 10 mg alendronate and calcium and 17 patients in the third group were given intranasal salmon calcitonin and calcium. At the baseline, sixth and twelfth months, BMD was measured at lumbar spine (L_2–4), femoral neck and Ward's triangle zone by means of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (LUNAR).

Results. In daily and every other day alendronate and calcitonin groups there was a significant increase in BMD at lumbar spine (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, p = 0.04), but no difference at the femoral neck (p > 0.05) at the end of twelve months. When the groups were compared with each other, no significant differences in BMD levels at lumbar spine, femoral neck and Ward's triangle were found (p > 0.05).     

Age influences anthropometric and fitness-related predictors of bone mineral in men

Objective. This study assessed the influence of age on the predictors of bone mineral in men.

Methods. Middle-age (n = 41, 54 ± 4 yrs) and older (n = 40, 69 ± 5 yrs) men underwent grip and knee extensor strength tests, total body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with regional analyses and a graded exercise treadmill test.

Results. Bone-free lean mass (BFLM) and, to a lesser extent, fat mass (FM) were correlated with bone mineral variables in middle-age men. In older men, BFLM and, to a lesser extent, FM were related to bone mineral content (BMC) at most sites, but inconsistently to bone mineral density (BMD). Knee extensor strength related to bone mineral (BMC and BMD) at most sites in middle-age men, but none in older men. Grip strength inconsistently related to bone mineral in both groups. Aerobic capacity related to bone mineral in middle-age men, but none in older men. In multiple regression, body weight or BFLM predicted bone mineral in middle-age men (R² = 0.33–0.68) and BMC in older men (R² = 0.33–0.50). Predictors of BMD were inconsistent in older men.

Conclusions. Relationships of body composition, muscular strength and aerobic capacity to bone mineral are stronger in middle-age versus older men.     

Effects of testosterone replacement therapy on hypogonadal men with osteopenia or osteoporosis: a subanalysis of a prospective randomized controlled study in Japan (EARTH study)

Objective: We investigated the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on bone mineral density (BMD) among hypogonadal men with osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Methods: From our previous EARTH study population, 74 patients with a clinical diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis and hypogonadism were included in this study, as the TRT (n?=?35) and control (n?=?34) groups. The TRT group was administered 250?mg of testosterone enanthate injection every 4 weeks for 12 months. The BMD, waist circumference, body mass index, body fat percentage, and muscle volume were measured at baseline and at 12 months. Blood biochemical data, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and adiponectin values were also evaluated.

Results: At the 12-month visit, BMD significantly increased in both groups. However, comparisons on changes of parameter values from baseline to the 12-month visit between the TRT and control groups were significantly different in BMD (5.0?±?5.0 vs. 3.0?±?3.2; p?=?.0434) and in adiponectin value (?0.90?±?3.33 vs. 0.10?±?2.04; p?=?.0192). There were no significant changes in other parameters.

Conclusions: TRT for 12 months could improve BMD with a decrease in adiponectin levels among hypogonadal men with osteopenia/osteoporosis.     

Arsenic exposure associated with decreased bone mineralization in male

Abstract

Objective: Arsenic (As) exposure may cause several medical problems. There were a few studies investigated whether it has affected bone tissue in women. However, there was no study in men. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between bone mineral density (BMD) and As exposure in men subjects.

Material and methods: We enrolled in this study 254 subjects who due to chronic As exposure suspected and 82 subjects as a control group. Hair As levels were detected by a hair analysis (Varian AA240Z Zeeman Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, USA). BMD measurements were obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry instrumentation. We investigated associations between the hair As levels and BMD measurements.

Results: The frequency of osteoporosis and osteopenia was found to be 0.8% and 54.5%, respectively, in the As exposure group. The frequency of osteoporosis was found to be 1% and osteopenia was 32.4% in control subjects. There was significant difference between two groups (p?<?0.001). Hair As level has a median 1.01 (min: 0.06 and max: 25.71). There were no significant correlation between hair As levels and BMD measurements.

Conclusion: According to our observations, As exposure was associated with bone metabolism. Possible cause of osteopenia may be exposure to As. Further investigations are needed to estimate the relationship between As and bone metabolism.     

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in healthy elderly men. The relationship to physical activity

The purpose of the present study was to examine the serum levels of bone turnover markers and interleukin 1β in healthy elderly men with different levels of habitual physical activity. The study was conducted on 40 healthy men aged between 65 and 85 years (mean 74.0?±?7.55 years). The study population was divided into two groups with respect to the level of physical activity: 22 less active subjects (energy expenditure related to physical activity below 1600?kcal per week) and 18 more active subjects (above 1600?kcal per week). To estimate the physical activity of the study population, weekly energy expenditure was measured in each subject with use of Caltrac accelerometer. In the blood serum levels of bone formation marker – osteocalcin and resorption marker – the C-terminal telopeptide of collagen I (ICTP), and interleukin-1β were determined. Concentrations of osteocalcin and ICTP in less active subjects were significantly higher (by 3.62?ng/ml and by 1.21?μg/l respectively, p?<?0.05), reflecting the higher bone turnover in comparison to values determined in more active subjects. Positive correlations between ICTP and osteocalcin levels (r?=?0.5814 and r?=?0.6526; p?<?0.05), and between ICTP and IL-1β (r?=?0.5823 and r =?0.6040; p?<?0.05) in less and more active men were found. On the ground of the presented study it can be concluded that the decreased bone turnover occurred in men with higher level of habitual physical activity. This study showed the relationship between serum level of IL-1β and bone resorption but the habitual physical activity has no effect on this cytokine activity.     

Book Review

Abstract

Uprooting and Health: Psycho-social Problems of Students from Abroad: Uprooting and Health: Psycho-social Problems of Students from Abroad, Charles A. A. Zwingmann and Alexander D. G. Gunn. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1983, 89pp.

“The Relationship of Dietary Calcium to the Maintenance of Skeletal Integrity in Man–-An Interface of Endocrinology and Nutrition,” Robert Marcus. Calcium restriction reliably produces osteoporosis in animals, but the impact of dietary calcium on age-related bone loss in man is controversial. The opinion that calcium intake is not clearly related to bone mass or to osteoporosis is well-entrenched in the nutrition literature, and has been influential in setting recommended intakes for the American public. This position rests on the poor correlation between habitual calcium intake and the incidence of osteoporosis in some non-Western countries, and on demonstrations that young men can achieve calcium balance on low intakes. However, such data neglect a variety of factors which determine calcium nutriture. These include the efficiency of mineral utilization, gonadal status, and the effect of dietary protein. It has recently been demonstrated that calcium requirements increase during adult life in women. This increase is attributable in large measure, but not completely, to estrogen deprivation associated with the menopause. In addition, the American diet is abundant in protein, a situation which may be deleterious to bone. Based on the evidence currently available, it is reasonable to propose that adolescent and young women consume one gram of calcium daily, and that this intake be increased to 1500 mg at the time of menopause. (Metabolism 1982 January;31(1):93)

“Campylobacter Enteritis: Early Diagnosis with Gram's Stain,” David D. Ho, Mark J. Ault, Mary A. Ault, Glen H. Murata. Campylobacter jejuni has become one of the most important causes of infectious diarrhea in the United States. We examined the utility of Gram's stain of stool for the rapid presumptive diagnosis of Campylobacter enteritis in a large, urban hospital and found that this test has a sensitivity of 43.5% and a specificity of 99.4%. We believe that Gram's stain of stool could be used to direct the early management of up to one half of patients infected with this pathogen. (Archives of Internal Medicine 1982;142:1858–1860)     

Sharing Health Services: Two Universities,a Seminary,and a Community

Abstract

“The Inverse Relation Between Fish Consumption and 20-Year Mortality From Coronary Heart Disease,” DAAN KROMHOUT, et al. The low death rate from coronary heart disease among the Greenland Eskimos has been ascribed to their high fish consumption. We therefore decided to investigate the relation between fish consumption and coronary heart disease in a group of men in the town of Zutphen, the Netherlands. Information about the fish consumption of 852 middle-aged men without coronary heart disease was collected in 1960 by a careful dietary history obtained from the participants and their wives. During 20 years of follow-up 78 men died from coronary heart disease. An inverse dose-response relation was observed between fish consumption in 1960 and death from coronary heart disease during 20 years of follow-up. This relation persisted after multiple logistic-regression analyses. Mortality from coronary heart disease was more than 50 per cent lower among those who consumed at least 30g of fish per day than among those who did not eat fish.

We conclude that the consumption of as little as one or two fish dishes per week may be of preventive value in relation to coronary heart disease. (New England Journal of Medicine 1985;312:1205–9.)

“Teaching Touch at Medical School,” JULES OLDER. The association between touch and healing is ancient and worldwide. Skilled hands are among the physician's most important diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Yet a survey of medical schools in the English-speaking world revealed that most offer no touch training in their curricula. Of 169 medical schools, only 12 give any formal instruction in the uses and meaning of therapeutic touch in medicine. The teaching modes of these 12 schools are discussed, and the program of the most touch-conscious school, the University of Otago, is described. (Journal of the American Medical Association 1984;252:931–3.)

“Tubal Infertility and the Intrauterine Device,” DANIEL W. CRAMER, et al. To study the association between intrauterine devices (IUDs) and pelvic inflammatory disease, we compared contraceptive histories in 4185 white women—283 nulliparous women with primary tubal infertility, 69 women with secondary tubal infertility, and 3833 women admitted for delivery at seven collaborating hospitals from 1981 to 1983. The relative risk of tubal infertility associated with IUD use was calculated by means of multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding factors, including region, year of menarche, religion, education, smoking, and reported number of sexual partners. The adjusted risk of primary tubal infertility associated with any IUD use before a first live birth was 2.0 (95 per cent confidence limits, 1.5 to 2.6) relative to nonuse. Users of the Dalkon Shield had an adjusted risk of 3.3 (1.7 to 6.1), users of the Lippes Loop or Saf-T-Coil had a risk of 2.9 (1.7 to 5.2), and users of copper IUDs had a risk of 1.6 (1.1 to 2.4). Women who reported having only one sexual partner had no increased risk of primary tubal infertility associated with IUD use. The adjusted risk of secondary tubal infertility associated with use of a copper IUD after a first live birth was not statistically significant (1.5; 95 per cent confidence limits, 0.8 to 3.0), whereas the risk from similar use of noncopper devices was significant (2.8; 1.3 to 5.9). We conclude that tubal infertility is associated with IUD use, but less so with copper IUDs. (New England Journal of Medicine 1985;312:941–7.)     

Association between hand-grip strength and erectile dysfunction in older men

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the association between handgrip strength and erectile dysfunction (ED) in community-dwelling older men.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1771 participants of the Dong-gu Study. Handgrip strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer. ED was assessed with the Korean version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). ED was categorized as none to mild (IIEF-EF scores of 13–30) and moderate to severe (IIEF-EF scores of 0–12). Multivariable logistic regression was conducted with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results: The proportion of men with moderate to severe ED was 48.8%. The age-adjusted ED score increased with increasing quartile of handgrip strength (11.0, 12.4, 13.4, and 14.0 in the lowest, second, third, and highest quartiles, respectively). After adjustment for potential confounders, greater handgrip strength was associated with a lower risk of ED (odds ratio (OR): 0.82 per 5?kg; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74–0.90). In addition, a high level of moderate to vigorous physical activity was associated with a lower risk of ED (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61–0.93).

Conclusion: In this study, aging men with greater handgrip strength had a lower risk of ED. This result suggests that reduced physical functioning may contribute to ED.     

Analysis of cardiovascular risk factors associated with serum testosterone levels according to the US 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective: To investigate associations between cardiovascular disease risk factors, including fasting glucose, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), LDL-c, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), C-peptide, creatinine kinase, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, C-reactive protein as well as homocysteine levels and cardiovascular events.

Methods: Data from 1545 men aged ≥40?years, with testosterone deficiency (TD) (<300?ng/dL) and non-TD (≥300?ng/dL) which were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database 2011–2012 and analyzed.

Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed positive associations between TD and BMI (≥35 vs.?p?=?.016), HDL-c (<0.91 vs. ≥0.91: OR?=?1.60, 95% CI: 1.14–2.24, p?=?.006) and diabetes (diabetes vs. non-diabetes: OR?=?1.48, 95% CI: 1.14–1.92, p?=?.004) as well as negative associations between TD and metabolic equivalent scores (≥12 vs. <12: OR?=?0.69, 95% CI: 0.52–0.91, p?=?.009) and smoking (Ever vs. never: OR?=?0.69, 95% CI: 0.51–0.94, p?=?.018). Furthermore, total serum testosterone levels were lower in patients with heart failure (p?=?.04) and angina/angina pectoris (p?=?.001) compared with subjects without these cardiac problems.

Conclusion: Low serum testosterone was associated with multiple risk factors for CHD.     

How to help the aging male? Current approaches to hypogonadism in primary care

Hypogonadism is a common condition which occurs more frequently in older men. It is characterized by low testosterone (T) and is associated with symptoms which are often nonspecific. A key symptom is low libido, but it can also be associated with erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, reduced bone mineral density and osteoporosis, reduced vitality, and depressed mood. Hypogonadism is linked with a variety of comorbid conditions including erectile dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis. However, the condition is often underdiagnosed. T supplementation in hypogonadism is associated with a range of benefits including improved sexual function, increased lean body mass and/or reduced fat mass, and improved bone mineral density. A variety of T supplementation formulations are available. Although there is no evidence of increased risk of initiating prostate cancer with T supplementation, it is contraindicated in men with prostate cancer. It is important that primary care physicians are aware of both the signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, the monitoring and testing that is required and the merits and advantages of the various T preparations to ensure optimal management of the condition with a treatment approach that best suits patients’ needs.     

Health Alive!

Abstract

“Preventable Sudden Death: The Long Q-T Syndrome,” E. U. NEEL, M.D. The syndrome of long Q-T interval (LQTS) must be included in the differential diagnosis of an adolescent with syncope. A case of cardiac arrest in a patient with LQTS is presented and discussed. The method for identifying these patients through using Bazett's formula is included. Treatment with beta blockers (propranolol) appears to be indicated in patients with prolonged QTc interval and syncope if the high mortality from ventricular arrhythmias is the be prevented. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher from “Preventable Sudden Death: The ‘Long Q-T Syndrome’,” by E. U. Neel, Journal of Adolescent Health Care 2, 49–51, Copyright 1981 by Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc.)     

Circadian rhythm of hot flashes and activity levels among prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy

Abstract

Background: Modifiable risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and erectile dysfunction (ED). We aimed to compare the knowledge about the contribution of modifiable risk factors to the pathogenesis of CVD and ED. The impact of patients’ having modifiable risk factors on the awareness of their negative influence on the development of CVD and ED was examined.

Methods: To this multicenter cohort study, we included 417 patients with CHD who had been hospitalized in the cardiology or cardiac surgery department during the previous six weeks and underwent cardiac rehabilitation in one of the five centers. Knowledge about modifiable risk factors was collected. ED was assessed by an abridged IIEF-5 questionnaire. Comparisons between groups were conducted using the Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis test. Relationships were analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Results: The mean number of correctly identified risk factors for CVD was significantly higher than those for ED (3.71?±?1.87 vs. 2.00?±?1.94; p?<?.0001). Smoking was the most recognized risk factor both for CVD and ED. Dyslipidemia was least frequently identified as a risk factor for CVD. Sedentary lifestyle was the only risk factor whose incidence did not affect the level of patient knowledge.

Conclusions: Cardiac patients with ED know more about risk factors for CVD than ED. It is necessary to include information about the negative impact of modifiable risk factors on sexual health into education programs promoting healthy lifestyles in men with cardiovascular diseases.     

Gay and Bisexual Married Men's Attitudes and Experiences

Abstract

In this study, 20 gay or bisexual men's experiences of coming out to wives were explored. Specifically, their attitudes and behaviors before, during, and after marriage were examined. Findings were provided about upbringing, reasons for entering marriage, and the coming out process. Through semi-structured interviews information was obtained about the factors which led up to the revelation of homosexuality or bisexuality and about how these men experienced their relationships with their wives and family after coming out. The interviews revealed the fears which prevented these men from coming out earlier in their lives. The most common reason for entering marriage was due to social and family pressure and because of the desire to have a normal, healthy life. Attitudes toward gays and lesbians were negative before marriage and worsened following disclosure.     

Predictors of low bone mineral density in elderly males with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the role of body mass index

Objective.?The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between nutritional indices (Body mass index (BMI), serum albumin), sarcopenia, bone mineral density (BMD) and the severity of their pulmonary obstruction in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods.?The method involved was a prospective transversal study; 82 males >65 years old, 41 stable patients with COPD and 41 healthy elderly individuals (controls). All subjects underwent spirometry, biochemical analyses and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The significance of the differences between mean values and prevalence rates was tested. The relationships between BMD and independent predictors were analysed by multiple linear regressions. Logistic regression models were applied on dichotomised variables.

Results.?In patients with COPD, the prevalence of osteoporosis was higher in subjects with sarcopenia (46% vs. 0%; p?<?0.05) and with BMI?<?25.1?kg/m² (58% vs. 15%; p?<?0.02). Multiple regression analysis indicated that BMI, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), albumin, and forced expiration volume after 1?s (FEV1) explained the 70% of BMD variability at the hip and 56% at the spine. Logistic regression showed that a BMI?<?25.1?kg/m² was independently associated with osteoporosis risk (OR?=?10.0; 95%CI 1.3–76); no independent effect emerged for FEV1% (<and ?50%).

Conclusion.?In elderly males with COPD, the BMI values?≤25?kg/m² are more strongly related to low BMD levels than albumin values. Among those patients, BMI values within the normal range for younger adults might point out a higher risk of osteoporosis.     

Effect of testosterone therapy on lumbar spine and hip mineral density in elderly men

Objective.?The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of testosterone therapy on bone mineral density in healthy elderly men who had low levels of total testosterone.

Design.?Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Participants.?Forty-eight men over 60 years old with decreased testosterone levels (≤320 ng/dL) comprised the study. Twenty-five out of 48 received intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate every three weeks during 12 months; the remaining 23 participants formed the control group. All participants had measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) in both lumbar spine and hip before and at the end of the study as well as testosterone and 17-β estradiol levels.

Results:?Testosterone treated group exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increment (from 1.198 ± 0.153 to 1.240 ± 0.141 g/cm²) in lumbar BMD in parallel with a significant (p < 0.001) increment (from 301 ± 32 to 471 ± 107 ng/dL) in testosterone concentrations, whereas no significant change occurred in femoral neck BMD.

Conclusions.?Testosterone therapy elicited a positive effect only in lumbar BMD in elderly men with diminished testosterone serum levels.