A One–Two Punch to Bone: Assessing the Combined Impact of Lead and a High-Fat Diet

Julia R. Barrett, MS, ELS, a Madison, WI–based science writer and editor, is a member of the National Association of Science Writers and the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences. About This Article open Citation: Barrett JR. 2015. A one–two punch to bone: assessing the combined impact of lead and a high-fat diet. Environ Health Perspect 123:A264; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.123-A264 News Topics: Lead, Metals, Molecular Biology, Musculoskeletal Health, Obesity Published: 1 October 2015 PDF Version (205 KB) Related EHP Article Effects of Combined Exposure to Lead and High-Fat Diet on Bone Quality in Juvenile Male Mice Eric E. Beier, Jason A. Inzana, Tzong-Jen Sheu, Lei Shu, J. Edward Puzas, and Robert A. Mooney Lead exposure and obesity each adversely affect bone formation and maintenance, which can potentially lead to low bone mass and an increased risk of fracture.1,2 A new study in mice, reported in this issue of EHP, found that lead exposure combined with a high-fat diet altered metabolic variables as well as bone quality more than either factor alone.1 The study also identified clues to molecular mechanisms that could explain the observed metabolic and skeletal changes. The development and maintenance of healthy bone depend on a careful balance of formation and resorption (breakdown).3 Cells known as osteoblasts control bone formation, and osteoclasts manage bone resorption. Intricate networks of protein messengers regulate the numbers a...
Source: EHP Research - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Featured News Science Selection Lead Metals Molecular Biology Musculoskeletal Health Obesity October 2015 Source Type: research