Women of South Asian descent 'may be at greater risk of osteoporosis'

This study focused on trends in bone resorption, the process by which bone tissue is broken down by osteoclast cells to enable the transfer of calcium from bone tissue into the bloodstream. This is an essential function that help to body adapt to change and repair damage, but when it becomes excessive and unbalanced, it can be detrimental to bone health. Researchers examined 370 pre and postmenopausal South Asian and white Caucasian women in the UK over a 12-month period by measuring levels of N terminal telopeptide, a byproduct of bone resorption found in urine. It was found that premenopausal South Asian women had higher levels of this byproduct in their urine than white women, indicating higher levels of bone resorption than would be expected for their age. Typically, high levels of this byproduct are only found in those who have passed the menopause. The need for further research As such, it may be concluded that premenopausal South Asian women are seeing their bones breaking down at a quicker rate than they are being reformed, making these women more susceptible to osteoporosis and fractures in later life. The researchers will now be conducting an investigation into bone formation trends to assess the activity of the osteoblast cells that form bone tissue, as a low activity in these cells would indicate that these women's bones may be getting thinner. Study lead author Dr Andrea Darling from the University of Surrey said:"We need to investigate further whether t...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news