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Purdue research shows added calcium benefits women on the pill

A Purdue study found that increasing calcium intake by 200-300mg per day can significantly boost bone mineral density in young women taking oral contraceptives, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The researchers suggest that this simple change can prevent a significant loss of bone mass, particularly during peak bone development years.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 17, 2005

Back-to-back use of two drugs shows strong osteoporosis benefit

A new study shows that combining parathyroid hormone and alendronate for a year followed by a year increases bone density significantly more than other treatments, providing sustained gains. The treatment has the potential to offer the largest gains in bone density yet available at a lower cost than using parathyroid hormone alone.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 10, 2005

Key regulator of bone cells linked to osteoporosis

Researchers at Yale University identified IRAK-M as a key regulator of bone cells, finding that its presence prevents bone loss and its absence leads to severe osteoporosis in mice. The study suggests IRAK-M could be a new target for treating or preventing osteoporosis.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 5, 2005

Raw food vegetarians have low bone mass

A study of strict raw food vegans found they had lower body mass indices and significantly lower bone mass, but normal markers of bone turnover. They also had higher-than-normal vitamin D levels and low inflammation.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 28, 2005

PAF-way to bone loss

The absence of platelet-activating factor receptor in mice with induced menopause leads to improved bone mineral density and volume. Osteoclasts are responsible for PAF's mechanism of action, and inhibiting PAF receptor function reduces bone resorption.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2004

Untreated postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

A statistical model predicts rapid increase in spinal fractures over time if left untreated, highlighting the importance of intervention before first fracture occurs. The study emphasizes the need for therapy that reduces risk of first fracture within one year to substantially reduce future fracture risk.

Researchers compare drugs used to prevent osteoporosis

A randomized trial compared the effects of raloxifene and CEE on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with prior hysterectomy. The study found that CEE increased bone density by 4.6%, while raloxifene stabilized bone density, and both treatments had varying impacts on cholesterol levels.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2004

Hormone found to protect bones

A Baylor College of Medicine study reveals that the hormone amylin inhibits bone loss and resorption. Mice without amylin have less bone mass due to increased bone destruction, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for preventing osteoporosis in Type 1 diabetes patients.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateFeb 16, 2004

Variants of BMP2 gene as genetic risk factors for osteoporosis

A study identified variants of the BMP2 gene as genetic risk factors for osteoporosis, approximately tripling the likelihood of developing the disease. The findings were replicated in an independent cohort, suggesting a strong association between the gene's variants and increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 3, 2003

PTH and Alendronate: combining treatments shows no bone density advantage

Two studies found that combining parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alendronate increases bone mineral density (BMD) at least as well as or better than single drug treatment. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal effects of these drugs, particularly through sequential or cyclic therapy.

Smoking linked to osteoporosis in women

A study conducted at the University of Melbourne found that smoking is significantly linked to osteoporosis in women, particularly after menopause. Continuing high exposure to tobacco and greater sensitivity to smoking-induced bone loss are possible explanations for this link.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateSep 5, 2003

New tool helps researchers bone up on osteoporosis

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new tool using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to accurately determine bone mineral density in hens. The study found that more calcium resulted in greater bone mineral density and stronger bones, leading to potential improvements in egg production.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPoultry Science·DateAug 18, 2003

New evaluation of osteoporosis therapies

A recent study evaluated the medical costs of osteoporosis therapies and found that patients taking weekly Fosamax had lower GI-related medical costs compared to those taking daily or weekly doses. The analysis, conducted with a large medical claims database, also revealed that treating patients with a weekly dose of Fosamax versus a d...

Molecular defect may lead to osteoporosis

A study found that mice genetically engineered to lack a molecule called Stem Cell Antigen-1 (Sca-1) experienced normal bone development but exhibited decreased bone mass and brittle bones as they aged. The researchers believe that defective maintenance of stem cells may contribute to age-related osteoporosis in humans.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2003

PTHrP leads to significant increase in bone mineral density according to Pittsburgh study

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that PTHrP significantly increases bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, with a 4.7% increase observed in just three months. The study's findings are promising and take the identification of an effective short-term anabolic agent one step further.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateFeb 5, 2003