Abstract

INTRODUCTION
This study analyzed associations between plasma vitamin D(3) (25OHD(3)) and bone mineral density (BMD) and whether the effects of conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) on BMD are modulated by 25OHD(3).
METHODS
Fifty cynomolgus monkeys were fed a diet containing 25OHD(3) (providing a woman's equivalent of 1000 IU/day of 25OHD3). The monkeys underwent bilateral oophorectomy and were randomized to either CEE (equivalent of 0.45 mg/day) (n=25) or placebo (n=25) and continued receiving the same diet. 25OHD(3) and BMD were measured at randomization and after 6 months. BMD also was measured after 20 months (equivalent to 6 human years). Associations between 25OHD(3) and BMD were subsequently analyzed.
RESULTS
Baseline 25OHD(3) plasma concentrations varied from 26 to 95 ng/mL (mean±standard deviation [SD] 54 ± 15 ng/mL). Higher plasma concentrations of 25OHD(3) were associated with a significantly increased BMD. Monkeys on both CEE and placebo had increased BMD over 20 months; however, the increase was not significantly different (0.034 g/cm(2) vs. 0.020 g/cm(2), respectively; p=0.064). The 20-month BMD increased significantly with CEE treatment in those with higher vs. lower 25OHD(3) concentrations (p=0.027). The percent change in BMD over 20 months also increased significantly with CEE treatment in those with higher vs. lower 25OHD(3) concentrations (p=0.018). A higher 25OHD(3) concentration had no significant effect on BMD in those receiving placebo.
CONCLUSIONS
Monkeys fed a diet containing 1000 IU/day equivalent of 25OHD(3) have a wide range of plasma 25OHD(3) concentrations. Those receiving CEE with higher 25OHD(3) concentrations had higher BMDs, suggesting 25OHD(3) and CEE have synergistic effects on BMD.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Schnatz PF, Marakovits KA, O'Sullivan DM, Ethun K, Clarkson TB, Appt SE

Institution

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, Reading, Pennsylvania 19612-6052, USA. schnatzp@readinghospital.org

Source

Journal of women's health (2002) 21:8 2012 Aug pg 858-64

MeSH

Animals
Antifibrinolytic Agents
Body Mass Index
Bone Density
Cholecalciferol
Cohort Studies
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Estradiol
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Estrogens
Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)
Hemostatics
Longitudinal Studies
Macaca fascicularis
Models, Animal
Postmenopause
Vitamin K 2
Vitamins

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22691032