Influence of normal ageing on mechanism of bone loss in women and men in Bangkok

Abstract

Age and sex related changes in bone metabolism are of interest in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. However, most data in the literature were studied in Western countries. In a tropical country, such as Thailand, little is known of vitamin D status and bone remodeling. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the changes of vitamin D levels and biochemical markers of bone turnover in healthy women and men of various age groups between 20-80 years who were living in Bangkok. From the results, vitamin D levels of various age groups did not alter significantly between men and women except in the sixth decade of women. However, men had higher levels of vitamin D than women. In women, all biochemical markers of bone turnover increased with age, with a sharp increase at the onset of menopause. In contrast, biochemical markers of bone turnover in men gradually declined with advancing age. Conclusion : There was no evidence of vitamin D deficiency in the Bangkok population. Women and men showed different age-related changes in bone metabolism.