Abdel-Jalil Berro

Physical Performance Variables and Bone Mineral Density in a Group of Young Overweight and Obese Men

The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between performances obtained in different physical tests and bone parameters (bone mineral density [BMD], bone mineral content, hip geometry indices, and trabecular bone score [TBS]) in a group of young Lebanese overweight and obese adult men. Fifty-two overweight and/or obese (body mass index > 25 kg/m2) young men whose ages range from 18 to 35 yr participated in this study. Weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated. Body composition, BMD, cross-sectional area and section modulus (Z) of the femoral neck (FN), and TBS were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max, in liter per minute) was determined by direct measurement while exercising on a medical treadmill. One-repetition-maximum half-squat and maximum power (P max) of the lower limbs were measured using validated exercises. Lean mass was a positive determinant of whole-body bone mineral content (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), FN cross-sectional area (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), and FN Z (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). VO2 max (in liter per minute) was a positive determinant of whole-body BMD (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), total hip BMD (r = 0.43, p < 0.01), and FN BMD (r = 0.42, p < 0.01). VO2 max (in milliliter per minute per kilogram) was a positive determinant of TBS (r = 0.30, p < 0.05). One repetition maximum was a positive determinant of L1-L4 BMD (r = 0.33, p < 0.05). This study suggests that VO2 max (in liter per minute) is a positive determinant of BMD, and VO2 max (in milliliter per minute per kilogram) is a positive determinant of TBS in overweight and obese men.

Maximal Oxygen Consumption and Composite Indices of Femoral Neck Strength in a Group of Young Overweight and Obese Men

Several studies have shown positive associations between anaerobic power and bone strength variables (1–4). However, little is known concerning the relation between aerobic power and bone strength in young adults (5–10). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption as measured during incremental exercise (5–10).VO2 max is widely accepted as the single best measure of cardiovascular fitness and maximal aerobic power (5–10). VO2 max is expressed either as an absolute rate (liter per minute) or as a relative rate (milliliter per minute per kilogram) (5–10). Bone mineral density (BMD) is generally considered as the best determinant of bone strength (11). However, only 50%–70% of bone strength variability can be explained by BMD (11–13). Hip bone strength is also influenced by other factors such as femoral neck (FN) width and bending strength (11–13).Karlamangla et al (14) have examined the prediction of incident hip fracture risk by composite indices of FN strength (compression strength index [CSI], bending strength index [BSI], and impact strength index [ISI]) constructed from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of the hip.These indices integrate FN size and body size with bone density (14). CSI, BSI, and ISI reflect the ability of the FN to withstand axial compressive and bending forces and to absorb energy from an impact (14–21).These indices have been shown to improve hip fracture risk and bone strength assessments in the elderly (14–16). In children and young adults, physical activity practice positively influences these indices (18–20). In a recent study, we have shown that obesity is associated with low composite indices of FN strength in young obese men (21).Overweight and obese subjects seem to have low VO2 max (milliliter per minute per kilogram) values (22). However, little is known concerning the relation between maximal oxygen consumption and composite indices of FN strength in young obese adults. The aim of the current study was to explore the relationship between maximal oxygen consumption and composite indices of FN strength in a group of young overweight and obese men. Seventy-three overweight and obese (body mass index > 25 kg/m) young men whose ages ranged from 18 to 35 yr participated in the present study.The 73 participants were recruited from3 private universities located inNorthLebanon. All participants were nonsmokers and had no history ofmajor orthopedic problems or other disorders known to affect bone metabolism or physical tests of the study.Other inclusion criteria included no diagnosis of comorbidities and no history of fracture.An informed written consent was obtained from the participants.The current study was approved by the University of BalamandEthics Committee.Bonemineral content and BMD were determined for each individual by dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry at whole body, total hip, and FN (GE Healthcare, Madison, WI). Composite indices of FN strength (CSI,BSI, and ISI) were calculated as previously described (14). We directly assessed the VO2 max of the participants using a Cosmed Fitmate Pro device (version 2.20, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) while exercising on a bicycle ergometer (Siemens-Elema RE 820; Rodby Elektronik AB, Enhorna, Sweden). A progressive 2-min step protocol (20–30W/step) was used as previously described (23). VO2 max (milliliter per minute per kilogram) was positively correlated to CSI (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), BSI (r = 0.28, p < 0.05), and ISI (r = 0.48, p < 0.001). The positive associations between VO2 max (milliliter per minute per kilogram) and 2 indices (CSI and ISI) remained significant after controlling for body mass index using multiple linear regression models. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show positive associations between maximal oxygen consumption (milliliter per minute per kilogram) and composite indices of FN strength in young overweight and obese men. Enhancing cardiovascular fitness may help to reduce osteoporotic fractures in overweight and obese men.

Sarcopenia and Hip Structure Analysis Variables in a Group of Lebanese Postmenopausal Women

The aim of the present study was to compare hip structural analysis variables in postmenopausal women with sarcopenia and postmenopausal women with normal skeletal muscle mass index. This study included 8 postmenopausal women (aged between 65 and 84 years) with sarcopenia and 60 age-matched controls (with normal skeletal muscle mass index (SMI)). Body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Weight, lean mass, Body mass index, femoral neck cross-sectional area (FN CSA), FN section modulus (Z), FN cross sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), intertrochanteric (IT) CSA, IT Z, IT CSMI, IT cortical thickness (CT), femoral shaft (FS) CSA, FS Z and FS CSMI were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in women with normal SMI compared to women with sarcopenia. In the whole population, SMI was positively correlated to IT CSA, IT Z, IT CSMI, IT CT, FS CSA, FS Z, FS CSMI, FS CT but negatively correlated to IT buckling ratio (BR) and FS BR. The present suggests that sarcopenia negatively affects hip bone strength indices in postmenopausal women.

Decreased Composite Indices of Femoral Neck Strength in Young Obese Women

The aim of the current study was to compare compression strength index (CSI), bending strength index (BSI) and impact strength index (ISI) among obese, overweight and normal-weight young women. 117 young women (20 obese, 36 overweight and 61 normal-weight) whose ages range from 18 to 35 years participated in this study. Body composition and BMD were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). CSI, BSI and ISI values were significantly lower in obese and overweight women compared to normal-weight women (p < 0.001). In the whole population (n = 117), body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated to CSI (r = −0.66; p < 0.001), BSI (r = −0.56; p < 0.001) and ISI (r = −0.54; p < 0.001). This study suggests that obesity is associated with lower CSI, BSI and ISI values in young women.

Vitamin D and Trabecular Bone Score in a Group of Young Lebanese Adults

The relationship between vitamin D and trabecular bone score (TBS) in young adults remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum levels and TBS in a healthy adult population. A total of 54 men and 61 women whose ages range from 18 to 35 participated in the present study. Participants with 25(OH)D insufficiency (between 21 and 29 ng/mL) were 55.7%, and those with 25(OH)D deficiency (≤20 ng/mL) were 11.4%. TBS positively correlated with 25(OH)D in men (r = 0.393; p <0.05) and women (r = 0.324; p < 0.05). In both genders, TBS was significantly higher in 25(OH)D-sufficient participants (≥30 ng/mL). The present study provides evidence that vitamin D positively affects bone health and suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D status may be essential for optimal TBS values.

Physical Performance Variables and Bone Parameters in a Group of Young Overweight and Obese Women

The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between physical performance variables and bone parameters such as bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content, hip geometry indices, and trabecular bone score in a group of young overweight and obese adult women. Sixty-eight overweight/obese (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2; 25.5-42.4 kg/m2) young women whose ages range from 18 to 35 yr participated in this study. Body composition and bone outcomes were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max, in liter per minute) was determined indirectly using a progressive shuttle run test. One-repetition-maximum half-squat was directly measured. Vertical jump was measured and maximum power (P max) of the lower limbs was calculated. Lean mass was positively correlated to whole body (WB) BMD, total hip BMD, femoral neck (FN) BMD, femoral neck cross-sectional area (FN CSA) and femoral neck cross sectional moment of inertia (FN CSMI) (p < 0.05). VO2 max (in liter per minute) and muscle power were positively correlated to WB BMD, total hip BMD, FN BMD, FN CSA, and FN CSMI (p < 0.05). One-repetition-maximum half-squat was positively correlated with lumbar spine trabecular bone score, WB BMD, FN BMD, FN CSA and FN CSMI (p < 0.05). This study suggests that lean mass, vertical jump, VO2 max (liter per minute), muscle power and one-repetition-maximum half squat are positive determinants of BMD and hip geometry indices in young overweight and obese women.

Muscular Maximal Strength Indices and Bone Variables in a Group of Elderly Women

The aim of the present study was to explore the relations between muscular maximal strength indices and bone parameters (bone mineral density [BMD], hip geometry indices, and trabecular bone score [TBS]) in a group of elderly women. This study included 35 healthy elderly women whose ages range between 65 and 75 yr (68.1 ± 3.1 yr). BMD (in gram per square centimeter) was determined for each individual by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the whole body, lumbar spine (L1-L4), total hip (TH), and femoral neck (FN). L1-L4 TBS and hip geometry indices were also evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maximal muscle strength of bench press (1-repetition maximum [RM] bench press), maximal muscle strength of leg press (1-RM leg press), and handgrip were measured using validated methods. 1-RM bench press was positively correlated to TH BMD (r = 0.40; p < 0.05), FN BMD (r = 0.41; p < 0.05), FN section modulus (r = 0.33; p < 0.05), and FN cross-sectional moment of inertia (r = 0.35; p < 0.05). 1-RM leg press was positively correlated to TH BMD (r = 0.50; p < 0.01), FN BMD (r = 0.35; p < 0.05), FN cross-sectional area (r = 0.38; p < 0.05), and TBS (r = 0.37; p < 0.05). Handgrip was correlated only to FN cross-sectional moment of inertia (r = 0.43; p < 0.01). This study suggests that 1-RM bench press and 1-RM leg press are positive determinants of BMD in elderly women.

Positive Correlations between Free Vitamin D and Bone Variables in a Group of Young Lebanese Men

Abstract Optimizing bone mass in adulthood is of great importance to prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis in later age. Vitamin D is an essential component of bone health. Low-serum vitamin D is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD), which is an important predictor of fracture risk. However, most cells, apart from renal tubular cells, are exposed to free rather than to total 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Whether free vitamin D would be a better marker than total vitamin D is still under debate. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationships between serum total vitamin D, vitamin D-binding protein (BP), free vitamin D, and bone parameters in a group of young Lebanese women. This study included 88 young female adults aged between 18 and 35 yr. Body composition and BMD were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the lumbar spine trabecular bone score was derived. Bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD were measured at the whole body (WB), the lumbar spine (L1–L4), the total hip (TH), and the femoral neck (FN). To evaluate hip bone geometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans were analyzed at the FN, the intertrochanteric region, and the femoral shaft by the Hip Structure Analysis program. The cross-sectional area, the index of axial compression strength, and the section modulus ( Z ), as well as index of bending strength, were measured from bone mass profiles. Composite indices of FN strength (compressive strength index [CSI], bending strength index, and impact strength index [ISI]) were calculated as previously described. Direct measurement of free 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations was performed by immunoassay, which detects free vitamin D by ELISA on a microtiter plate. Serum vitamin D BP was measured using a Quantikine ELISA kit, which employed the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Serum free vitamin D was positively correlated with WB BMC ( r  = 0.26, p r  = 0.29, p r  = 0.28, p r  = 0.34, p r  = 0.29, p r  = 0.24, p r  = 0.28, p