Bones offer new hope for diabetes

Bones may play a more active role than previously thought in regulating the body's chemistry, scientists say.

An international team found the molecule osteocalcin, produced by bone cells, is active in helping to regulate blood sugar levels in mice.
This is important in the development of diabetes and obesity, so the findings, in the journal Cell, offer the hope of new ways to treat these conditions.

But experts have warned more research is needed to confirm the link.
The researchers looked at two different mice strains, both of which had altered activities of osteocalcin, which is produced by osteoblast cells in bones. One strain had no osteocalcin gene, and so no osteocalcin, and the other had increased levels of osteocalcin activity.

Novel function Lead author Professor Gerard Karsenty of the Columbia University said: "Osteocalcin has been known since 1977 to be made by osteoblast cells, but it had no known function." However, the team found a novel function of the molecule. Usually, an increase in insulin levels in the blood is accompanied by a decrease in insulin sensitivity. But the authors found osteocalcin boosted both the secretion and the sensitivity to insulin.

In mice, increasing the activity of the molecule stimulated pancreatic cells to produce more insulin and at the same time directed fat cells to release a hormone called adiponectin - which improves insulin sensitivity. It also stimulated the production of the insulin-producing cells themselves, which is currently considered to be one of the best, although unattainable, potential treatments for diabetes. Increasing the activity of osteocalcin also prevented the development if type 2 diabetes and obesity in the mice, and mice who could make no osteocalcin had type 2 diabetes and increased fat mass.

New therapies Professor Karsenty said: "The discovery that our bones are responsible for regulating blood sugar in ways that were not known before completely changes out understanding of the function of the skeleton and uncovers a crucial aspect of energy metabolism. "These results uncover an important aspect of endocrinology that was unappreciated until now." And the finding could provide a new therapeutic target to help treat diabetes in humans too, as people with type 2 diabetes have been shown to have low osteocalcin levels.

The researchers will now investigate the role of osteocalcin in regulating blood sugar in humans. Matt Hunt, Science Information Manager at Diabetes UK, said: "This is a very interesting study. "Diabetes research has never previously proposed the idea of the skeleton being involved in the development of diabetes.

"This could potentially open up a whole new area of research."

He said the research could led to an improved understanding of the causes of diabetes, but warned further research was needed to establish a conclusive link between osteocalcin and diabetes.

Source: Osteoworks

living well

No Bones About It

It's widely recognized that strong bones are necessary for long-term wellness. A common misconception, however, is that bone health is important only for structural reasons. It's true that the skeleton provides us with support and mobility But this strong and light system is more than a physical framework.

Bones are actually a chemical storehouse and factory, serving as a repository for essential minerals and as a facility producing cells that enable systemic processes. Healthy bones keep us alive by performing both the structural support and metabolic functions.

First, consider the physical aspect: the skeleton not only provides us a free range of motion that is impossible in invertebrates (try to imagine a jellyfish walking), it also serves as a protective armor for vital organs. Our skeleton is a safety cage for heart, lungs and liver - specialized organs that are in constant operation. One organ, the brain, is so important that it is completely encased in bone, a natural helmet. There is no doubt that highly developed animals could not exist without this complex system of scaffolding and protection, and that good health depends on keeping this system in good working order.

In addition to serving in this way, our bones contain dynamic internal systems that are in constant motion. We require the mineral known as calcium to support a variety of activities at the cellular level. Bone is a reservoir for 99% of the body's calcium supply It releases amounts of this element as needed to assist in heart, muscle and nerve function. Bone is also a blood generator. It produces red blood cells, necessary for transferring oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body Bone marrow synthesizes white blood cells, which help the body fight off infection, and platelets, which enable blood to clot and assist in healing. Without healthy bones, none of these processes are possible.

Yet our bony structure is under constant threat. As we mature, the ability of our skeletal system to renew these vital minerals and carry out these processes will diminish. Calcium replacement slows - and one result is that an estimated 10 million Americans over the age of SO suffer from osteoporosis, a condition in which bone mass is reduced and the skeleton becomes fragile. Age is only one factor that can lead to a decline in bone health. As fewer adults get the regular exercise they need, this also affects bone mass and regeneration. Additionally, the rise in obesity and overweight imposes increased stress on the skeletal structure.

Diet is critical in maintaining osseous health. Our bones need the raw materials necessary to rebuild themselves (the adult skeleton is largely replaced every 10 years). Yet ordinary calcium supplements are not an effective way to answer this need. Most ingested calcium is excreted - and an unfortunate side effect of excess calcium in the system can be the formation of kidney or bladder stones.

Instead, the skeletal system requires a regular infusion of the natural substances that enable specialized cells to regenerate bone tissue. Providing these nutrients in supplement form would require a targeting mechanism to ensure that the ingredients are delivered to the correct destination and readily absorbed by these cells. Research continues on developing a mechanism that will accomplish this - and actively support the structure that supports us. " '"
NIKKEN | JULY/AUGUST 2007

Diet during pregnacy effects long term bone health in infants

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women who maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet during pregnancy have children with bigger and stronger bones than women with poorer quality diets, according to the results of a study presented Tuesday at the National Osteoporosis Society Conference in Manchester, UK


Read more...
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5605LT20090701

Osteoporosis Drug in Rare Thighbone Fractures

Researchers Puzzled by Role of Osteoporosis Drug in Rare Thighbone Fractures
By GINA KOLATA
Published: March 24, 2010

The case reports first surfaced about two years ago and they were frightening. A few orthopedists reported that women taking osteoporosis drugs to prevent broken bones were showing up with rare and serious fractures of their thighbones. The bone was snapping like a twig, sometimes splintering. Often there was no trauma, like a serious fall, to bring it on.

Read more... http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/health/25bone.html

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Did you know

RA affects women 3 times more often than men.
After 5 years of disease, about 33% will not be working.
After 10 years, about half will have substantial functional disability.

Stunning!

10 Million Americans
have Osteoporosis.
34 Million Americans
have low bone mass.
66 Million - joint related issues.
TOTAL: 110 Million

Studies indicate our teenage youth are at risk for osteoporosis… Athletes, mothers, older men and women.

Protein and Calcium for Bones

Protein: Protein and calcium act synergistically on bone if both are present in adequate quantities in the diet, but protein can become an antagonistic towards bone when calcium intake is low.

Dietary calcium to protein ratio equal to or greater than 20:1(mg/g) can provide adequate protection for the skeleton. Milk is a unique source of protein because its calcium content is high in relation to its protein content. The calcium to protein ratio of cow's milk is approximately 36:1. Thus, the nutrient package of milk has beneficial effects on bone health.

Source: Bio-Replinishment for Bone Health, AS Naidu