Bone markers and renal functional status in healthy Nigeria adults

Abstract

Background There is a dearth of reports on the relationship between bone metabolism and renal function in Nigeria. This study determined the association between bone-turnover markers and renal functional status in healthy Nigerian adults. Patients and methods This exploratory observational study consisted of 80 apparently healthy participants aged 22–50 years without known risk factors for renal impairment. Fasting samples were analyzed for biochemical bone-turnover markers, including serum osteocalcin, total alkaline phosphatase, 24-h urine-calcium excretion, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]; and calcium, phosphate, and creatinine. The estimated glomerular-filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Cockcroft–Gault formula. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan (DXA scan). Statistical analysis was carried out and P level less than 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results The mean age of study participants was 32.1±5.8 years with a mean GFR of 98.15±9.02 ml/min, mean serum 25(OH)D 51.53±15.45 mmol/l, and mean BMD/Z score 0.54±0.07)/0.20±1.02. None of the participants had osteoporosis or vitamin-D deficiency. There is a significant correlation between bone marker − osteocalcin and BMD, and PTH with BMD and GFR (P<0.05). Also, a nonsignificant trend was observed between calcium excretion, 25(OH)D, and estimated GFR (P=0.07, P=0.08). Conclusion PTH may be an early marker of bone loss in renal dysfunction.