The role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in older individuals with osteoporotic hip fractures.

Background: Osteoporosis is characteristically defined as a decrease in bone density and mass, accompanied by the deterioration of bone structure, which increases bone fragility and the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis frequently develops with age. In high-risk populations, oxidative damage is a common pathological condition. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of osteoporosis and the formation of osteoporosis-related fractures. This study aimed to investigate the role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in bone tissue metabolism among elderly individuals with osteoporotic hip fractures, specifically intertrochanteric femur fractures and femoral neck fractures, who presented to our department.

Methods: Based on power analysis, 24 patients over the age of 65 who presented with hip pain following a fall, were diagnosed with hip fractures (intertrochanteric or femoral neck fractures) on X-ray, were hospitalized in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, and underwent surgery were included in the study. A control group consisting of 24 healthy individuals matched for age and gender, with no history of fractures and meeting the same exclusion criteria, was also included. Levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters, including total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), were measured in serum samples using spectrophotometric methods.

Results: The TAS (p=0.189) and OSI (p=0.110) levels in the patient group were significantly lower compared to the control group. Conversely, the TOS (p=0.002) and PON-1 (p=0.013) levels in the patient group were significantly higher than those in the control group.

Conclusion: The data indicate that oxidative balance is disrupted due to increased oxidative load and the resulting antioxidant deficiency. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, along with the development of alternative treatment approaches and disease markers, will contribute to the literature.