Bone Abstracts

Introduction: Optimal 25(OH)D serum level is very important for bone health and calcium–phosphate homeostasis as well as for optimal function of many organs and tissues. The consequences of vitamin D deficiency are mineralization defects, which may lead to osteomalacia in the long-term, and muscle weakness, causing falls and fractures.

Objectives: The aim of the research is to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency and it’s influence on bone turnover markers in men of different ages.

Methods: There were examined 215 men, aged (54.33±1.74) years. The level of 25(OH)D, iPTH, bone turnover markers (osteocalcin – marker of turnover rate, β-CTx – marker of resorption, and P1NP – marker of bone formation) were evaluated by electrochemiluminescence method (Elecsys 2010, Roche). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a 25(OH)D below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/l), and vitamin D insufficiency as 25(OH)D of 21–29 ng/ml (50.1–74.9 nmol/l).

Results: Only 6.0% of examined men had optimal 25(OH)D level. Vitamin D insufficiency was diagnosed in 18.7%, and vitamin D deficiency was recorded in 75.3% observed patients. Severe vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D level is below 25 nmol/l) was registered in 31.6%. All observed men were divided into four groups according 25(OH)D level: the 1st group included patients with severe vitamin D deficiency, second group – with 25(OH)D level 25–50 nmol/l, third group – with vitamin D insufficiency, and fourth group – with optimal 25(OH)D level.

iPTH level was lower in men of second group (37, 80 (25, 83; 45, 33) pg/ml, and significantly higher in observed with optimal 25(OH)D level (43.15 (26.03; 45.90) pg/ml (P<0.05). It hasn’t been found the significant difference in osteocalcin level and bone formation marker (P1NP) in observed men with different 25(OH)D level. The concentration of β-CTx was lower in patients with optimal 25(OH)D level (0.351 (0.251; 0.493)) ng/ml and significantly higher in group with sever vitamin D deficiency (0.545 (0.400; 0.680)) ng/ml (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Only 6.0% of Ukrainian men has optimal level of 25(OH)D in blood serum. Decreasing concentration of 25(OH)D in blood serum leads to increasing the markers of bone resorption. High level of vitamin D deficiency makes doctors to search the effective treatment and prevention methods of revealed disorders.