Vitamin D receptor initiation codon polymorphism, bone density and inflammatory activity of patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Objectives: Osteoporosis is a common finding in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and may contribute to spinal deformity and bone pain. Bone metabolism as well as inflammatory processes are influenced by the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR). We investigated initiation codon ( FokI) and 3'UTR ( BsmI) polymorphisms of the VDR for whether there could be an association with bone mineral density (BMD) in relation to bone metabolism or inflammatory activity in patients with AS.

Serum osteoprotegerin levels in patients after liver transplantation and correlation to bone turnover, bone mineral density and fracture status.

The aim of this cross sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis, vertebral fracture status and possible risk factors of bone loss including serum osteoprotegerin, a novel key regulator of osteoclast proliferation and activity in the posttransplantation period. We investigated 15 patients (10 male, 5 female) 20 +/- 6 (SE) months after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). All patients received immunosuppressive therapy and non were on calcium and/or vitamin D supplements at the time of admission to our osteoporosis outpatient clinic.

Vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism are common complications in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Objective: To investigate via the vitamin D status whether patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) tend to develop vitamin D deficiency that in turn influences their clinical symptoms.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: University hospital.