Characterization of peripheral T helper 17 (Th17) cells phenotype in postmenopausal women with estrogen insufficiency.

Over the past few years, Th17 cells is considered a key player in osteoporosis pathogenesis. Although extensively studied in murine models, comprehensive Th17 cell characterization in osteoporotic women is elusive. We thus aimed to examine peripheral Th17 cells frequency and phenotypes in healthy and osteoporotic women.

Association of OPG and RANKL gene polymorphisms with bone mineral density in Indian women.

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of the NF-kB ligand (RANKL) are key players in bone remodelling. Reports show that OPG and RANKL gene polymorphisms are associated with osteoporosis and fracture risk. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in OPG and RANKL gene on bone mineral density (BMD) in Indian women.

Increased frequency of Th17 cells and IL-17 levels are associated with low bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

Osteoporosis is one of the chronic and often neglected bone diseases in aging postmenopausal women that affect the quality of life. Studies on ovariectomized mice models indicated the reciprocal role of Th17 cells and Treg cells in the aetiology of osteoporosis. While Th17 cells promote osteoclastogenesis, Treg cells exhibit anti-osteoclastogenic activity.

Effect of Vitamin D Levels on Bone Remodeling in Healthy Women.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among Indian women. Subclinical vitamin D deficiency is a significant risk factor for osteopenia and fractures. However, its effect on bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) is still debatable.

Development of an in house ELISA for human intact osteocalcin and its utility in diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.

Background: Serum Osteocalcin (OC) is a biomarker for evaluating bone turnover in humans. Commercial kits of OC in India are imported, hence the associated high cost prohibits their use in routine screening of osteoporosis. The present study describes the development, validation of human OC ELISA and establishes cut off values for its use in screening and management of women at risk for osteoporosis.