Nitrates Do Not Affect Bone Density or Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Organic nitrates have been reported to have significant effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover in previous clinical trials. However, results are inconsistent and some trials with strikingly positive results have been retracted because of scientific misconduct. As preparation for a potential fracture prevention study, we set out to determine the lowest effective dose and the most effective and acceptable nitrate preparation.

Predictors of activity limitation in people with gout: a prospective study.

The objective of the study was to determine clinical factors associated with activity limitation and predictors of a change in activity limitation after 1 year in people with gout. Two hundred ninety-five participants with gout (disease duration < 10 years) attended a baseline assessment which included medical and disease-specific history, pain visual analog score and plain radiographs scored for erosion and narrowing. Activity limitation was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire-II (HAQ-II).

Minimal Important Difference in Voice Handicap Index-10.

Importance: The minimal important difference (MID) on patient-reported outcome measures can indicate how much of a change on that scale is meaningful.

Objective: To use an anchor-based approach to estimate MID in the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) total score.

Design, Setting, And Participants: In this cohort study, a volunteer sample of adult patients visiting the voice clinic at the University of Minnesota from April 7, 2013, through July 3, 2016, completed the VHI-10 (range, 0-40, with higher scores indicating greater voice-related handicap) at baseline and 2 weeks later in conjunction with a global rating of change.

Factors associated with change in radiographic damage scores in gout: a prospective observational study.

Background/aims: Radiographic damage is frequently observed in patients with longstanding gout. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine factors associated with change in radiographic damage scores in gout.

Methods: People with gout and disease duration <10 years were recruited into this prospective observational study.

Body mass index modulates the relationship of sugar-sweetened beverage intake with serum urate concentrations and gout.

Introduction: Both sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and body mass index (BMI) are associated with elevated serum urate concentrations and gout risk. The aim of this study was to determine whether the associations of SSB intake with serum urate and gout are moderated by BMI.

Method: The effects of chronic SSB intake on serum urate and gout status were analysed in a large cross-sectional population study.

Role of miR-146a in regulation of the acute inflammatory response to monosodium urate crystals.

Objectives: MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs that function as post-transcriptional repressors of gene expression. We hypothesised that miRNA regulate gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in response to monosodium urate (MSU) crystals.

Methods: We stimulated human monocytic THP-1 cells with MSU crystals and examined miRNA and proinflammatory cytokine gene expression.

Urate crystal deposition in asymptomatic hyperuricaemia and symptomatic gout: a dual energy CT study.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the frequency and volume of dual energy CT (DECT) urate deposits in people with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia and symptomatic gout.

Methods: We analysed DECT scans of the feet from asymptomatic individuals with serum urate ≥540 µmol/L (n=25) and those with crystal proven gout without clinically apparent tophi (n=33).

Results: DECT urate deposits were observed in 6/25 (24%) participants with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia, 11/14 (79%) with early gout (predefined as disease duration ≤3 years) and 16/19 (84%) with late gout (p<0.

Acute and 3-month effects of microcrystalline hydroxyapatite, calcium citrate and calcium carbonate on serum calcium and markers of bone turnover: a randomised controlled trial in postmenopausal women.

Ca supplements are used for bone health; however, they have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, which may relate to their acute effects on serum Ca concentrations. Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCH) could affect serum Ca concentrations less than conventional Ca supplements, but its effects on bone turnover are unclear. In the present study, we compared the acute and 3-month effects of MCH with conventional Ca supplements on concentrations of serum Ca, phosphate, parathyroid hormone and bone turnover markers.

Development of a patient-reported outcome measure of tophus burden: the Tophus Impact Questionnaire (TIQ-20).

Background: Tophus burden is currently measured using physical examination and imaging methods. The aim of this study was to develop a patient-reported outcome (PRO) tool to assess tophus burden in people with gout.

Methods: The responses from interviews with 25 people with tophaceous gout were used to generate items for a preliminary PRO tool.

Influence of the ABCG2 gout risk 141 K allele on urate metabolism during a fructose challenge.

Introduction: Both genetic variation in ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2) and intake of fructose-containing beverages are major risk factors for hyperuricemia and gout. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the ABCG2 gout risk allele 141 K promotes the hyperuricaemic response to fructose loading.

Methods: Healthy volunteers (n = 74) provided serum and urine samples immediately before and 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after ingesting a 64 g fructose solution.

Zoledronate for prevention of bone erosion in tophaceous gout: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objectives: The osteoclast has been implicated in development of bone erosion in gout. The aim of this study was to determine whether zoledronate, a potent antiosteoclast drug, influences bone erosion in people with tophaceous gout.

Methods: This was a 2-year, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 100 people with tophaceous gout.

Reduced creatinine clearance is associated with early development of subcutaneous tophi in people with gout.

Background: Although typically a late feature of gout, tophi may present early in the course of disease. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the presence of early tophaceous disease.

Methods: People with gout for <10 years were prospectively recruited, and had a comprehensive clinical assessment including examination for subcutaneous tophi.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with gout: a longitudinal observational study.

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by patients with arthritis.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency and type of CAM used for gout, to understand the clinical and psychological factors associated with CAM use in people with gout, and to determine whether patients using CAM have different clinical outcomes over 1 year.

Methods: A total of 276 patients with gout for less than 10 years' duration were recruited into a longitudinal observational study.

Population-specific influence of SLC2A9 genotype on the acute hyperuricaemic response to a fructose load.

Background: SLC2A9 is a strong genetic risk factor for hyperuricaemia and gout. SLC2A9 (GLUT9) is a high capacity urate transporter and reportedly transports glucose and fructose. Intake of fructose-containing beverages is associated with development of hyperuricaemia and gout.

The experience and impact of gout in Māori and Pacific people: a prospective observational study.

Although high prevalence of gout in Māori and Pacific people is well-documented, the experience of disease in these groups has not been explored in detail. The aim of this analysis was to describe the experience and impact of gout in Māori and Pacific people. Patients with gout for <10 years were recruited from primary and secondary care settings into a prospective observational study (n = 291; 37 Māori, 35 Pacific, and 219 not Māori or Pacific).

No reduction in circulating preosteoclasts 18 months after treatment with zoledronate: analysis from a randomized placebo controlled trial.

The conventional model that bisphosphonates bind to the bone surface and inhibit mature osteoclasts does not convincingly explain the prolonged duration of action of zoledronate. We hypothesized that zoledronate on the bone surface adjacent to marrow cells impairs osteoclastogenesis, contributing to sustained inhibition of resorption. In this case, numbers of circulating preosteoclasts may be reduced after zoledronate treatment.

Prescription and dosing of urate-lowering therapy, rather than patient behaviours, are the key modifiable factors associated with targeting serum urate in gout.

Background: Long term serum urate (SU) lowering to a target of <0.36 mmol/l (6 mg/dl) is recommended for effective gout management. However, many studies have reported low achievement of SU targets.