• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.1632-1637
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• 2006

We studied the changes in biochemical markers of bone metabolism in growing Thoroughbred horses. Serum osteocalcin (OC), as a marker for bone formation, and carboxy-terminal propeptide of type-I collagen (PICP), as a marker for bone formation, carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type-I collagen (ICTP), as a marker for bone resorption, were determined in nine clinically healthy horses from 3 d to 17 mo of age. The BW and withers height (WH) increased during the study. On the other hand, a rapid reduction in body weight gain (BWG) was observed between 1 mo and 9 mo of age and a rapid reduction in withers height gain was observed between 1 mo and 5 mo of age. The serum markers decreased significantly with increasing age. In particular, dramatic changes in serum markers occurred between 3 d to 1 wk and 5 to 7 mo of age in these horses, which suggests that bone turnover rapidly decreased after birth. On the other hand, the ratio of PICP to ICTP decreased through the experiment. This result suggests that the reduction in bone formation exceeded that of bone resorption. There was a significant correlation between markers and growth parameters, except for the correlation between PICP and BWG on single linear regression analysis. Serum OC and ICTP were affected by the WH in multiple linear regression analysis. These results indicated that the age-related variation in serum biochemical markers of bone metabolism reflected bone growth, but neither BW nor BWG. Therefore, we consider that changes in bone modeling are the major factor affecting the levels of serum biochemical markers by 17 mo of age in horses.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.9-13
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• 2003

Currently bone biochemical markers are considered to be the best indicators of present and the future state of bone turnover. A recent study has reported that chlorella increases the bone mineral density (BMD) on postmenopausal women, but presently there are no studies on bone biochemical markers treated with chlorella dietary supplementation. The purpose of the present study was to assess the bone biochemical markers for the short term and long term treatment groups, and non-treatment group as a control. Twenty two postmenopausal woman were treated for four months and eighteen for one year with 4 gm of chlorella dietary supplementation per day, and then assessed bone biochemical markers from serum and urine samples. Bone turnover rates calculated with Osteocalcin (OC), bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) as a bone formation markers and deoxypyridinoline (DP), cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (NTx) as a bone resorption markers, showed 1131$\pm$87% for control group, 61$\pm$11% for short term treated group and 190$\pm$101% for long term treated group. We conclude that chlorella dietary supplementation enhances the bone formation, and NTx as a single markers, OC/Dp as a single markers of bone turnover rate were very useful tools for determine the effectiveness of chlorella dietary supplementation (or the postmenopausal women.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.412-422
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• 2002

The use of biochemical markers of bone turnover may be particular interest in the investigation of bone disorders with osteoporosis. Serum osteocalcin(OC), total alkaline phosphatase and procollagen C, reflecting bone formation, and urinary pyridinium cross-links excretion, reflecting bone reabsorption have been measured in hyperthyroidism, postmenopause women, after testosterone supplementation, androgen, testosterone and estrogen deficiency, bone mineral density degree, age duration. Bone marks which is reflect to metabolic bone disorders are biochemical indices method to measure enzyme activity about bone formation, bone absorption and bone components in blood or urine. Bone metabolism biochemical marks are correlated with osteophorotic agents and also represent significantly different between bone mineral density and bone biochemical marks. Therefore if we develope and use bone metabolism marks which have higher sensitivity and specificity in bone formation and bone absorption, I think that these bone biochemical marks can have utility in the clinical application to predict osteoporosis risk group, bone loss, bone fracture and response degree to treatment of osteoporosis risk groups.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.320-326
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• 2007

An important related question is whether arginine has influence bone metabolism. The effect of arginine supplements on bone markers and related hormones were studied in young female Sprague-Dawley rats fed either an arginine supplemented diet or control diet. Twenty four rats (body weight 83${\pm}$5 g) were randomly assigned to one of two groups, consuming casein or casein with supplemented arginine diet. All rats were fed on experimental diet and deionized water ad libitum for 9 weeks. Bone formation was measured by serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations. And bone resorption rate was measured by deoxypyridinoline (DPD) crosslinks immunoassay and corrected for creatinine. Serum osteocalcin, growth hormone, estrogen, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin were analyzed using radioimmunoassay kits. The weight gain and mean food intake were not affected regardless of diets. The rats fed arginine-supplemented diet had not significantly different in ALP, osteocalcin, crosslinks value, PTH, estradiol, and IGF-1 compared to those fed casein diet group. The arginine-supplemented group had significantly higher growth hormone and calcitonin than casein group. This study suggests that arginine is beneficial for bone formation in growing female rats. Therefore exposure to diet which rich in arginine early in life may have benefits for bone formation and osteoporosis prevention.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.452-458
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• 2003

Soybean is a rich source of isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein. Soy isoflavones have both weak estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects and are structurally similar to tamoxifen, an agent that has an effect similar to that of estrogen in terms of reducing postmenopausal bone loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of differences in protein source (casein vs soy) and isoflavone levels (reduced vs higher levels) on selected bone markers and hormones in growing male rats. Thirty weanling Sprague-Dawley young rats were divided into 3 groups: The control group was fed a casein-based diet, the soy concentrate group was fed soy protein with totally reduced isoflavones content (isoflavones 0.07 mg/g protein), and the soy isolate group was fed soy protein with a higher than normal isoflavones content (isoflavones 3.4 mg/g protein). The degree of bone formation was estimated by measuring serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphoatase (ALP). By determining collagen cross-linkage by immunoassay and correcting with creatinine values, the bone resorption rate was compared. Serum osteocalcin, growth hormone, estrogen and calcitonin were analyzed using radio immunoassay kits. The bone formation marker and ALP activity were differentiated by protein source, showing higher values than casein in feeding either soy isolate or soy concentrate. In this study using growing rats, the differences in isoflavone contents were not a significant factor in either bone formation or bone reaborption markers. Moreover, the soy isolate group had significantly higher levels of growth hormone than the casein group. The findings of this study suggest that growth hormone is partially responsible for its bone-formation effects in young growing rats. Soy protein and the isoflavones in soy protein are beneficial for bone-formation in growing male rats. Therefore, exposure to soy protein and isoflavones early in life may have long-term health benefits in preventing bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Further study to evaluate the mechanism of action of isoflavones on bones is warranted. (Korean J Nutrition 36(5): 452∼458, 2003)

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.81-84
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• 2003

Recently, diabetes has been found to be associated with osteoporosis. Specially in IDDM. In both type I and type II diabetes, glucose levels are elevated. Thus, a linkage between high glucose and osteoporosis can not be ruled out. In this study, an attempt has been made to observe the effect of high glucose on bone formation; osteoblast like UMR 106 cells were treated with high glucose (22 mM, 33 mM) for 1, 3 or 7 days. The high concentration of glucose inhibited markers. of bone formation activity such as alkaline phosphatase and collagen synthesis. In addition, reduction in the level of total cellular protein in response to high glucose was also observed. This study showed high glucose concentration could alter the bone metabolism leading to a defective bone formation and thus paving the linkage of such situation to diabetic complications.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.11-22
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• 2003

Objective : As the average span of human life extends, more and more people are at risk of developing osteoporosis, one of the typical diseases of the aged. This thesis presents the effects of Jeungikgwiryon-tang (Tsengikueijung-tang) on bone density, bone biochemical markers, and fetal calvarial cells (FCC) of Sprague Dawleys (S.D.) rats that have induced osteoporosis. The purpose is to see how Jeungikgwiryon-tang (Tsengikueijung-tang) reduces osteoporosis symptoms. Methods : In the first experiment Sprague Dawleys rats were administered Jeungikgwiryon-tang (Tsengikueijung-tang) for 70 days, once a day. Two different doses were used, creating high-dosed and low-dosed groups. The results were compared with a control group. In the second experiment, Jeungikgwiryon-tang (Tsengikueijung-tang) was applied to fetal calvarial cells (FCC) obtained from fetuses inside pregnant Sprague Dawleys rats. The FCCs from high-dosed and low-dosed groups were compared with those from a control group. Results : 1. Bone densities in Groups A and B increased significantly from a control group. 2. Bone ash densities in Group A showed substantial increase. 3. Calcium and phosphorus in bones in Group A increased significantly. 4. Activity of fetal calvarial cells' division in Groups A and B increased significantly from a control group, and ALP of fetal calvarial cells' formation in Group A increased significantly. 5. Protein and collagen levels of fetal calvarial cells in Group A increased significantly. Conclusion : It was found that Jeungikgwiryon-tang (Tsengikueijung-tang) has a tendency to make significant increases in bone densities by enhancing bone formation and by retarding bone absorption. It was concluded that Jeungikgwiryon-tang (Tsengikueijung-tang) activates osteoblast cells effectively.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.111-116
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of 12 weeks rope jumping and Swiss ball exercise (55 to 75% HRR: 3 times a week) on body composition and bone formation markers in young children. Forty eight participants were divided into two groups, the exercise group (n=24) and the control group (n=24). All items were assesed before and after exercise program. The results of this study are as follows; 1. Body composition: In the comparison of mean changes before and after exercise program execution on body composition within each group, the exercise group showed significant increases in height, weight, fat mass and %fat. The control group showed significant increases in all items. The interaction effect between groups and time didn't appear a significant difference. 2. Osteocalcin: In the comparison of mean changes before and after exercise program execution in osteocalcin within each group, the exercise group didn't appear a significant change and the control group were significantly decreased in girl children. The interaction effect between groups and time didn't appear a significant difference. 3. Alkaline phosphatase: In the comparison of mean changes before and after exercise program in Alkaline phosphatase within each group didn't appear a significant difference in exercise group and control group. The interaction effect between groups and time showed a significant difference. In conclusion, for young children in the stage of the formation of bone mineral contents, rope jumping and Swiss ball exercise are postive effect in promoting their growth and bone health, but osteocalcin concentration did not changes. Thus, further research is required to consider intensity and duration of exercise on bone formation markers of young children's.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2010

Purpose: Bone tissues for clinical application can be improved by studies on osteoblast differentiation. Runx2 is known to be an important transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation. However, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 treatment to stimulate Runx2 is not sufficient to acquire enough bone formation in osteoblasts. Therefore, it is necessary to find other regulatory factors which can improve the transcriptional activity of Runx2. The erythroblast transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factor family is reported to be involved in various aspects of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Methods: We have noticed that the promoters of osteoblast differentiation markers such as alkaline phosphatase (Alp), osteopontin (Opn), and osteocalcin (Oc) contain Ets binding sequences which are also close to Runx2 binding elements. Luciferase assays were performed to measure the promoter activities of these osteoblast differentiation markers after the transfection of Runx2, myeloid Elf-1-like factor (MEF), and Runxs+MEF. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was also done to check the mRNA levels of Opn after Runx2 and MEF transfection into rat osteoblast (ROS) cells. Results: We have found that MEF, an Ets transcription factor, increased the transcriptional activities of Alp, Opn, and Oc. The addition of Runx2 resulted in the 2- to 6-fold increase of the activities. This means that these two transcription factors have a synergistic effect on the osteoblast differentiation markers. Furthermore, early introduction of these two Runx2 and MEF factors significantly elevated the expression of the Opn mRNA levels in ROS cells. We also showed that Runx2 and MEF proteins physically interact with each other. Conclusions: Runx2 interacts with MEF proteins and binds to the promoters of the osteoblast markers such as Opn nearby MEF to increase its transcriptional activity. Our results also imply that osteoblast differentiation and bone formation can be increased by activating MEF to elicit the synergistic effect of Runx2 and MEF.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.223-231
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Soy isoflavones are expected to improve menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis in women. However, their efficacy is still inconclusive, and there was limited data for postmenopausal women in South Korea. We examined the effects of soy isoflavones on climacteric symptoms, bone biomarkers, and quality of life in Korean postmenopausal women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A randomized, double-blind study design was used. Eighty-seven participants who had undergone natural menopause were randomly administered either 70 mg/day isoflavones (n = 43) or placebo (n = 41) for 12 weeks. We assessed the Kupperman index for climacteric symptoms and the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) questionnaire for quality of the life. Biomarkers of bone metabolism were also measured in serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin (OC), N- and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptides of type Ι collagen (NTx, CTx), and urine-deoxypyridinolin (u-DPD). RESULTS: Scores of the Kupperman index were decreased in both the isoflavones group ($-7.0{\pm}15.8$, P = 0.0074) and placebo group ($-6.3{\pm}14.6$, P = 0.0064) during the intervention, but no significant difference was noted between the groups. Regarding the bone formation markers, the level of serum BALP increased by $6.3{\pm}4.1%$ (P = 0.004) and OC increased by $9.3{\pm}6.2%$ (P < 0.001), meanwhile those of the placebo were not changed. For the bone resorption markers, NTx, CTx, and u-DPD were not significantly different in either group. MENQOL was significant decreased in the isoflavone group ($-0.6{\pm}0.5$) and placebo group ($-0.6{\pm}0.4$), with a significant difference between groups (P = 0.0228). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that 70 mg isoflavones supplement has beneficial effects on bone formation markers; however, it showed no benefit compared to the placebo on climacteric symptoms or quality of life.