Generalized osteoarthritis associated with increased insulin-like growth factor types I and II and transforming growth factor beta in cortical bone from the iliac crest. Possible mechanism of increased bone density and protection against osteoporosis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether growth factors stored in bone might explain the increased bone density and resistance to osteoporosis in generalized osteoarthritis.


METHODS
Levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) types I and II and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) were measured in extracts of cortical bone from the iliac crest obtained at necropsy from subjects with or without osteoarthritis of the hands.


RESULTS
Concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, and TGF beta were significantly higher in extracts of bone powder from subjects in the osteoarthritis group than in extracts from subjects in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the increased bone density and resistance to osteoporosis in patients with osteoarthritis may be associated with increased skeletal concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, and TGF beta and may reflect a generally increased biosynthetic activity of osteoblasts in these patients.
Dequeker
J
J
Arthritis and Metabolic Bone Disease Research Unit, Katholicke Universiteit Leuven, Pellenberg, Belgium.
Mohan
S
S
Finkelman
R D
RD
Aerssens
J
J
Baylink
D J
DJ
D000368:Aged; D015519:Bone Density; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000737:chemistry*; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000032:analysis*; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / Q000032:analysis*; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000378:metabolism*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D011859:Radiography; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II