Longitudinal Study of Bone Turnover, Menopause, Aging, and Ethnicity as RiskFactors for Osteoporosis

摘要

This four-year study is a very cost-efficient and timely longitudinal study ofbone turnover markers in mid-aged women as they experience the menopause transition. Building on the multisite Study of Women Across the Nation (SWAN), this study proposes to analyze already collected and stored specimens of serum to measure bone formation (using an immunoradiometric assay of osteocalcin) and stored urine specimens to measure bone resorption (using urinary N-telopeptide of type I collagen). These two measures are combined with data from SWAN on bone density (spine, hip and total body), ovarian aging (endogenous sex hormones and menstrual bleeding), medications, medical history, social and psychological assessments, and life style factors (exercise, diet, smoking, body mass) to address four research aims. For each of the aims, specific hypotheses are investigated using data collected at up to four annual visits as well as menstrual bleeding data collected continually from monthly calendars kept by the subjects. To date, major progress on the study includes finalization of data management, data collection forms, manuals of operations, and routine shipment of specimens.