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Osteoporosis International

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01-01-2019 | Original Article

Trabecular microstructure is influenced by race and sex in Black and White young adults

Authors: K.L. Popp, C. Xu, A. Yuan, J.M. Hughes, G. Unnikrishnan, J. Reifman, M.L. Bouxsein

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Summary

Lower fracture rates in Black men and women compared to their White counterparts are incompletely understood. High-resolution imaging specific to trabecular bone may provide insight. Black participants have enhanced trabecular morphology. These differences may contribute to the lower fracture risk in Black versus White individuals.

Introduction

Lower fracture rates in Black men and women compared to their White counterparts may be explained by favorable bone microstructure in Black individuals. Individual trabecular segmentation (ITS) analysis, which characterizes the alignment and plate- and rod-like nature of trabecular bone using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), may provide insight into trabecular differences by race/ethnic origin.

Purpose

We determined differences in trabecular bone microarchitecture, connectivity, and alignment according to race/ethnic origin and sex in young adults.

Methods

We analyzed HR-pQCT scans of 184 adult (24.2 ± 3.4 years) women (n = 51 Black, n = 50 White) and men (n = 34 Black, n = 49 White). We used ANCOVA to compare bone outcomes, and adjusted for age, height, and weight.

Results

Overall, the effect of race on bone outcomes did not differ by sex, and the effect of sex on bone outcomes did not differ by race. After adjusting for covariates, Black participants and men of both races had greater trabecular plate volume fraction, plate thickness, plate number density, plate surface area, and greater axial alignment of trabeculae, leading to higher trabecular bone stiffness compared to White participants and women, respectively (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that more favorable bone microarchitecture in Black individuals compared to White individuals and in men compared to women is not unique to the cortical bone compartment. Enhanced plate-like morphology and greater trabecular axial alignment, established in young adulthood, may contribute to the improved bone strength and lower fracture risk in Black versus White individuals and in men compared to women.

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Title: Trabecular microstructure is influenced by race and sex in Black and White young adults
Authors: K.L. Popp
C. Xu
A. Yuan
J.M. Hughes
G. Unnikrishnan
J. Reifman
M.L. Bouxsein
Publication date: 01-01-2019
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-018-4729-9

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Trabecular microstructure is influenced by race and sex in Black and White young adults

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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