Estrogen Receptor α36 and Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women
Author Information
Author(s): Xie Hui, Sun Mei, Liao Xiao-Bo, Yuan Ling-Qing, Sheng Zhi-Feng, Meng Ji-Cai, Wang Dan, Yu Zhi-Yong, Zhang Lei-Yi, Zhou Hou-De, Luo Xiang-Hang, Li Hui, Wu Xian-Ping, Wei Qi-You, Tang Si-Yuan, Wang Zhao-Yi, Liao Er-Yuan
Primary Institution: Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
Hypothesis
ER-α36 mediates the effects of postmenopausal-level estradiol on bone metabolism.
Conclusion
Higher levels of ER-α36 expression are necessary to preserve bone mass in postmenopausal women.
Supporting Evidence
- ER-α36 is highly expressed in osteoblasts and osteoclasts from normal postmenopausal women.
- Postmenopausal low-level estradiol induces proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in osteoblasts.
- ER-α36 mediates the effects of estradiol on bone cells through the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
- Higher ER-α36 expression is positively associated with bone mineral density.
- Lower levels of ER-α36 are found in osteoporotic postmenopausal women.
Takeaway
This study shows that a specific estrogen receptor helps protect bones in women after menopause, and if it's not working well, it can lead to bone loss.
Methodology
The study involved 154 postmenopausal women, assessing the role of ER-α36 in bone cells and measuring bone mineral density and biochemical markers.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to exclusion criteria related to various health conditions.
Limitations
The study population was limited to women undergoing specific surgeries, which may not represent the general population.
Participant Demographics
154 Chinese women (60 premenopausal, 33 normal postmenopausal, 31 osteopenic, 30 osteoporotic).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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