Cortical bone dynamics, strength, and densitometry after induction of emphysema in hamsters

Recent evidence suggests that patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are also at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. The pathophysiological mechanism(s) linking these progressive diseases is unknown. The goal of this investigation was to determine whether there were alterations in bone mineral density and content, cortical bone structure and strength, and indexes of bone formation and resorption in the elastase-induced emphysematous hamster. At 3 wk after induction of emphysema, the femoral bone mineral content was 8% less ( P = 0.026) and the femoral fracture strength was 6% less ( P = 0.032) in the emphysematous hamster than in controls. The cortical area was 8.4% less ( P = 0.013) and the periosteal mineral appositional rate was 27% less ( P = 0.05) than in controls. Additionally, the endocortical eroded surface in the emphysematous group was about twice that in the control group ( P = 0.003). Differences in some indexes of bone formation and resorption, paralleled by differences in bone structure and strength, were observed 3 wk after induction of emphysema. These differences in skeletal metabolism and strength may help explain some of the skeletal changes associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in humans.