Abstract

Obesity is an important risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures. With the growing prevalence of obesity in the U.S., understanding the pathophysiology of bone loss in this population is of importance to public health. Growth hormone (GH) is a critical mediator of bone homeostasis and is markedly reduced in obesity. Our preliminary data suggest an important role for the GH/insulin-like growth factor 1 system in the pathogenesis of bone loss in obesity. The development of novel imaging techniques provides an opportunity to investigate the effects of GH on skeletal structure and strength, which will provide insights into the pathogenesis of obesity related bone loss. Understanding the pathophysiology of bone loss in obesity may help identify new treatment targets for this important complication. We have assembled a team of investigators with extensive experience in patient-oriented research in endocrinology and radiology to perform these investigations.

Public Health Relevance

Obesity is an important recently identified risk factor for osteoporosis. However, the factors responsible for bone loss in this population are not known. Growth hormone is critical for bone health and is markedly reduced in obesity. In this proposal, we will investigate the effects of growth hormone on bone structure and strength using novel radiology techniques to provide insights into the pathogenesis of obesity-related bone loss.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01DK095792-01A1
Application #
8506712
Study Section
Skeletal Biology Structure and Regeneration Study Section (SBSR)
Program Officer
Malozowski, Saul N
Project Start
2013-05-08
Project End
2018-03-31
Budget Start
2013-05-08
Budget End
2014-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$658,239
Indirect Cost
$276,972

  Institution

Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
073130411
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199

  Publications

Stanford, Fatima Cody; Tauqeer, Zujaja; Kyle, Theodore K (2018) Media and Its Influence on Obesity. Curr Obes Rep 7:186-192
Schorr, Melanie; Dichtel, Laura E; Gerweck, Anu V et al. (2018) Sex differences in body composition and association with cardiometabolic risk. Biol Sex Differ 9:28
Schorr, Melanie; Dichtel, Laura E; Gerweck, Anu V et al. (2016) Body composition predictors of skeletal integrity in obesity. Skeletal Radiol 45:813-9
Bredella, Miriam A; Daley, Scott M; Kalra, Mannudeep K et al. (2015) Marrow Adipose Tissue Quantification of the Lumbar Spine by Using Dual-Energy CT and Single-Voxel (1)H MR Spectroscopy: A Feasibility Study. Radiology 277:230-5