Cortical bone strength is critical to skeletal integrity. Cortical microstructure, in particular porosity, has a significant impact on mechanical properties of the cortex. Additionally, cortical bone microstructure is responsive to disease, therapy, and metabolic alterations. Therefore the investigation of cortical microstructure is an important aspect of understanding biological, pathoetiological, and biomechanical processes occurring within the skeleton. The mechanisms driving increased cortical porosity are unknown. Our central hypothesis is that cortical pore space contents may be an indicator of pore expansion mechanisms. Marrow within a pore may indicate endocortical 'trabecularization', or an expansion of the marrow cavity into the cortical envelope. Vessel and hematopoietic components within pore space may indicate the formation of large pores via merging or expansion of the vascular network. In the long term, characterizing pore space constituents and understanding pore expansion mechanisms may aid in the development of strategies to prevent or reverse increased porosity and the associated bone fragility. The overall goal of this research is to develop a technique for in vivo visualization and quantification of cortical porosity and por content, and to apply this technique to a longitudinal data set. We will characterize pore content using in vivo imaging techniques, specifically high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. HR-pQCT enables 3D visualization of cortical microstructure. MR provides 3D visualization and discrimination of fat and water components.
The specific aims are to: I) develop and verify pore space content characterization by combined HR-pQCT and MR imaging and II) quantify longitudinal changes in porosity and pore space content by combined HR-pQCT and MR imaging. To address Aim I, combined HR-pQCT and MR analysis will be applied using both conventional and advanced MR techniques in cadaveric tibiae. Histological analysis will be performed to confirm the composition of pore space contents in regions determined by imaging to contain marrow fat and vascular components. To address Aim II, an existing longitudinal data set will be analyzed and longitudinal changes in porosity and distribution of marrow fat and vascular components within the cortical pore space will be quantified. This work will develop in vivo characterization of cortical pore constituents in a longitudinal setting, and will provide pilot data on advanced imaging techniques for future in vivo studies investigating mechanisms of increased cortical porosity. The identification of mechanisms of increased cortical porosity will direct the development of targeted treatments, possibly through osteoblastogenic or anti-angiogenic therapy.

Public Health Relevance

Cortical bone quality is a critical component of skeletal strength, particularly at many common sites of osteoporotic fracture. Age, disease, and reduced mechanical loading have all been implicated in damaging cortical bone quality by increasing cortical porosity. The mechanisms driving increased cortical porosity are unknown. Understanding these mechanisms will allow us to develop treatments to prevent or reverse increased porosity and the associated bone fragility, thereby reducing the incidence of fractures. Our central hypothesis is that the contents of cortical pores (marrow or vasculature) will be an indicator of mechanisms of increased porosity. The goal of this proposal is to develop techniques for in vivo imaging of cortical pores and their contents, and to apply these techniques to understand the relationship between increased cortical porosity and pore content. This research will advance understanding of mechanisms of bone quality loss in the elderly and other populations at risk for poor cortical bone quality.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
5R03AR064004-03
Application #
8884378
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAR1)
Program Officer
Lester, Gayle E
Project Start
2013-07-16
Project End
2017-06-30
Budget Start
2015-07-01
Budget End
2017-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Radiation-Diagnostic/Oncology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
094878337
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94118