This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.Alterations in bone health have been discovered in a significant proportion of individuals taking antiepileptic drugs to control seizures, increasing their risk for fractures. The mechanism(s) responsible for alternations in bone dynamics have been elusive, however. Homocysteine levels have been related to bone mineral density in recent research. The purpose of this study is to explore and describe relationships among bone mineral density, indicators of bone turnover, serum homocysteine, and lifestyle factors in young women who have epilepsy. If relationships between homocysteine and bone turnover and/or bone mineral density are demonstrated, prevention may involve B vitamin supplementation in addition to the current recommendation of calcium and vitamin D The proposed study will use a cross-sectional, correlational design. Ten women age 18 to 30 will be recruited. Because this is a small pilot study, the sample will be homogeneous. Measurements of bone mineral density, metabolic indicators of bone turnover, homocysteine, plus self-report measures of diet and activity behaviors will be collected. Relationships among the variables will be examined. Values for bone mineral density, indicators of bone turnover, and homocysteine levels will also be compared to normative values. The results of this study may lead to improvement in quality of life for people with epilepsy, allowing them to maintain seizure control while managing the risk for altered bone health, thus supporting the goal of 'no seizures, no side effects'. Within a public health context, the results of this study could lead to fewer people in the population at risk for osteoporosis
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