Introduction: Generalized low bone mass and osteopenia in both axial and peripheral skeleton in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have been reported in literature. However, the exact mechanisms and causes of the bone loss in AIS are not identified yet.
Objective: Therefore, this study examined the relationship between AIS and bone loss represented by: serum concentration of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL), serum level of osteoprotegerin (OPG), serum level of osteocalcin (OST), parathormon (PTH) and BMI.
Materials and methods: We analyzed 15 patients with AIS and compared to the group of 8, age and gender-matched healthy controls. The bone markers in patients with AIS were disturbed compared with than in control individuals. Statistical analysis was performed by using t-test for independent samples.
Results: The mean RANKL and RANKL to OPG ratio in patients with AIS were increased compared with that in control subjects. The RANKL and RANKL to OPG ratios were negatively correlated to serum OPG levels in both groups. These findings mean that the imbalance and the disturbed interaction of RANKL and OPG may be an important cause and pathogenesis in osteopenia in AIS.
Conclusion: Research date showed an important correlation between osteopenia and AIS. The level significant higher of osteocalcin (p<0.01) and RANKL (p<0.01) was observed at adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis comparing with control group. OPG show no differences between the groups of study. RANKL/OPG ratio was significant higher compared with control group. Higher levels of RANKL, in the presence of increased levels of osteocalcin, may induce modification in bone remodelling due to imbalance in RANKL/OPG system.
Keywords: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS); OPG; OST; RANKL; bone loss.