New laboratory tools in the assessment of bone quality

Abstract

Bone quality is a complex set of intricated and interdependent factors that influence bone strength. A number of methods have emerged to measure bone quality, taking into account the organic or the mineral phase of the bone matrix, in the laboratory. Bone quality is a complex set of different factors that are interdependent. The bone matrix organization can be described at five different levels of anatomical organization: nature (organic and mineral), texture (woven or lamellar), structure (osteons in the cortices and arch-like packets in trabecular bone), microarchitecture, and macroarchitecture. Any change in one of these levels can alter bone quality. An altered bone remodeling can affect bone quality by influencing one or more of these factors. We have reviewed here the main methods that can be used in the laboratory to explore bone quality on bone samples. Bone remodeling can be evaluated by histomorphometry; microarchitecture is explored in 2D on histological sections and in 3D by microCT or synchrotron. Microradiography and scanning electron microscopy in the backscattered electron mode can measure the mineral distribution; Raman and Fourier-transformed infra-red spectroscopy and imaging can simultaneously explore the organic and mineral phase of the matrix on multispectral images; scanning acoustic microscopy and nanoindentation provide biomechanical information on individual trabeculae. Finally, some histological methods (polarization, surface staining, fluorescence, osteocyte staining) may also be of interest in the understanding of quality as a component of bone fragility. A growing number of laboratory techniques are now available. Some of them have been described many years ago and can find a new youth; others having benefited from improvements in physical and computer techniques are now available.

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor deficiency leads to modifications of trabecular bone volume and quality in mice

“…The aims of the present study were to conduct a comprehensive investigation of trabecular bone mass and microarchitecture in GIPR knockout male mice and to assess other parameters of quality of the trabecular bone matrix [16]. Our results indicated that 16-week-old GIPR-deficient male mice present with a significant increase in BV/TV, associated with an increase in trabecular number and a decrease in osteoclast number.…”

Novel skeletal effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists

“…However, very little information has been reported. Tissue material properties represent a set of parameters that describe the modification of biochemical composition or organisation of the bone matrix at the molecular and nanoscale levels (Chappard et al 2011). This encompasses for a thorough assessment of the mineral and collagen compartments.…”

A study of human and bovine trabecular bones using nanoindentation and quantitative backscattered electron imaging

“…On the other hand, the organic component includes collagen fibrils (90%) and a small amount of noncollagenous proteins (Kini & Nandeesh, 2012). It confers elastic and flexible properties to the bone matrix, and strength in tension as well as the ability to absorb energy (Viguet-Carrin et al, 2006;Chappard et al, 2011;Kini & Nandeesh, 2012).…”

“…The major characteristics of osteoporosis are low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone that leads to an increase in the risk of fractures in bones (Chappard et al, 2011). A low bone mass can be diagnosed by a bone mineral density (BMD) test.…”

“…Currently, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is the most established standard technique to measure BMD. It is widely believed that BMD measurement is effective to predict the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures (Chappard et al, 2011; 2 Chapter 1. Introduction Watts et al, 2013).…”