ROLE OF FLUORIDE ON ENZYMES OF BONE TURNOVER IN POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROTIC WOMEN

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a major health problem of old age. This silently progressing metabolic bone disease is widely prevalent in India. It has been observed that females, after menopause, accelerated process of osteoporosis occur and it is observed in India that about 50% suffer from osteoporosis. Fluorosis is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world where drinking water contains more than 1 ppm of fluoride. Higher intake of fluoride will result in dental and skeletal fluorosis and affect collagen synthesis and bone mineralization. Approximately 99% of the body burden of fluoride is associated with calcified tissues. Fluoride concentration in bone is not uniform and higher fluoride levels in the body are associated with calcified tissues. The study was conducted on 100 subjects with their consent which consisted of control group of 50 nonpregnant women in their reproductive age group. Study group consisted of 50 women who had attained menopause either naturally or surgically, all residing in the endemic fluorotic area of Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India. 5 ml of venous blood was collected from both the groups. Serum fluoride levels (0.68  0.39; p<0.005) was statically significant when compared to the controls (0.45  0.28). Total alkaline phosphatase (132  37.60; p< 0.001) and bone specific alkaline phosphatase (97.41  38.74; p< 0.001) were statistically significant indicating that there is more osteoblastic activity in patients of osteoporosis. Bone turnover markers, serum total ALP and BSALP have a role in assessment of fluorosis in postmenopausal women