1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D-3 treatment decreases bone turnover and modulates calcium-regulating hormones in early postmenopausal women

50 Japanese women within 10 years after menopause (mean age 52.5 years) were studied to determine the effects of 0.75 mu g of 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D-3 [1-alpha-(OH)D-3] with calcium (150 mg/day) (treated group: N = 25) and calcium only (control group: N = 25) for 12 months on bone mass and metabolism, Their L2-4 BMD measurements were 1.5 SD below the mean value of Japanese young, normal women, L2-4 BMDs increased significantly in the treated group (+2.1%; p < 0.01), but decreased significantly in controls (-2.1%;p < 0.01), Although serum calcium and creatinine remained unchanged in both groups, phosphorus levels increased significantly in the treated group (p < 0.01), Urinary calcium/creatinine (Cr) increased in both groups, Urinary pyridinoline/Cr and deoxypyridinoline/Cr decreased significantly in the treated group (p < 0.05), but not in the control group, Serum osteocalcin levels remained unchanged in both groups, Intact parathyroid hormone levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) and calcitonin levels significantly increased in the treated group (p < 0.05), but these changes were not observed in the control group, These data clearly demonstrate that 0.75 mu g of 1-alpha-(OH)D-3 maintained bone mass by reducing bone resorption by modulation of calcium-regulating hormones, Temporarily increased urinary calcium excretion was observed in control group, but did not appear to be effective in modulating bone turnover. (C) 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc.