The role of zinc in the risk factors of osteoporosis

OP, culminating due to low bone mass and a systemic skeleton disease resulting from the increase in bone fragility due to the spoilage of the microstructure of the bone tissue, is deemed one of the most common health hazard for public health. The purpose of this study is to assess the risk factors for osteoporosis and the role of serum zinc levels.In total 233 women who have applied to the Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in January-April 2009 period, for menopausal control and have had measured BMD enrolled into this study, of which 100 are diagnosed with osteoporosis as a study group and, the remaining 133 with normal BMD as a control group.OP risk factors were evaluated by questionaire and serum zinc levels measured in both groups in order to determine their role in OP pathogenesis.Gravida, first pregnancy age, menarche age, OCS use, level of education, categories of professions and milk, yoghurt, cheese consumption, use of cigarettes and OP in family were the same in both groups. Neither group saw any level of alcochol consumption.The level of calcium, for both groups, acquired through meals was calculated as being inadequate. Despite graphic-wise downturn, BMD values for the 40-70 age group did not portray statistically signifinant alterations both groups. Inspite of vividity with the control group, HRT utilization among 50-60 year olds has shown an opposite effect, i.e. an upturn in graphics. The same HRT effect was observed in OP group but with silent upturn in graphic. A statisitcally significant descendency was reported with BMI in OP group.In the control group: abortion numbers were higher; reproductive period, HRT use and time was longer; surgical menopause were higher; age of menopause was lower with OP; sedantary life style, coffee consumption higher and fracture cases higher, zinc levels and naturally BMD levels were observed as being lower. Detailed risk factors inquiry is monumental during routine menopausal control for the purpose of early diagnoses of the osteoporosis especially during post-menopausal periods.The average serum zinc levels found statistically lower in the OP group in comparison with the control group.OP is the loss of bone due to many factors. Within our population, physical activities and HRT utilization are dubbed as protective factors; use of cigarettes, coffee consumption, short reproductive period and early menopause were found as risk factors for OP. Physical activity and a life style comprising of restrcited coffee and cigarette consumption are important in ones struggle with osteoporosis. With a view to optimize the reproductive period, refraining from ovarian surgeries or to behave conservative for ovarian tissue as much as possible are also important. The role of the low zinc levels measured in the OP group are unknown. Extensive cases numbers and long- term controlled prospective collective studies are needed in order to determine the role of zinc in OP etiology and evolution mechanism. However, considering the veracity that zinc is an important element of many biological functions, it can be suggested that, to avoid from zinc poor diet.