Early smoking is associated with peak bone mass and prevalent fractures in young, healthy men

• Published in: Journal of bone and mineral research 2010-02, Vol.25 (2), p.379-387
• Main Authors: Taes, Youri, Lapauw, Bruno, Vanbillemont, Griet, Bogaert, Veerle, De Bacquer, Dirk, Goemaere, Stefan, Zmierczak, Hans, Kaufman, Jean‐Marc
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adult; androgens; Biological and medical sciences; Bone Density; estrogens; Family; Fractures; Fractures, Bone - epidemiology; Fractures, Bone - etiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gonadal Steroid Hormones - metabolism; Health risk assessment; Humans; Male; Motor Activity - physiology; osteoporosis; peak bone mass; Risk Factors; Skeleton and joints; smoking; Smoking - adverse effects; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system
• ISSN: 0884-0431; 1523-4681
• DOI: 10.1359/jbmr.090809

Smoking is associated with lower areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and higher fracture risk, although most evidence has been derived from studies in elderly subjects. This study investigates smoking habits in relation to areal and volumetric bone parameters and fracture prevalence in young, healthy males at peak bone mass. Healthy male siblings (n = 677) at the age of peak bone mass (25 to 45 years) were recruited in a cross‐sectional population‐based study. Trabecular and cortical bone parameters of the radius and cortical bone parameters of the tibia were assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Areal bone mass was determined using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Sex steroids and bone markers were determined using immunoassays. Prevalent fractures and smoking habits were assessed using questionnaires. Self‐reported fractures were more prevalent in the current and early smokers than in the never smokers (p