This study aims to discover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for osteoporosis through the use of advanced omics technologies, including proteomics and metabolomics. By analyzing bone and plasma samples from patients with osteoporosis, the research seeks to understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease and identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers.
Study Objectives: 1. To investigate the proteomic profile of bone and plasma in clinical osteoporosis compared to patients with osteoarthritis. 2. To study the metabolomic profile of serum in clinical osteoporosis compared to patients with osteoarthriti. 3. To identify and validate potential biomarkers for osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment. 4. To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in osteoporosis. Methodology: Clinical Osteoporosis: Patient Recruitment: 60 postmenopausal women will be divided into two groups: those with osteoporotic hip fractures and a control group with osteoarthritis undergoing total hip replacement. Sample Collection: Bone Samples: Collected from the femoral neck during surgery, cleaned, and divided into four parts. One part will be used for bone density analysis (pQCT or DXA), and the other parts will be stored for proteomic analysis. Blood Samples: Fasting morning blood samples will be collected for general biochemical tests, bone turnover markers, and stored for metabolomic and proteomic analyses. Technologies and Analysis: Proteomics: Utilizes mass spectrometry to identify and quantify proteins in bone and plasma. Key pathways and protein networks involved in osteoporosis will be identified using bioinformatics tools. Metabolomics: Analyzes small molecules in serum to uncover metabolic changes associated with osteoporosis. Both targeted and non-targeted approaches will be used to identify significant biomarkers. Expected Outcomes: 1. Identification of specific proteins and metabolites as biomarkers for osteoporosis. 2. Enhanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving bone loss. 3. Validation of therapeutic targets for potential treatment strategies. Significance: This integrative approach combining proteomics and metabolomics aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of osteoporosis, facilitating the development of more accurate diagnostic tools and effective treatments for this widespread bone disease.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
Intervention: Bone samples will be collected during surgery from the femoral neck (which is typically removed and discarded in these operations) and fasting morning blood samples.
Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System
Kifissia, Attica, Greece
RECRUITINGIdentification of Proteomic Biomarkers
The number of proteins identified through proteomic analysis that differ significantly between osteoporosis and control groups
Time frame: Up to 18 months.
Identification of Metabolomic Biomarkers
The number of small molecules identified through metabolomic analysis that differ significantly between osteoporosis and control groups.
Time frame: Up to 18 months
Bone Density Assessment
Bone density measurements using micro-CT in patients with osteoporosis and controls.
Time frame: Up to 18 months
Identification of Disrupted Pathways
Analysis of disrupted biological pathways using bioinformatics tools to map the mechanisms affected in osteoporosis.
Time frame: Up to 18 months
Correlation of Omics Data with Clinical Markers
Correlation analysis between identified proteomic and metabolomic biomarkers and traditional clinical markers such as CTX and PINP.
Time frame: Up to 18 months
Microarchitecture Assessment
Evaluation of bone microarchitecture using histological analysis in osteoporosis patients and controls.
Time frame: Up to 18 months
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