Correlation between bone mineral density and serum trace elements in response to supervised aerobic training in older adults

Abstract

Background

Life style and physical activity play a pivotal role in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The mechanism for better bone metabolism and improvement of physical disorders is not clear yet. Trace minerals such as Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn are essential precursors for most vital biological process, especially those of bone health.

Objective

The main target of this study was evaluating the effective role of supervised aerobic exercise for 1 hour/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks in the functions of trace elements in bone health through measuring bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis (T-score), bone markers, and trace element concentrations in healthy subjects aged 30–60 years with age average of 41.2±4.9.

Methods

A total of 100 healthy subjects (47 males, 53 females; age range 30–60 years) were recruited for this study. Based on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan analysis, the participants were classified into three groups: normal (n=30), osteopenic (n=40), and osteoporotic (n=30). Following, 12 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), BMD, T-score, and trace elements such as Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Results

Significant improvement in serum BAP level, T-score, and BMD were observed in all participants following 12 weeks of moderate exercise. Participants with osteopenia and osteoporosis showed significant increase in serum Ca and Mn, along with decrease in serum Cu and Zn levels following 12 weeks of aerobic training. In control group, the improvements in serum trace elements and body mass index were significantly linked with the enhancement in the levels of BAP, BMD hip, and BMD spine. These results supported the preventive effects of moderate exercise in healthy subjects against osteoporosis. In both sexes, the changes in serum trace elements significantly correlated (P<0.05) with the improvement in BAP, BMD hip, BMD spine, and body mass index in all groups.

Conclusion

The observed changes in the levels of Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn were shown to be positively correlated with improved bone mass density among control and osteoporosis subjects of both sexes. These results demonstrate that aerobic exercise of moderate intensity might protect bone and cartilage by regulation of body trace elements which are involved in the biosynthesis of bone matrix structures and inhibition of bone resorption process via a proposed anti-free radical mechanism.

Keywords:

• essential minerals
• osteoporosis
• bone density
• aerobic exercise
• BMD
• bone metabolism

Introduction

Trace elements perform many important physiologic functions as a catalyst or as an enzyme component within biological systems;¹ they are involved in many physiologic roles including antioxidant activity and bone health, and maintain an essential hemostatic balance for proper metabolic functioning.² It was reported that the main mineral of bone is a crystalline hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) which comprises most of the matrix of bone cartilage tissue, along with 95% of collagen which gives the bone its tensile strength.³ The significant role of trace elements in bone formation clearly appeared in the mineralization and formation of the organic matrix which subsequently forms bone scaffolds. Recent studies signify the importance of most trace elements in bone metabolism, but copper, zinc, and manganese are among the most important.^4,5 Different important functions were reported for trace elements in bone health. Calcium homeostasis is essential for most of the biological processes, including bone metabolism.⁶ It was reported that serum calcium contributes significantly as biomarker to measure bone metabolism.^7,8

Copper was significantly involved in the formation of enzyme lysyl oxidase which is responsible for the crosslinking of elastin and collagen in the organic matrix of bone.⁴ This ultimately promotes tensile strength and elasticity to bones.

Manganese was reported as an essential cofactor in the biosynthesis of the bone hyaline cartilage structure.⁹ It was involved in the formation of chondroitin sulfate via polymerization and galactotransferase processes;¹⁰ this is the most important step in bone hyaline cartilage structure. So, any deficiency in Mn causes significant reduction in bone size,¹¹ likely due to reduced chondroitin sulfate content of the bone organic matrix.¹⁰ Also, zinc is a cofactor of both collagenase¹² and bone alkaline phosphatase.¹³ Collagenase cleaves procollagen into collagen, and alkaline phosphatase releases phosphorus from phosphates at the site of bone calcification for formation of hydroxyapatite.

Additionally, zinc has many important functions in bone formation; it stimulates osteoblast proliferation and osteoprotegerin activity,¹⁴ and gene transcription at the growth plate during long bone growth,¹⁵ whereas the deficiency in zinc levels significantly affects bone integrity, and reduces collagenase activity and subsequently collagen synthesis and mineralization of bone.^12,16 Osteoporosis is associated with increased bone fragility due to decreased bone mass and altered bone microstructure with bone fracture. This may be due to a reduction in bone mineral content, particularly of the hip.^17,18

Many research studies reported that osteoporosis, skeletal abnormalities, and inhibition of boner growth are linked with deficiency in Cu as shown in Menkin’s disease,¹⁹ manganese as reported in chondrodystrophy,²⁰ and zinc as reported in osteoporosis.^14,16

The changes in the levels of trace elements such as magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, cadmium, and lead and their influence on the development or treatment of osteoporosis status have yet to be fully elucidated.²¹

Exercise is the most important parameter in life style that affects bone health; however, its effects on bone metabolism and mass are not fully elucidated.²² In particular, little is known about the changes in bone metabolism induced by various forms of systematic exercises.²³ The benefits of mechanical loading or exercise on bone mass and strength have been previously identified.^24,25

Beneficial osteogenic effects were significantly reported in bone resorption and formation of subjects performing exercise training with vigorous intensity as jumping or resistive exercise.²⁵ Previously, it was also reported that age, sex, and type of exercise significantly effect on the response of physiological and metabolic parameters of bone formation to physical activity.²⁶

Exercise training programs with varying frequency, duration, and intensity play a pivotal role in reformation of compensatory structures either by increasing the cortical enlargement periosteal or by preventing age-related bone loss at the endosteal surfaces.²⁷ This study was conducted to assess the effects of aerobic exercise of moderate intensity on bone mineral density (BMD), T-score, changes in bone markers, and trace element concentrations in healthy subjects.

Materials and methods

Subjects

A total of 100 healthy subjects (47 males, 53 females) aged 30–60 years were randomly selected for this study after having written informed consent (Table 1). None of them had a history of metabolic bone or chronic or infectious diseases. Also, subjects with physical disability and who had drugs that could interfere with bone turnover were excluded from this study. Demographic and obesity-related parameters such as body mass index (BMI), waist, hip, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured using standard girth measurements before and after training sessions. Waist circumference was measured as the minimum circumference between the iliac crest and the rib cage, while hip was measured at the widest part of buttocks,²⁸ and WHR was calculated as waist circumference divided by hip. This study was approved by ethical committee of Rehabilitation Research Chair of King Saud University, under file number ID: RRC-2013-011.

Table 1 General characteristics of subjects

Parameters	Normal control (T-score =0 to −0.99)	Osteopenic (T-score =−1 to −2.49)	Osteoporotic (T-score ≤−2.5)
N	30	40	30
Male/female	20/10	15/25	12/18
Age (years)	41.1±5.7	39.8±6.2	40.7±9.3
BMI (kg/m^2)	23.7±3.9	27.6±3.7*	28.3±2.5*
Waist (cm)	69.4±15.4	91.9±12.7	94.2±11.3
Hips (cm)	88.3±14.2	84.8±25.3	88.9±21.7
WHR	0.88±0.07	1.08±0.09*	1.06±0.04*
Systolic BP (mmHg)	115.7±6.5	103.4±5.1	110±3.7
Diastolic BP (mmHg)	78.5±6.4	69.4±4.5	74.9±5.7
VO2 max (mL/kg⋅min)	36.8±3.8	37.9±2.7	42.7±4.1
Calcium (mg/L)	90.60±3.44	65.4±3.8***	58.9±6.9***
Manganese (mg/L)	1.34±0.18	1.25±0.25***	1.12±0.20***
Copper (mg/L)	1.12±0.65	0.92±0.46***	0.81±0.23***
Zinc (mg/L)	0.94±0.43	0.72±0.31***	0.67±0.31***

Notes: Values are expressed as mean ± SD.

* P<0.05 (osteopenic or osteoporotic vs control).

*** P<0.001 (osteopenic or osteoporotic vs control).

Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; WHR, waist-to-hip ratio; BP, blood pressure; VO₂max, maximal oxygen consumption; SD, standard deviation.

Assessment of BMD

BMD was assessed using DEXA scans (Lunar, DPXL/PED; Madison, Winconsin, WI, USA). Total hip and spine BMD were calculated using standard measurements. The data obtained from DEXA test were used to calculate T-score which facilitate the diagnosis of osteoporosis among participants. The participants were scored for osteoporosis as normal (n=30; T-score =0 to −0.99), osteopenic (n=40; T-score =−1 to −2.49), and osteoporotic (n=30; T-score ≤−2.5).

Training procedure

Participants were subjected to supervised exercise program for 45–60 minutes three times per week for 12 weeks using treadmill. The exercise program with moderate intensity was shown to be suitable for most of the sedentary subjects, especially those with osteoporosis. The maximum exercise intensity of each participant was calculated as training heart rate (THR) according to Karvonen’s formula:²⁹ THR = HRrest + (HRmax – HRrest) × TF, where HRrest was resting heart rate (bpm), HRmax was maximum heart rate (bpm), and TF was training fraction which was 65%–75% for moderate intensity and used in this study.²⁹ The subjects performed 5–10 minutes warming up by stretching exercises before each session. During the active phase, the subject was allowed to reach his pre-calculated THR in bouts form with total time of 45–60 minutes performed as circuit training using treadmill, bicycle, and stair master. The exercise test was performed to give the participants physical activities corresponding to 30%–45% of VO₂max uptake.³⁰ Participants were monitored by electrocardiogram, and blood pressure was noted throughout the training session.

Assessment of serum bone alkaline phosphatase

Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (sBAP) concentrations (U/L) were measured in all participants in pre- and postexercise training periods using immunoenzymetric assay (MicroVue BAP; Quidel Corporation, San Diego, CA, USA).

Assessment of serum trace elements

Levels of calcium, manganese, copper, and zinc in the sera were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer device (Varian AA240FS model; Varian Inc., Belrose, Australia). The measurements were conducted twice for each sample, using light at 2,139 nm wavelength according to flame atomization method. Levels of serum Ca, Cu, Zn, and Mn were determined in milligram per liter.

Statistical analysis

The data were statistically analyzed and expressed as means plus standard deviation using SPSS version 17. Participant’s demographic characteristics and results were summarized and reported as mean ± standard deviation. Comparisons and significant relationships between studied variables in all groups were evaluated by analysis of variance, independent samples Student’s t-test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. P-values <0.05 were considered to be significant.

Results

A total of 100 healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Out of them, 47% were female, and 53% were male. They were classified according to BMD measurements and osteoporosis T-score into normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic participants. There was a significant difference in BMI and WHR of osteopenic and osteoporotic participants compared with the normal group (Table 1). Trace element concentrations were evaluated in this study. In osteopenic and osteoporotic subjects, there was significant (P=0.001) decrease in the serum levels of Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn compared to control subjects (Table 1).

The effects of supervised aerobic exercise of moderate intensity for 1 hour/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks on the levels of trace elements and bone indices sBAP, BMD hip, and BMD spine were assessed in male and female subjects of all studied groups. There were significant increases in the serum levels of Ca and Mn and decrease in Cu and Zn serum concentrations among osteopenic, osteoporotic, and control subjects. These changes are significantly linked with the increase in serum levels of sBAP and improvements in BMD hip and BMD spine measurements as shown in Tables 2 and 3. The data showed that moderate exercise interventions could provide a preventive activity against bone loss and osteoporosis through considerable enhancement in the serum levels of trace elements and bone mass density markers, especially among control subjects.

Table 2 Comparison of serum trace element (mg/L) and the bone metabolism markers for female subjects (N=53) before and after 12-week aerobic exercise training (mean ± SD)

Parameters	Normal control (N=10) (T-score =0 to −0.99)		Osteopenic (N=25) (T-score =−1 to −2.49)		Osteoporotic (N=18) (T-score ≤−2.5)
	Pre	Post	Pre	Post	Pre	Post
BMI (kg/m^2)	23.7±3.9	23.1±3.8*	27.6±3.7	26.5±3.4*	28.3±2.5	27.1±2.1*
WHR	0.88±0.07	0.88±0.05	1.08±0.09	1.0±0.06*	1.06±0.04	0.96±0.05*
BAP	17.1±3.9	25.1±2.1*	10.3±2.5	21.7±3.7**	9.8±8.6	16.9±11.3**
T-score	−0.65±0.6	−0.45±0.2*	−1.7±0.9	−1.2±0.8**	−2.9±0.5	−1.9±0.8**
BMD hip (g/cm^2)	0.84±0.13	0.97±0.18*	0.79±0.06	0.89±0.11**	0.72±0.14	0.98±0.27**
BMD spine (g/cm^2)	0.87±0.15	0.96±0.12*	1.14±0.19	1.6±0.35**	1.08±0.12	1.93±0.45**
Calcium (mg/L)	90.60±3.44	119.4±5.18*	65.4±3.8	98.3±8.2**	58.9±6.9	112.3±4.6**
Manganese (mg/L)	1.34±0.18	1.5±0.21*	1.25±0.25	1.82±0.31**	1.12±0.20	1.45±0.51**
Copper (mg/L)	1.12±0.65	0.96±0.32*	0.92±0.46	0.73±0.16**	0.81±0.23	0.58±0.21**
Zinc (mg/L)	0.94±0.43	0.68±0.25*	0.72±0.31	0.64±0.21**	0.67±0.31	0.53±0.16**

Notes: Values are expressed as mean ± SD.

* P<0.05 (pretest vs posttest of each group).

** P<0.01 (pretest vs posttest of each group). Significance at P<0.05.

Abbreviations: SD, standard deviation; BMI, body mass index; WHR, waist-to-hip ratio; BAP, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (U/L); BMD, bone mineral density.

Table 3 Comparison of serum trace element (mg/L) and the bone metabolism markers for male subjects (N=47) before and after 12-week aerobic exercise training (mean ± SD)

Parameters	Normal control (N=20) (T-score =0 to −0.99)		Osteopenic (N=15) (T-score =−1 to −2.49)		Osteoporotic (N=12) (T-score ≤−2.5)
	Pre	Post	Pre	Post	Pre	Post
BMI (kg/m^2)	23.6±3.8	22.9±3.4*	28.1±2.4	26.9±1.7*	28.7±2.7	27.4±2.3*
WHR	0.91±0.04	0.89±0.08*	1.07±0.04	0.98±0.02*	1.2±0.08	0.98±0.05*
BAP	19.8±4.9	23.2±3.1*	12.7±2.5	23.9±5.2**	8.9±7.6	21.3±8.3**
T-score	−0.9±0.6	−0.75±0.2*	−1.9±1.2	−1.3±0.9**	−2.7±0.7	−1.8±0.6**
BMD hip (g/cm^2)	0.84±0.12	0.98±0.15*	0.85±0.06	0.98±0.11**	0.68±0.12	0.75±0.32**
BMD spine (g/cm^2)	0.81±0.19	0.86±0.11*	1.52±0.21	1.7±0.45**	1.0±0.17	1.45±0.25**
Calcium (mg/L)	85.60±4.7	125.4±5.4*	85.1±4.8	92.3±5.2**	48.9±7.3	115.3±6.3**
Manganese (mg/L)	1.52±0.12	1.7±0.31*	1.3±0.41	1.72±0.23**	1.28±0.14	1.7±0.41**
Copper (mg/L)	1.4±0.84	1.2±0.62*	0.95±0.58	0.86±0.11**	0.76±0.21	0.62±0.31**
Zinc (mg/L)	0.74±0.52	0.58±0.31*	0.87±0.45	0.75±0.41**	0.52±0.11	0.44±0.26**

Notes: Values are expressed as mean ± SD.

* P<0.05 (pretest vs posttest of each group).

** P<0.01 (pretest vs posttest of each group). Significance at P<0.05.

Abbreviations: SD, standard deviation; BMI, body mass index; WHR, waist-to-hip ratio; BAP, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (U/L); BMD, bone mineral density.

The increase in serum levels of sBAP and enhancement of bone density indices BMD hip and BMD spine are significantly correlated with the change in the serum levels of trace elements, BMI, and sex in osteopenic and osteoporotic subjects. Bone density markers correlated positively with BMI, sex, Ca, and Mn, and negatively with Cu and Zn levels (Table 4).

Table 4 Correlations of serum trace elements concentration with sBAP and total hip and spine BMD in male and female participants with osteopenia and osteoporosis (n=70) following 12-week aerobic training

Parameters	Osteopenic (R)			Osteoporotic (R)
	BMD hip	BMD spine	sBAP	BMD hip	BMD spine	sBAP
Sex	0.41**	0.56**	0.39**	0.72**	0.29*	0.19*
BMI (kg/m^2)	0.21*	0.23*	0.31*	0.56*	0.21*	0.11*
Calcium (mg/L)	0.35*	0.45*	0.72*	0.34*	0.47*	0.38*
Manganese (mg/L)	0.21*	0.42*	0.47*	0.34*	0.782*	0.32*
Copper (mg/L)	−0.31*	−0.32*	−0.21*	−0.57*	−0.375*	−0.38*
Zinc (mg/L)	−0.25*	−0.31*	−0.47*	−0.49*	−0.75*	−0.451*

Notes: Data are presented as coefficient (R).

* Significance at P<0.05.

** Significance at P<0.01.

Abbreviations: sBAP, serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (U/L); BMD, bone mineral density; BMI, body mass index.

Discussion

Exercise interventions with varying intensities play a pivotal role in bone reformation, especially in compensatory structures.²⁷

In most countries, more of social and economic interests were reported for osteoporosis, whereas the size of the aging population having bone loss continues to grow in both sexes of healthy younger and adult subjects.^31–35

In adults aged ~30, there was hemostatic equilibrium in bone resorption and formation, after which bone density starts to decline slowly.³⁶ Therefore, it was reported that the magnitude of the problem may be even larger in developing countries.³⁵ The effects of osteoporosis treatment were efficiently explored using reliable methods such as DEXA and BMD measures.³⁷

This study was assessed to evaluate the effects of moderate aerobic exercise on BMD, serum trace element levels, and serum sBAP as marker of bone turnover in healthy subjects.

The current study showed lower levels of Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn in serum samples from participants with osteoporosis and osteopenia than in normal controls. Previous studies have shown that Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn are essential for organic bone matrix synthesis.^{4,6,7,9,10,12,38}

Protein and calcium are the major components of organic matrix of healthy bone,⁷ whereas certain minerals and vitamins were required for preserving bone health.^39,40

In addition to its importance in >200 enzymes, zinc is known to be necessary for normal collagen synthesis and mineralization of bone,^41,42 and its deficiency has been associated with abnormalities in growth, formation, strength, and mineralization of bone.^43,44 It was reported that women and men with low bone mass or osteoporosis showed significant lower levels of plasma zinc and higher urinary zinc excretion.^45–49 Also, previous studies have demonstrated that Zn and Cu deficiency can cause an increase in the risk of bone resorption by inhibiting bone growth and subsequently progression of osteoporosis.^46,50 Similarly, Mn was reported to be involved in the formation of chondroitin sulfate that is important in biosynthesis of the bone hyaline cartilage structure,^9,10 and deficiency in Mn content produces significant reduction in bone size,¹¹ due to a reduction in chondroitin sulfate content of the bone organic matrix.¹⁰

Low BMD is the most essential indicator related to bone fractures, and BMD accounts for ~70% of bone strength;⁵¹ thus, mechanical forces such as physical exercise exerted on skeleton are of great importance to preserve and improve BMD and in good bone formation in both adolescent and the elderly.⁵² However, the mechanisms by which systematic exercise leads to changes in bone metabolism are not fully understood.²²

In this study, significant improvements in T-score and BMD were reported in all subjects following moderate aerobic training for 12 weeks. T-score and BMD postexercise values showed significant improvements approaching to normal levels in osteopenic, osteoporotic, as well as control subjects. This may support the efficacy of moderate aerobic training in enhancing BMD and preventing osteoporosis.

The data obtained showed significant correlation with the improvement in BMI in osteopenic and osteoporotic participants as previously reported,^24,53 supporting the preservation effect of moderate regular exercises as aerobics on bone health, especially increment of femur neck-BMD in osteopenic women.⁵⁴ Also, it was reported that exercise promotes bone formation and prevents age-related bone loss that depends mainly on the frequency, duration, and exercise intensity.⁵⁵ Similarly, significant increase in BMD was reported among the athletes compared to the nonathletes of similar age. It was concluded that mechanical stress in the form of exercise activity may be a major factor in bone mineralization. The proposed mechanism is that the bone cells (osteocytes) act as mechanoreceptors which respond and subsequently release chemical activators for promoting osteoblast proliferation at the local bone site.⁵⁶

Recently, a study performed on both males and females concluded that aerobic training of moderate intensity exerts significant positive effects on bone formation marker and bone density along with reported significant decrease in the rate of bone resorption in both males and females aged (30–60 years) that could assist in preventing or decelerating osteoporosis.⁵⁷

In this study, post-training results showed significant increase in the level of sBAP as a marker of bone formation. The level of sBAP has been shown to be sensitive to alterations in bone metabolism due to physical exercise, and it was concluded that aerobic exercise may accelerate the rate of bone remodeling. Although, our results were in line with other research study which reported an increase in the level of BAP following 16 weeks of resistance training,²² and conversely reported a significant improvement in either muscle strength or BMD without change in bone markers.²⁴ Similarly, aerobic exercise of long duration significantly produces elevation in biomarkers of bone remodeling, reduction in bone resorption, and increase in the rate of bone formation,^26,58 and the increase in bone formation and resorption markers was significantly stimulated with combined resistance and aerobic training.⁵⁹

The relationship between trace elements and the etiology of osteoporosis in this study was reported following 12 weeks of aerobic training. There was significant increase in Ca and Mn, and decrease in Cu and Zn serum concentrations in participants with osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as in normal controls.

The participants of the present study showed significant increase in the level of serum calcium following moderate training interventions. It was reported that physical activity exerted from various exercise training intensities stimulates parathyroid glands to release more parathyroid hormone that controls the liberation of calcium from its reserves toward blood.^60,61 Other previous study reported that ~40% of the variance in bone density was shown to be linked with environmental factors such as physical activity and calcium intake.^62,63

The results of this study showed significant increase in manganese serum levels among participants with osteopenia and osteoporosis following aerobic training. It was reported that skeletal abnormalities, such as osteoporosis, and congenital disorders of skeleton including chondrodystrophy were significantly linked with prolonged deficiency in Mn concentrations.²⁰ Also, in Reginster et al study, lower levels of serum Mn were estimated in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis compared to controls.⁶⁴ The deficiency in Mn concentration provides significant reduction in bone size as a result of suppression in the biosynthesis of chondroitin sulfate that comprises the most important step in bone hyaline cartilage structure.^9–11 Recent studies showed that physically active young healthy boys reported an increase in the serum levels of trace elements, especially Mn concentrations.⁶¹

It seemed that application of physical exercise may lead to a redistribution of various trace elements between body reserves, blood, and tissues. So, the increase in the level of Mn in serum samples of participants plays significant role as a cofactor in the formation of bone cartilage and bone collagen, as well as in bone mineralization.⁴⁶

Most recent studies showed that Mn trace element is a part of Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. These enzymes have a positive significant effect against oxidative free radicals initially increased in osteoporotic subjects and also after exercise interventions. The increase in the levels of oxidative stress parameters significantly equalized with a set of antioxidant enzymes including Mn-dependent SOD.^65,66 The extreme mechanical loading was shown to increase oxidative stress free radicals in chondrocytes^67,68 and osteoblast-like cells,⁶⁹ and exercise leads to a substantial increase of SOD activity in skeletal muscle⁷⁰ and cartilage.⁷¹ In heterozygous SOD2-deficient mice, the osteocytes showed significant reduction in oxidative stress parameters following aerobic running exercise for 8 weeks and exercise might protect bone against oxidative stress with preservation morphological, structural, and mechanical properties of both osteocyte and chondrocyte tissues.⁷² Also, another recent study reported a significant increase in the levels of many trace elements including Mn following nighttime treadmill exercise.⁷³

The changes in trace element levels depend on the type, length, and intensity of the exercise which affects on human physiological and biochemical events, especially bone health.⁷⁴ Recently, it was reported that Zn and Cu are essential cofactors of enzymes involved in bone metabolism.⁷⁵ Therefore, it is important to examine that whether the exercise effects on the function of these elements or not, especially in elderly participants with osteoporosis.

In this study, there was significant decrease in Cu and Zn serum levels of participants with osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as control subjects following 12-week moderate aerobic training. This matched with earlier studies which reported significant decrease in Cu and Zn levels following exercise training.⁴⁶ It can be pointed out that the people who have regular exercises should pay attention to their nutrition because they may have health problems based on the lack of trace element if they do not pay attention to their nutrition.⁷⁶

It was reported that both Cu and Zn were involved in the inhibition of bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast-like cell formation.^21,42,76 The decrease in the levels of Cu and Zn reported in our subjects following moderate exercise might be due to a redistribution of these trace elements between body reserves, blood, and tissues,⁴⁶ and might be because a part of these elements was involved in the biosynthesis of Cu-/Zn-SOD antioxidant enzymes which act as a free radical scavenger, neutralizing the superoxide radicals produced by osteoclasts during bone resorption.^48,77,78

The change in serum level of Cu and Zn by moderate aerobic exercise was significantly correlated with the improvement in BMD, sBAP, and BMI within the studied subjects of both sexes.

The decrease in Cu and Zn concentration following physical exercise may be related to an increase in the metabolism of these trace elements and suggest its involvement in the biosynthesis of enzymes needed for bone formation process.^74,75 Similarly, the evidences from human and animal studies showed that a lack of Cu leads to both abnormal bone formation and fracture.⁴⁶ In addition, studies have shown that Zn and Cu levels in serum play an important role in the regulation of bone formation,^4,14,15 whereas both Zn and Cu were reported to be an essential cofactors of enzymes involved in synthesis of various bone matrix constituents. Thus, these elements play an important role in the regulation of bone deposition and resorption.⁷⁶

Conclusion

The observed changes in the levels of Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn were shown to be positively correlated with improved bone mass density among control and osteoporosis subjects of both sexes. These results demonstrate that aerobic exercise of moderate intensity might protect bone and cartilage by regulation of body trace elements which are involved in the biosynthesis of bone matrix structures and inhibition of bone resorption process via a proposed anti-free radical mechanism.

Acknowledgments

The project was financially supported by King Saud University, through Vice Deanship of Research Chairs, Rehabilitation Research Chair.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.