Multiscale assessment of glucocorticoid-induced alterations across bone marrow and mineralized bone in human iliac crest biopsies
Authors' conclusion
Analysis of this unique registry-based biopsy collection demonstrates coordinated alterations in bone remodeling cells, trabecular architecture, mineral distribution, collagen matrix composition, and mechanical competence in glucocorticoid-treated bone.
Study context
- Population
- Archived iliac crest biopsies from patients with established glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, identified through a dedicated bone biopsy registry, and age-matched non-GIOP controls
- Participants
- 21 vs 13
- Comparison
- Established glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) vs age-matched non-GIOP controls
- GIOPn = 21
- Non-GIOP controlsn = 13reference
- Outcome
- Trabecular microarchitecture, cellular remodeling, matrix composition and tissue-level mechanical properties
Methodological detailsage-matched controls, registry-based archived biopsies, multiscale assessment (micro-CT, static histomorphometry, quantitative mineral analysis, Raman spectroscopy, nanoindentation)
- Age-matched controls
- Registry-based archived biopsies
- Multiscale assessment (micro-CT, static histomorphometry, quantitative mineral analysis, Raman spectroscopy, nanoindentation)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Significantly reduced trabecular bone volume fraction driven by trabecular thinning with glucocorticoid exposure
- Suppressed bone formation: decreased osteoblast surface and osteoid thickness
- Increased erosion depth
- Reduced viable osteocyte density and elevated marrow adiposity
- Increased mean calcium content and greater mineral homogeneity
- Reduced pyridinoline and glycosaminoglycan content and diminished mineral crystallinity
- Significantly lower elastic modulus
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Multiscale assessment of glucocorticoid-induced alterations across bone marrow and mineralized bone in human iliac crest biopsies. J Bone Miner Res. Published 23 September 2026. doi:10.
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