Histomorphometric approach of bone loss in men.

From a review of the published literature the authors have described the histomorphometric changes observed in human iliac bone corresponding to the age-related bone loss in 'males and in "idiopathic" male osteoporosis. Age-related bone loss of about 30% is histomorphometrically characterized in males by a reduction in iliac cancellous bone volume between ages 20 and 70-80 years, less marked than in women (-42%). The age-related thinning of trabecular packets wall width is the same between males and females, but trabecular separation is lower in aged males than in aged females, suggesting a better preservation of the trabecular microarchitecture in elderly males. Trabecular eroded surfaces increase with age in females but not in males. The rare studies comparing bone formation parameters in males and females did not show any major difference, with a trend for a decrease in mineralization apposition rate and an increase in activation frequency in both sexes. Bone histomorphometry in "idiopathic" male osteoporosis is characterized by a mean decrease in cancellous bone volume of 35% compared with age-matched controls, similar to the mean decrease observed in females (-38%). Most, but not all authors have found an increase in bone resorption parameters and a decrease in bone static and dynamic formation indices (osteoid surfaces, mineralizing surfaces, bone formation rate).