Module 4.2.1 (Pharmacology of Osteoporosis) Flashcards
How is calcium maintained?
Free fraction is precisely maintained within narrow limits by the actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol).
Concentration in plasma affects Calcitonin secretion.
How is calcium absorbed?
Calcium is:
absorbed only in its ionised (Ca2+) form.
present as insoluble salt (in foods and dietary supplements)
released from most calcium salts in ~1h at an acidic pH (in the stomach).
However, Ca2+ may complex with minerals or other selected dietary constituents in the small intestine (more alkaline pH), thus limit calcium bioavailability.
How is calcium excreted?
Urine & faeces (some via skin – sweat)
Urinary Ca2+ excretion
- Most is filtered and reabsorbed by the kidney.
- Decreased by PTH secretion (also in presence of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and boron).
- Increase in presence of sodium, protein and caffeine.
Faecal Ca2+ excretion
- Increase dietary Ca excretion with consumption of fibre, phytate and oxalate; also if Mg is in excess and in people with fat mal-absorbing disorder.
What are the 3 main types of bone cells?
Osteoblasts
- are mononucleated, bone building cells; originate from bone marrow
- secrete collagen and other proteins, as well as ground substance (the extracellular matrix, osteoid, surrounding bone cells) under the influence of PTH, calcitriol and oestrogen.
- are responsible for mineralization of the osteoid matrix.
Osteocytes
- are osteoblasts that have been incorporated into bone matrix; important in maintaining the integrity of surrounding bone.
Osteoclasts
- large, multinucleated cells; function to resorb previously made bone.
- respond to PTH, calcitriol and calcitonin
- play an important role in helping maintain normal blood [Ca2+] in time of inadequate calcium intake.
- Initiate remodelling cycles.
What is PTH?
is a polypeptide hormone
is the main physiological regulator of Ca2+ in blood
~ secretion from parathyroid chief cells is:
stimulated by decreased in calcium concentration
inhibited when calcium concnetration increases
Vitamin d2 and d3 converted invivio to calcitriol
true or false
true
-> calcitriol biologically active
When is calcitriol released?
released in response to an increase in PTH
release:
- enhances calcium absorption (stimulates uptake across GI mucosa - Calbindin).
- Increases demineralisation of bone.
- Increases reabsorption of calcium from kidney.
What is calcitonin?
Polypeptide hormone
Synthesised in the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland
- acts to reduce blood Ca2+ levels, thus opposing the effects of PTH
> stimulates osteoblasts;
>inhibits activity of osteoclasts;
>prevents mobilisation of Ca2+;
> decreases postprandial absorption of Ca2+;
>inhibits calcitriol production;
>diminishes renal Ca2+ re-absorption (ie promotes calcium excretion) –> also Na,Mg and P
Summarise what happens when there is low or high calcium int the body
low calcium = increased PTH and increased Calcitriol = incerased plasma concentration levels of calcium by:
- Bone: Increased Ca mobilisation
- Kidney: Increased Ca reabsorption
- Intestines: Increased Ca absorption
high calcium = increased calcitonin = decresed plasma concentration of calcium by:
- Bone: Decreased Ca mobilisation
- Kidney: Decreased Ca reabsorption
- Intestines: Decreased Ca absorption
What are the drugs used for osteoporosis?
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
o Colecalciferol (vitamin D3)
o Calcitriol
- Bisphosphonates
- Raloxifene
- Teriparatide
- Strontium
- Denosumab
What are the types of calcium salts available?
Calcium carbonate (cal-sup, caltrate tabs)
Calcium chloride injection
Calcium citrate
Calcium gluconate injection
Calcium carbonate, calcium lactate gluconate
What are the indications for calcium?
Calcium deficiency
Adjunctive treatment
> osteoporosis –> fixed dose combination with colecalciferol
> osteomalacia
> rickets
- Acute hypocalcaemia and hypocalcaemiac tetany
- Hyperphosphataemia in renal failure
- Severe hyperkalaemia not due to digoxin toxicity
Contraindications for calcium?
¾ Hypercalcaemia ¾ Hypercalciuria ¾ Digoxin toxicity
Coinsiderations with calcium?
Treatment with digoxin – may lead to arrhythmias ¾
Treatment with calcitriol – increased risk of hypercalcaemia ¾
Decreased gastric acidity (eg treatment with PPI) – use products not dependent on gastric acidity for absorption ¾
Interactions eg Iron
AE of vitamin D
Adverse effects:
Common – Flatulence – Belching – Constipation
Infrequent – Hypophosphataemia – Hypercalcaemia
Note: – IV can cause • Skin necrosis (extravasation) • Irritation
Rare:
Milk-alkali syndrome presents:
Acutely with – Headache – Nausea – Irritability – Weakness • Chronically with: – Uraemia – Alkalosis – Hypercalcaemia – Usually triggered by concomittent vomiting &/or Na bicarbonate ingestion
Vitamin D: calcitriol and colecalciferol
MOA
- Regulate Ca2+ homeostasis & bone metabolism
- Increased intestinal absorption & renal reabsorption of Ca2+
- Promote bone mineralisation (due to bigger pool of blood Ca2+ due to increased absorption and reabsorption -> inc mineralisation).
Indications for vitamin D
Treatment of osteoporosis 1, 2
> colecalciferol in combination with alendronate
Prevention of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis 1
1= calcitriol
2= colecalciferol
Strontium (discontinued, why is it in rima lecture?!?!)
Adverse effects Common: Nausea, diarrhoea, headache, Dermatitis n [creatine kinase]
Rare: venous thromboembolism Peripheral oedema, Memory loss Seizures Stevens-Johnson’s syndrome DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms)
