To investigate whether growth factors stored in bone might explain the increased bone density and resistance to osteoporosis in generalized osteoarthritis.
Levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) types I and II and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) were measured in extracts of cortical bone from the iliac crest obtained at necropsy from subjects with or without osteoarthritis of the hands.
Concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, and TGF beta were significantly higher in extracts of bone powder from subjects in the osteoarthritis group than in extracts from subjects in the control group.
The results suggest that the increased bone density and resistance to osteoporosis in patients with osteoarthritis may be associated with increased skeletal concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, and TGF beta and may reflect a generally increased biosynthetic activity of osteoblasts in these patients.