Patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) may suffer a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, according to a recent study, but researchers have not identified a definitive relationship between the two conditions.
Osteoporosis is a disorder marked by fragile bones and an increased risk of bone fractures, and PBC is a rare, chronic autoimmune liver disease that inhibits the flow of bile, causing it to build up in the liver, leading to liver damage and ultimately, liver failure.
“Patients with PBC require comprehensive assessment and treatment strategies to improve their bone and muscle function and overall quality of life. The higher frequency and mortality of fractures observed in PBC patients underscore the need for early bone density testing to mitigate the risk of osteoporosis and fractures,” the researchers wrote.
The authors searched the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) public database for particular genetic mutations and variables associated with PBC and osteoporosis. Through complex statistical analyses, they evaluated whether PBC is a cause or a consequence of osteoporosis and whether there is a true bidirectional causal effect between PBC and osteoporosis.
Additional tests to evaluate the validity of the obtained results have also been performed.
Read more about PBC prognosis
Two types of Mendelian randomization analysis identified a causal link between PBC and an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. However, osteoporosis may not causally affect the risk of having PBC.
Analyses also found that genetic diversity (heterogeneity) or the occurrence of more than one trait being affected by a single genetic factor (horizontal pleiotropy) may not affect the link between PBC and osteoporosis.
“Osteoporosis-related fractures represent a substantial economic burden; for instance, annual expenditures amount to approximately $17.9 billion in the United States and £4 billion in the United Kingdom. Therefore, identifying the causes and risk factors for osteoporosis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment, reducing fracture risk, and enhancing the quality of life,” the study authors wrote.
