Osteoporosis, characterized by low bone mass and a disruption of bone microarchitecture, is traditionally treated using drugs or lifestyle modifications. Recently, several preclinical and clinical studies have investigated the effects of selenium on bone health, although the results are controversial. Selenium, an important trace element, is required for selenoprotein synthesis and acts crucially for proper growth and skeletal development. However, the intake of an optimum amount of selenium is critical, as both selenium deficiency and toxicity are hazardous for health. In this review, we have systematically analyzed the existing literature in this field to determine whether dietary or serum selenium concentrations are associated with bone health. In addition, the mode of administration of selenium as a supplement for treating bone disease is important. We have also highlighted the importance of using green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles as therapeutics for bone disease. Novel nanobiotechnology will be a bridgehead for clinical applications of trace elements and natural products.

정재우, et al. J Korean Soc Spine Surg. 2024 Sep;31(3):108-114. https://doi.org/10.4184/jkss.2024.31.3.108

Background/Objectives: Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD) is characterized by idiopathic avascular necrosis of the femoral head in children. There are several hypotheses regarding the cause of LCPD; however, the exact cause remains unclear. Studies on comorbidities can provide better insight into the disease. We aimed to perform a network analysis to identify the associations between LCPD and comorbidities. Methods: We analyzed patients aged ≤ 12 years with LCPD as defined by ICD-10 codes M91.1, M91.8, and M91.9 registered in the National Health Insurance Service cohort database from 2002 to 2015. A control group was designed using propensity score matching. Comorbidities were identified and network analysis was performed. The identified comorbidities were reclassified into clinical disease groups considering their clinical relevance, and a network map was created using odds ratios. Results: In total, 23 significant disease clusters were identified. Injury-related disease clusters with ICD-10 codes starting with “S” were the most frequent. They were reclassified into 11 disease groups based on clinical relevance. Among these, congenital deformities of hip (Q65) had the highest odds ratio. Congenital deformities of feet (Q66) and other anemia (D64) had a single association with LCPD in the comorbidity network analysis. Conclusions: We confirmed the association between LCPD and comorbidities using a network analysis. The LCPD comorbidity network identified in this study is expected to serve as the basis for future research on LCPD.