Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have secured a significant grant from the National Institutes of Health to delve into the impact of bariatric surgery on bone health. The $1.5 million grant will fund a five-year study focusing on bone microarchitecture in patients post-bariatric surgery.
The study, known as Strategies to Reduce the Onset of Sleeve Gastrectomy Associated Bone Loss (STRONG BONES), aims to address the bone and muscle loss often observed in individuals following weight-loss surgery. By incorporating the use of high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), researchers will be able to conduct virtual biopsies and gain valuable insights into bone mineral density and microarchitecture.
Dr. Ashley Weaver, the principal investigator leading the HR-pQCT ancillary study, emphasized the importance of understanding the changes in bone strength post-surgery and the potential benefits of interventions like risedronate, an osteoporosis medication being tested in the trial.
The collaboration between Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Virginia Tech brings together experts in biomedical engineering and health sciences to advance the understanding of bone remodeling in response to bariatric surgery. Dr. Caitlyn Collins highlighted the use of computational modeling to analyze the effects of risedronate on bone health in study participants.
Led by Dr. Kristen M. Beavers and Dr. Jamy Ard, the STRONG BONES study is currently recruiting participants over 40 years old undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. The ultimate goal is to shape clinical guidelines and reduce fracture risk in this patient population.
With recruitment ongoing, individuals interested in participating or learning more about the study can contact the STRONG BONES study coordinator. This groundbreaking research has the potential to revolutionize the approach to bone health in individuals undergoing bariatric surgery.
