# Investigating the Impact of Social Isolation on Bone Metabolism

> **NIH NIH K01** · MAINEHEALTH · 2024 · $127,427

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Social isolation is a potent form of psychosocial stress, and a growing public health concern. Older adults,
particularly those individuals isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic, are particularly vulnerable. One in four
individuals over the age of 65 are estimated to be affected by social isolation and loneliness, which are
associated with an increase in mortality risk by up to 70%. Previous studies have shown other forms of
psychosocial stress and mental illness are associated with increased risk for osteoporosis and related
fractures, which are likewise associated with increased mortality in older adults. Despite the increase in social
isolation and the overlap between at-risk populations, there has been little research on the effects of social
isolation on bone loss and skeletal metabolism. The limited work that has been done in rodents suggest that
social isolation negatively impacts bone health, leading to decreased bone mineral density. None of these
studies, however, have explored the mechanisms of isolation-induced bone loss, or examined differences in
the effect of isolation on bone between the sexes. My own preliminary studies show that males exposed to
social isolation had reduced femoral bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, and cortical thickness.
Females, conversely, did not have any reduction in bone mass. My data also showed changes to
glucocorticoid receptor and β2 adrenergic receptor expression as a result of social isolation, which both have
known effects on bone. The goal of this project is therefore to test the overarching hypothesis that social
isolation leads to bone loss through altered glucocorticoid (Aim 1) and sympathetic nervous system (Aim 2)
activity. I will test these hypotheses using a 4 to 8-week-long mouse model of social isolation in 16-week old
mice, in combination of pharmacological and genetic approaches. I will also use proteomic and microRNA
sequencing approaches to identify novel systemic changes in response to social isolation that may impact
bone. The proposed project will be the first study to identify mediating mechanisms of social isolation-induced
bone loss and precisely test the effects of isolation on bone metabolism through a range of imaging, genetic,
histologic, and omic approaches. The results of this project will inform future clinical and epidemiological
studies, and help identify prevention strategies and treatments for individuals at the greatest risk for social
isolation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10878917
- **Project number:** 5K01AR082964-02
- **Recipient organization:** MAINEHEALTH
- **Principal Investigator:** Rebecca Mountain
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $127,427
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10878917

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10878917, Investigating the Impact of Social Isolation on Bone Metabolism (5K01AR082964-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10878917. Licensed CC0.

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