# Non-invasive assessment of bone microarchitecture with HR-pQCT in Diverse Populations Across the Lifespan

> **NIH NIH S10** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2020 · $430,000

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
In this application, we are requesting funds to acquire an XtremeCT II High Resolution Peripheral
Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT) scanner. This is a unique imaging modality enabling in
vivo accurate and precise three-dimensional measurements of volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), bone
geometry, trabecular bone microarchitecture, cortical bone microstructure, and biomechanics at the distal
radius and distal tibia across the lifespan. Assessment of multiple parameters of bone density and quality with
HR-pQCT provides a better understanding of the different factors contributing to bone strength and fracture
risk. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU-AMC) has a collaborative, enthusiastic,
interdisciplinary group of investigators experienced in metabolic bone disease research. This group includes
experts in imaging, clinical trials, mechanical engineering and image analysis, who would greatly benefit from
all the capabilities of the HR-pQCT scanner to strengthen their research and test novel hypotheses that cannot
be pursued with other imaging modalities. The device will also allow CU-AMC investigators to develop more
collaborations with investigators at CU-AMC affiliates including Children’s Hospital Colorado, CU Denver, CU
Colorado Springs and CU Boulder, as well as with investigators across the nation. In particular, HR-pQCT
would enable investigators at CU-AMC to: 1) evaluate whether the musculoskeletal adaptations to bone-
loading exercise can be significantly augmented in older women with low bone mass or moderate osteoporosis
by restoring serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) to young adult levels; 2) expand the investigation
of the skeletal effects of changes in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) vs. estradiol from areal BMD (aBMD)
only, to cutting-edge metrics of bone strength and quality; 3) address important gaps on the effects of exercise
on bone, and investigate the different skeletal adaptations to weight-bearing endurance vs. resistance
exercise; 4) elucidate the influence of progressive exercise and changes in sex hormones (testosterone and its
metabolites) and glycoprotein (follistatin) concentrations on female bone microarchitecture and strength; 5)
demonstrate the potential of advanced image analyses techniques for multi-parametric spatial assessments of
bone in adolescents with obesity; 6) assess the efficacy and safety of abaloparatide for the treatment of
osteoporosis in men; and 7) assess the effect of abaloparatide plus standard of care vs. placebo plus standard
of care on delayed fracture healing. In addition, HR-pQCT will expand ongoing interdisciplinary bone research
at CU-AMC as it pertains to chronic kidney disease, the skeletal effects of HIV/cancer, transgender medicine,
bariatric surgery, and diabetes. This device will also help develop the next generation of bone scientists at CU-
AMC. Ultimately, the addition of an HR-pQCT system will enable CU-AMC investigators to eng...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9937380
- **Project number:** 1S10OD028453-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Julio Carballido-Gamio
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $430,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-08-15 → 2022-08-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9937380

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9937380, Non-invasive assessment of bone microarchitecture with HR-pQCT in Diverse Populations Across the Lifespan (1S10OD028453-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9937380. Licensed CC0.

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