Sarkissian A, et al. - In 42 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, researchers studied bone turnover markers relative to vitamin D, disease activity, and clinical risk factors. They analyzed clinical registry and biorepository data; serum samples were assessed for osteocalcin as a marker of bone formation, C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) as a marker for bone resorption, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Compared with patients with a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI) score of less than 3, a lower median osteocalcin level and lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were observed in patients with a SLEDAI score of 3 or greater. Findings revealed a negative correlation of osteocalcin levels with SLEDAI scores, and a positive correlation with the CTX index. Overall, findings were suggestive of possible direct impacts of SLE disease activity on bone formation, though none on bone resorption were evident, most likely associated with the inflammation-suppressing impacts of glucocorticoids, thereby inhibiting cytokine-induced osteoclast activity. Regarding bone health, a fine balance between disease control and the use of glucocorticoids was seen.