REMS-BONE Project

PNRR NextGenerationEU "REMS-BONE"

Promoting Bone Health from the Start of Life: Innovative Technology and New Mechanisms of Mother-Fetus Dialogue for Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Prevention

Optimizing bone mass during skeletal growth is critical to prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis

Bone health begins as early as maternal nutrition and overall health, which significantly influence skeletal mass and bone density in the fetus. Genetic factors and environmental exposures during both intrauterine and early postnatal life also contribute to bone development. Mechanisms such as “fetal programming” of oxidative stress and endocrine systems play a critical role in skeletal development.

Role of microRNAs and Peptides in Bone Metabolism and Assessment of Fetal Bone Mineral Density

Recent studies have emphasized the role of microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and peptides such as irisin and HMGB-1 in bone metabolism, as well as in the regulation of bone growth and mineralization. However, the impact of maternal diet or changes in fetal bone mineral density (BMD) on birth outcomes and long-term bone health remains unclear.

Therefore, assessing skeletal status during the perinatal period is crucial. REMS (multi-spectral radiofrequency spectrometry) technology has proven valuable for analyzing BMD during pregnancy due to its safety (no radiation), ease of use, and capability to monitor bone development from intrauterine life through the first year of life.

Main objectives of the study

Verify the feasibility of using REMS to assess the skeletal status of fetuses, infants, and children.
To analyze how maternal data (REMS, anthropometric, and gestational) influence the REMS parameters of the fetus and newborn.
To study the links between early exposures (e.g., endocrine disruptors, oxidative stress, maternal diet) and long-term bone and body health.