Sex-specific effects of calving season on joint health and biomarkers in Montana ranchers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Agricultural workers have a higher incidence of osteoarthritis (OA), but the etiology behind this phenomenon is unclear. Calving season, which occurs in mid- to late-winter for ranchers, includes physical conditions that may elevate OA risk. Our primary aim was to determine whether OA biomarkers are elevated at the peak of calving season compared to pre-season, and to compare these data with joint health survey information from the subjects. Our secondary aim was to detect biomarker differences between male and female ranchers.

Methods

During collection periods before and during calving season, male (n = 28) and female (n = 10) ranchers completed joint health surveys and provided samples of blood, urine, and saliva for biomarker analysis. Statistical analyses exam

SUBMITTER: Thompson MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9887842 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature