The impact of bariatric surgery on calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism

The increasing prevalence of obesity poses a health thread for individuals and a major economic burden. Besides other important obesity related diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), it has become clear that obesity is also associated with an increased fracture risk. Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery has proven to be a valuable treatment option for morbid obesity and improvement of obesity related conditions. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is regarded as the gold standard, but Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is gaining territory as it is believed to lead to less malabsorption, but absorption data on this procedure is currently limited. Both procedures adapt the intestinal anatomy and physiology, and subsequently can cause nutritional deficiencies, in particular of calcium, which at long term can lead to metabolic bone diseases. In this project, the impact of RYGB and SG on calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism will be investigated in detail in mice. Calcium transport will be characterized in the intestines and kidneys and the effects on the bones will be thoroughly phenotyped.