| Objective To compare the levels of vitamin D and bone mineral density between the underground and upground workers in the coal mine, for exploring the effect of the different working environment on the occurrence of osteoporosis. Methods Using prospective control method, a total of 120 workers in Kailuan Tangshan mine were selected, including 60 male underground workers (45 -55 years old) and 60 male upground workers (45 -55 years old). The levels of vitamin D and bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and the hip were detected to compare the occurrence of osteoporosis between coal miners under different working environment. Results The basic situation including age, working time, body mass index, smoking, alcohol drinking, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and blood urea nitrogen between the two groups were consistent and comparable. Serum parathyroid hormone in the upground workers were lower than those in the underground workers (P <0.05), but the vitamin D, and bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck in the upground workers were higher than those in the underground workers (P < 0.05). The incidence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was 8. 3% and 40% in the underground miners, and 5% and 26. 7% in the upground miners, respectively. The vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency accounted for 85% and 10% in the underground miners, and 18. 3% and 11. 7% in the upground miners. Conclusion The levels vitamin D and bone mineral density were lower in the underground miners than in the upground miners. |