Evaluation of Biomarkers of Bone Metabolism on Salivary Matrix in the Remodeling of Periodontal Tissue during Orthodontic Treatment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the concentration of N-terminal type I collagen extension pro-peptide (PINP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP), and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) in saliva during orthodontic treatment in order to evaluate whether changes in bone turnover marker (BTM) concentration can help highlight the effects of orthodontic mechanical loading in the absence of clinical evidence of tooth movement in terms of tooth movement. Saliva samples from 25 apparently healthy young subjects (10 females and 15 males) were collected using Salivette® (Sarstedt) with cotton swabs and the concentrations of PTHrP, TRAcP 5b, and PINP were analyzed at time 0 (T1), 25 days (T2), and at 45 days (T3). Differences in the median value of biomarker levels between baseline T1 and follow-up of the different groups (T2 and T3) were assessed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Trough concentrations of P1NP, PTHrP, and TRAcP were 0.80 µg/L, 0.21 ng/mL, and 0.90 U/L above the method LOD. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test confirmed a statistically significant difference in T1 versus concentrations of T2 and T3. All subjects evaluated had a statistically significant difference between T1 vs. T3. when compared with the specific critical difference (RCV) for the analyte The results obtained demonstrate that the evaluation of BTM changes in saliva can help the evaluation of orthodontic procedures and the monitoring of biomechanical therapy.

Biomarkers and Biochemical Indicators to Evaluate Bone Metabolism in Preterm Neonates.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the concentrations of some bone turnover markers in preterm neonates with uncomplicated clinical course in the first month of life. Samples from 13 preterm neonates were collected at three different times: at birth (T0) from umbilical cord blood (UCB); and at 15 (T1) and 30 (T2) days of life from peripheral blood (PB). The concentrations of calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Collagen Type 1 Amino-terminal Propeptide (PINP), osteocalcin (OC), Collagen Type 1 Carboxyl-Terminal Telopeptide (CTX) and Leptin were assessed. A statistically significant difference for ALP concentration at birth versus T1 and T2 was found. An evident increase in the median concentrations of CTX, OC and PINP from T0 to T2 were observed. A significant difference was also found for Leptin concentration at T0 compared to T1. In preterm infants, in the absence of acute or chronic medical conditions and without risk factors for metabolic bone disease (MBD) of prematurity, there is a significant increase in bone turnover markers during the first month of life. The knowledge of the variations in these markers in the first weeks of life, integrated by the variations in the biochemical indicators of bone metabolism, could help in recognizing any conditions at risk of developing bone diseases.

Early diagnostic value of ECT whole-body bone imaging combined with PINP and ß-CTX for bone metastasis of lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This research was aimed at investigating the early diagnostic value of emission computed tomograph (ECT) whole-body bone imaging combined with PINP and ß-CTX for bone metastasis of lung cancer. METHODS: Case data of 86 lung cancer patients were categorized into lung cancer with bone metastasis (LCWBM, 46 cases) and lung cancer without bone metastasis (LCWOBM, 40 cases) groups according to the presence or absence of bone metastasis. Patients' general information were collected. ECT whole-body bone imaging was used to detect bone metastases and the grading of the extent of disease (EOD) in both groups, and electrochemiluminescence was utilized to detect the serum levels of PINP and ß-CTX. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to evaluate the correlation between EOD grading and PINP and ß-CTX levels. Logistic univariate and multivariate regression was implemented to analyze the risk factors of bone metastasis of lung cancer. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of the single test of ECT whole-body bone imaging, PINP, or ß-CTX and the combination of the three tests. RESULTS: The differences in pathological type, clinical stage and EOD grading, the number of positive ECT cases, and the expression levels of PINP and ß-CTX between the LCWBM and LCWOBM groups were statistically significant. In LCWBM patients with different EOD grading, the trends of the expression of PINP and ß-CTX were grade 3 > grade 2 > grade 1 and grade 0. Further correlation analyses revealed that EOD grading showed a significant positive correlation with the PINP and ß-CTX expression levels. Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that adenocarcinoma, TNM stage IV, ECT positivity, and high expression of PINP and ß-CTX were associated with bone metastasis of lung cancer, and multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that ECT positivity, high expression of PINP and ß-CTX were independent risk factors for bone metastasis of lung cancer. The area under the curve (AUC) of ECT, PINP, and ß-CTX alone for the diagnosis of bone metastasis of lung cancer were 0.872, 0.888, and 0.874, respectively, and the AUC for the combined diagnosis of the three was 0.963, which was greater than that of any one of the individual indices, with a sensitivity of 86.96% and a specificity of 97.50% at a Youden index of 0.845. CONCLUSION: ECT whole-body bone imaging combined with PINP and ß-CTX has high diagnostic value for bone metastasis of lung cancer.

Changes in serum bone turnover markers and bone mineral density Z-score in children with osteogenesis imperfecta after zoledronic acid treatment.

The study aimed to investigate the changes in the levels of serum bone turnover markers (BTMs) and bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score in pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) after intravenous bisphosphonate therapy and their association with age and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This retrospective study analyzed data from 10 pediatric OI patients treated with intravenous zoledronic acid for over 1 year. Patients' clinical data were collected. The levels of BTMs and BMD Z-score before and after zoledronic acid treatment were analyzed. Significant improvement in BMD Z-score was observed after 6 and 12 months of treatment compared to baseline (all p < 0.05). The N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) levels decreased over time (all p < 0.05), indicating that zoledronic acid treatment decreased bone turnover. The levels of beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen remained stable after treatment. No correlation was found between PINP level and age, eGFR, or BMD (all p > 0.05). Bisphosphonate treatment can improve BMD and decrease bone turnover (indicated by decreased levels of PINP) in pediatric OI patients. PINP may serve as an independent indicator for monitoring the efficacy of bisphosphonate treatment in pediatric OI patients, particularly in those under the age of 6, where standardized BMD Z-score criteria are lacking.

Clinical use of bone markers: a challenge to variability.

Bone markers are a group of substances released into circulation during bone formation and/or resorption. These substances can be measured in blood and urine to obtain information about metabolic bone disorders. This review provides an insight into factors influencing bone marker variability and describes different approaches to minimize variability and interpret results appropriately. Variability in bone marker concentrations results from biological and analytical variability across assays. Other influencing factors include gender, age, physical exercise, circadian rhythm, and diet. The multiplicity of influencing factors hinders the establishment of accurate reference values. Gaining a deep understanding of bone marker variability is the first step to ascertain their clinical usefulness. Bone marker variability can be minimized by controlling as many variables as it is possible and through the standardization of patient preparation and sample collection and handling.

Association between blood markers and the progression of osseointegration in percutaneous prostheses patients-A pilot study.

Patients implanted with osseointegrated (OI) prosthetic systems have reported vastly improved upper and lower extremity prosthetic function compared with their previous experience with socket-suspension systems. However, OI systems have been associated with superficial and deep-bone infections and implant loosening due, in part, to a failure of the osseointegration process. Although monitoring the osseointegration using circulating biomarkers has clinical relevance for understanding the progression of osseointegration with these devices, it has yet to be established. Ten patients were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected at pre-selected times, starting before implantation surgery, and continuing to 12 months after the second surgery. Bone formation markers, bone resorption markers, and circulating amino acids were measured from blood samples. A linear mixed model was generated for each marker, incorporating patient ID and age with the normalized marker value as the response variable. Post hoc comparisons were made between 1 week before Stage 1 Surgery and all subsequent time points for each marker, followed by multiple testing corrections. Serial radiographic imaging of the residual limb containing the implant was obtained during follow-up, and the cortical index (CI) was calculated for the bone at the porous region of the device. Two markers of bone formation, specifically bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (Bone-ALP) and amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), exhibited significant increases when compared with the baseline levels of unloaded residual bone prior to the initial surgery, and they subsequently returned to their baseline levels by the 12-month mark. Patients who experienced clinically robust osseointegration experienced increased cortical bone thickness at the porous coated region of the device. A medium correlation was observed between Bone-ALP and the porous CI values up to PoS2-M1 (p = .056), while no correlation was observed for PINP. An increase in bone formation markers and the lack of change observed in bone resorption markers likely reflect increased cortical bone formation induced by the end-loading design of the Utah OI device used in this study. A more extensive study is required to validate the correlation observed between Bone-ALP and porous CI values.

The Effect of Effervescent and Buffered Alendronate Compared to Conventional Alendronate on Markers of Bone Turnover: A Randomized Non-inferiority Trial.

Buffered and effervescent alendronate (ALN-EFF) increases gastric pH and is reported to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal side effects compared to conventional formulations of alendronate (ALN). The clinical effectiveness of ALN-EFF, however, has not been investigated. This study aims to investigate if ALN-EFF is non-inferior to ALN in suppressing bone turnover markers (BTM). We conducted a 16-week prospective, randomized, open-label study comprising 64 postmenopausal women with BMD T-score < -1 naïve to osteoporosis treatment. Participants were randomized 1:1 to ALN or ALN-EFF. We collected blood samples at 0, 4, 8, and 16 weeks. Non-inferiority margin was determined as 12% (80% of efficacy retained), and an SD of 15% on change in CTx. CTx decreased by 58.2% ± 24.1% in the ALN group and by 46.9% ± 23.3% (CI - 38.42:- 55.35) in the ALN-EFF group (p = 0.08). The non-inferiority limit was 46.6%. With ALN-EFF the CI crosses the non-inferiority limit thus the test for non-inferiority was indeterminate. PINP decreased by 45.7 ± 22.6% in the ALN group and by 35.1 ± 20.7% in the ALN-EFF group (p = 0.07). Changes over time in the BTMs were not significantly different between the groups, p > 0.10 for both CTx and PINP. There was no difference in frequency of AEs or compliance between the two groups, but rate of discontinuation was lower with ALN-EFF. In conclusion, suppression of BTMs was not significantly different between the groups but formal non-inferiority could not be established.

Metabolic Imbalances and Bone Remodeling Agents in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Study in Postmenarcheal Girls.

The causes and mechanisms underlying adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remain unclear, and the available information regarding metabolic imbalances in AIS is still insufficient. This investigation aimed to evaluate the concentrations of specific bone remodeling-related agents in postmenarcheal girls diagnosed with AIS. The study encompassed thirty-six scoliosis patients and eighteen age-matched healthy individuals assigned to the control group. The patients underwent clinical and radiological examinations to assess the degree of the spinal deformity, type of curvature, and skeletal maturity. Blood and urine samples were collected from all participants and serological markers were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our study results demonstrated that the balance of phosphate-calcium and parathormone levels seems normal in individuals with AIS. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were observed in the content of Klotho protein, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), sclerostin, and alkaline phosphatase. Nevertheless, the serum levels of vitamin D (25-OH-D) were lowered, while N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) were increased in the AIS group, with p-values of 0.044, 0.001, and 0.022, respectively. This finding indicates the potential involvement of these factors in the progression of AIS, which necessitates further studies to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying idiopathic scoliosis.

Signs of a Glucose- and Insulin-Independent Gut-Bone Axis and Aberrant Bone Homeostasis in Type 1 Diabetes.

CONTEXT: Gut hormones seem to play an important role in postprandial bone turnover, which also may be affected by postprandial plasma glucose excursions and insulin secretion. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and an isoglycemic intravenous glucose infusion (IIGI) on bone resorption and formation markers in individuals with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls. METHODS: This observational case-control study, conducted at the Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark, included 9 individuals with C-peptide negative type 1 diabetes and 8 healthy controls matched for gender, age, and body mass index. Subjects underwent an OGTT and a subsequent IIGI. We analyzed changes in bone resorption assessed by measurements of carboxy-terminal type I collagen crosslinks (CTX) and in bone formation as assessed by procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) concentrations. RESULTS: Baseline CTX and PINP levels were similar in the 2 groups. Both groups exhibited significantly greater suppression of CTX during OGTT than IIGI. PINP levels were unaffected by OGTT and IIGI, respectively, in healthy controls. Participants with type 1 diabetes displayed impaired suppression of CTX-assessed bone resorption and inappropriate suppression of PINP-assessed bone formation during OGTT. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest the existence of a gut-bone axis reducing bone resorption in response to oral glucose independently of plasma glucose excursions and insulin secretion. Subjects with type 1 diabetes showed impaired suppression of bone resorption and reduced bone formation during OGTT, which may allude to the reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture risk characterizing these individuals.

Impact of vitamin D supplementation on markers of bone turnover: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

AIM: The effects of vitamin D administration on bone turnover markers (BTMs) in adults are controversial. Thus, we carried out a meta-analysis of available randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the impact of vitamin D supplementation on BTMs. METHODS: To identify relevant RCTs, we searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Embase databases for manuscripts published up to July 2022. The present study was conducted in agreement with the PRISMA guidelines. Weighed mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to calculate the magnitude of the effect of the intervention. RESULTS: A total of 42 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The age of the participants enrolled in the RCTs ranged from 19.4 to 84 years. The pooled results depicted a decrease in deoxypyridinoline (DPD) concentrations (WMD: -1.58 nmol/mmol, 95% CI: -2.55, -.61, p = .001) following vitamin D supplementation. In addition, subgroup analyses demonstrated that vitamin D administration notably reduced procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) levels in individuals aged >50 years and led to a pronounced decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values when the intervention lasted >12 weeks. No significant effect was observed on other BTMs, for example, collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) and osteocalcin (OC) levels. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D administration decreases DPD, PINP and ALP levels, indicating a reduced bone turnover following the intervention. Other BTMs, for example, CTX or OC values, were not affected by vitamin D prescription. Vitamin D supplementation may exert a positive effect on some important BTMs.

Low Bone Turnover Associates With Lower Insulin Sensitivity in Newly Diagnosed Drug-Naïve Persons With Type 2 Diabetes.

CONTEXT: Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are lower in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The relationships between bone turnover, ß-cell function, and insulin sensitivity in T2D are uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if fasting levels of BTMs in persons with T2D are associated with ß-cell function or insulin sensitivity. METHODS: We defined three T2D phenotypes, the insulinopenic (low ß-cell function, high insulin sensitivity), the classical (low ß-cell function, low insulin sensitivity), and the hyperinsulinemic (high ß-cell function, low insulin sensitivity) phenotypes, in the Danish Centre for Strategic Research T2D cohort using the homeostatic model assessment. We selected age- and gender-matched subgroups to represent the three T2D phenotypes, yielding 326 glucose-lowering treatment-naïve persons with T2D. Median values of BTMs between the three T2D phenotypes were compared. Regression models were applied to assess the association between BTMs, ß-cell function, and insulin sensitivity adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Median serum levels of procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and osteocalcin were higher in the insulinopenic phenotype (52.3 µg/L, IQR 41.6, 63.3; 259.4 ng/L, IQR 163.4, 347.7; and 18.0 µg/L, IQR 14.4, 25.2, respectively) compared with the classical (41.4, IQR 31.0, 51.4; 150.4 IQR 103.5, 265.1; 13.1, IQR 10.0, 17.6, respectively) and the hyperinsulinemic (43.7, IQR 32.3, 57.3; 163.3, IQR 98.9, 273.1; 15.7 IQR 10.2, 20.8, respectively) phenotypes (all P < .01). These differences persisted after adjustment for age, sex, waist to hip ratio, or fasting plasma glucose (P < .01). CONCLUSION: BTMs are lower in newly diagnosed persons with T2D characterized by low insulin sensitivity.

Practical Considerations for the Clinical Application of Bone Turnover Markers in Osteoporosis.

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are released during the bone remodelling cycle and are measurable in blood or urine, reflecting bone remodelling rate. They have been useful in elucidating the pharmacodynamics and effectiveness of osteoporosis medication in clinical trials and are increasingly used in routine clinical management of osteoporosis, especially for monitoring therapy, in addition to their use in other metabolic bone disease such as Paget's disease of bone and osteomalacia. Serum ß isomerised C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen and pro-collagen I N-terminal propeptide have been designated as reference BTMs for use in osteoporosis. In addition, bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) secreted by osteoblasts and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) secreted by osteoclasts are also found to be specific markers of bone formation and resorption, respectively. The concentrations of the latter enzymes in blood measured by immunoassay provide reliable measures of bone turnover even in the presence of renal failure. B-ALP is recommended for use in the assessment of renal bone disease of chronic kidney disease, and TRACP-5b shows promise as a marker of bone resorption in that condition. BTMs in blood do not suffer from biological variation to the same extent as the older BTMs that were measured in urine. Appropriate patient preparation and sample handling are important in obtaining accurate measures of BTMs for clinical use. Reference change values and treatment targets have been determined for the reference BTMs for their use in monitoring osteoporosis treatment. Further ongoing studies will enhance their clinical applications.

Bone Turnover Markers in Children: From Laboratory Challenges to Clinical Interpretation.

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) have been developed many years ago to study, in combination with imaging techniques, bone remodeling in adults. In children and adolescents, bone metabolism differs from adults since it implies both growth and bone remodeling, suggesting an age- and gender-dependent BTM concentration. Therefore, specific studies have evaluated BTMs in not only physiological but also pathological conditions. However, in pediatrics, the use of BTMs in clinical practice is still limited due to these many children-related specificities. This review will discuss about physiological levels of BTMs as well as their modifications under pathological conditions in children and adolescents. A focus is also given on analytical and clinical challenges that restrain BTM usefulness in pediatrics.

Changes in bone turnover markers in patients without bone metastases receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: An exploratory analysis.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of different advanced solid tumors, but most patients develop severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Although a bi-directional crosstalk between bone and immune systems is widely described, the effect of ICIs on the skeleton is poorly investigated. Here, we analyze the changes in plasma levels of type I collagen C-terminal telopeptide (CTX-I) and N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), reference makers of bone turnover, in patients treated with ICIs and their association with clinical outcome. A series of 44 patients affected by advanced non-small cell lung cancer or renal cell carcinoma, without bone metastases, and treated with ICIs as monotherapy were enrolled. CTX-I and PINP plasma levels were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of ICIs treatment by ELISA kits. A significant increase of CTX-I with a concomitant decreasing trend towards the reduction of PINP was observed after 3 months of treatment. Intriguingly, CTX-I increase was associated with poor prognosis in terms of treatment response and survival. These data suggest a direct relationship between ICIs treatment, increased osteoclast activity and potential fracture risk. Overall, this study reveals that ICIs may act as triggers for skeletal events, and if confirmed in larger prospective studies, it would identify a new class of skeletal-related irAEs.

Estradiol and zinc-doped nano hydroxyapatite as therapeutic agents in the prevention of osteoporosis; oxidative stress status, inflammation, bone turnover, bone mineral density, and histological alterations in ovariectomized rats.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a serious health problem, and the most popular therapeutic strategy for OP is hormone replacement (estrogen); however, it increases the risk of reproductive cancers. Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles have a similar chemical structure to the bone mineral component and can be used as a new remedy for OP. This study was designed to investigate the osteoporosis-protective potential of nano zinc hydroxyapatite (ZnHA-NPs) and/or estradiol (E2) combined therapy. A total of 35 adult female rats were assigned into five groups (n = 7): 1) control group; 2) ovariectomized group (OVX); 3) OVX received oral estradiol replacement therapy (OVX/E2); 4) OVX received ZnHA replacement therapy (OVX/ZnHA); and 5) OVX received both estradiol and ZnHA-NPs combined therapy (OVX/E2+ZnHA). After 3 months of treatment, serum bone markers and estrogen level, oxidative/antioxidant, and inflammatory cytokines were determined. Additionally, femoral expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ESR1; ESR2), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANKL) ligand, osteoprotegerin (OPG), bone mineral density (BMD), histological alterations, and immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were assessed. ALP, PINP, Ca, and P concentrations improved significantly (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups, especially in the OVX/E + ZnHA group. MDA and NO were higher in OVX rats, while SOD activity and GSH were lower (p < 0.05). E2 alone or with ZnHA-NPs restored the estimated antioxidant molecules and cytokines toward normal levels in OVX rats (p < 0.05). On the other hand, E2 and ZnHA increased OPG and OC expression in femurs while decreasing ESR1, ESR2, and NF-kB expression (p < 0.05). The combination treatment was superior in the restoration of normal femoral histoarchitecture and both cortical and trabecular BMD (p < 0.05). Overall, the combined therapy of OVX/E2+ZnHA was more effective than the individual treatments in attenuating excessive bone turnover and preventing osteoporosis.

Current use of bone turnover markers in the management of osteoporosis.

The adult bone is continuously being remodelled to repair microdamage, preserve bone strength and mechanical competence as well as maintain calcium homeostasis. Bone turnover markers are products of osteoblasts (bone formation markers) and osteoclasts (bone resorption markers) providing a dynamic assessment of remodelling (turnover). Resorption-specific bone turnover markers are typically degradation products of bone collagen molecules (N- [NTX] and C-telopeptide cross-linked type 1 collagen [CTX]), which are released into the circulation and excreted in urine; or enzymatic activities reflecting osteoclastic resorption, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase [TRACP]. Formation-specific bone turnover markers embrace different osteoblastic activities: type 1 collagen synthesis (Procollagen type I N- propeptide [PINP]), osteoblast enzymes (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase [BALP]), or bone matrix proteins [osteocalcin]. Among individuals not receiving osteoporosis treatment, resorption and formation markers are tightly linked and highly correlated (r = 0.6-0.8). Significant biological variability was reported in the past, but these issues have been greatly improved with automated assays and attention to pre-analytical and analytical factors that are known to influence bone turnover marker levels. Bone turnover markers are not useful in the diagnosis of osteoporosis, the individual prediction of bone loss, fracture, or rare complications, or in the selection of pharmacological treatment. Despite remaining issues with reference intervals and assays harmonization, bone turnover markers have proven to be useful in elucidating the pharmacodynamics and effectiveness of osteoporosis medications in clinical trials. As an alternative to BMD testing, BTMs may be useful to monitor osteoporosis therapies.

Broad application prospects of bone turnover markers in pediatrics.

BACKGROUND: Bone turnover markers (BTMs) have been studied for application in clinical medicine. However, BTMs in children are challenging, and few studies explore these BTMs in children. The application of BTMs is complicated mainly due to pre-analytical factors, variable reference intervals of age- and sex-related BTMs for adolescents and children in different regions and laboratories. Therefore, laboratory testing of BTMs is critical for understanding pediatric bone development and metabolism, which provides additional information about bone development and diseases. METHODS: Literature search was conducted using the MeSH term "child" combined with the terms that bone turnover markers such as "osteocalcin," "Procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide," "procollagen type I C-terminal propeptide," "osteocalcin," "N-terminal cross-linked telopeptide," and "C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide," Several databases including Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed were searched to obtain the relevant studies. RESULTS: BTMs represent the combined effects of skeletal development, growth, and remodeling in children, which can be used in clinical pediatrics to assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of bone metabolic disorders. CONCLUSION: BTMs are clearly helpful for diagnosis and monitoring of bone growth and development as well as bone metabolic disorders.

Impact of radiotherapy on bone health in women with rectal cancer - A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic radiotherapy (RT) increases the risk of pelvic insufficiency fractures. The aim was to investigate if RT is associated with changes in serum bone biomarkers in women with rectal cancer, and to examine the incidence of radiation-induced bone injuries and the association with bone biomarkers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women diagnosed with rectal cancer stage I-III, planned for abdominal surgery ± preoperative (chemo) RT, were prospectively included and followed one year. Serum bone biomarkers comprised sclerostin (regulatory of bone formation), CTX (resorption), BALP and PINP (formation). A subgroup was investigated with annual pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The association between RT and bone biomarkers was explored in regression models. RESULTS: Of 134 included women, 104 had surgery with preoperative RT. The formation markers BALP and PINP increased from baseline to one year in the RT-exposed group (p < 0.001, longitudinal comparison). In the adjusted regression analysis, the mean increase in PINP was higher in the RT-exposed than the unexposed group (17.6 (3.6-31.5) µg/L, p = 0.013). Sclerostin and CTX did not change within groups nor differed between groups. Radiation-induced injuries were detected in 16 (42%) of 38 women with available MRI. At one year, BALP was higher among women with than without bone injuries (p = 0.018, cross-sectional comparison). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative RT was associated with an increase in the formation marker PINP, which could represent bone recovery following RT-induced injuries, commonly observed in participants evaluated with MRI. These findings should be further explored in larger prospective studies on bone health in rectal cancer patients.

Circadian rhythm of markers of bone turnover in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high risk of bone fractures. A circadian rhythmicity in turnover and mineralization of bone appears to be of importance for bone health. In CKD disturbances in the circadian rhythm of various functions has been demonstrated and indeed the circadian rhythm in the mineral metabolism is disturbed. The aim of the present study was to compare the circadian rhythm of bone turnover markers in ten patients with CKD to ten healthy controls. Bone turnover markers (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) were measured every third hour for 24 h. All bone turnover markers displayed a significant circadian rhythm in both groups and there were no significant differences in the rhythmicity between the two groups (no group*time interaction). As expected, due to the reduced renal clearance, the overall level of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen and osteocalcin was higher in CKD compared to the healthy controls. The present study suggests that disturbances in the circadian rhythm of bone turnover do not explain the metabolic bone disease and increased risk of fractures in CKD.

Effect of the traditional Chinese herb Helminthostachys zeylanica on postsurgical recovery in patients with ankle fracture: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Helminthostachys zeylanica (HZ), which is also called "Dao-Di-U-Gon" in Taiwan, has anti-inflammatory and antiedema effects and is commonly used to treat edema in patients with fractures. The ugonin K component of HZ can induce osteogenesis and promote bone mineralization, its therapeutic effect, however, its therapeutic effect remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of HZ on functional recovery in patients with ankle fractures requiring surgical treatment. METHODS: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled study was conducted. A total of 45 patients with ankle fractures requiring surgical treatment were assigned to either the control group (n = 23 patients), which received the oral administration of HZ placebo 1.0 g t.i.d. for 42 days continuously, or to the treatment group (22 patients), which received HZ for 42 days. RESULTS: The serum amino-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen (PINP) levels were similar in the first assessment (V1) between the control (45.90 ± 16.31 ng/mL) and treatment groups (52.61 ± 21.02 ng/mL; p = 0.240); the differences in PINP level between the third assessment (V3) and V1 were greater in the treatment group (35.84 ± 24.56 ng/mL) than in the control group (16.34 ± 11.97 ng/mL; p = 0.002). Radiographic healing time (RHT) was 9.09 ± 1.15 weeks in the treatment group, which was shorter than the 9.91 ± 0.79 weeks (p = 0.012) in the control group. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of HZ for 42 days can increase serum PINP level and reduce the RHT. Therefore, HZ can be used to treat patients with ankle fractures requiring surgical treatment. However, a larger sample size is needed in future studies.