RESUMO
In 65 subjects (42 women and 23 men) aged from 40 to 80 years, at risk for primary or secondary osteoporosis development without concomitant diseases affecting renal and hepatic function and vitamin D metabolism, alkaline phosphatase activity (F.A.s) and total calcium level (Cas) were determined in the blood serum, and also the excretion in the morning urine portion of hydroxyproline and calcium was measured in relation to creatinine excretion (FUHpr/kr; FUCa/kr). In each patient an X-ray was done of the thoracolumbar spine, and on its basis the X-ray vertebral index was calculated. The study has been undertaken in order to elucidate whether the above stated compounds regarded as biochemical markers of bone remodelling, and the X-ray vertebral index are useful in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. An increased F.A.s activity in the blood serum, and higher values of the X-ray vertebral index were found both in the group of patients with primary and secondary osteoporosis, in relation to normal values. It was found that FUHpr/kr and FUCa/kr were increased in patients with secondary osteoporosis in comparison to patients with primary osteoporosis. A statistically significant correlation was also noted between FUHpr/kr and FUCa/kr, and F.A.s in patients with primary and secondary osteoporosis. In both studied groups no relationship was found between the value of the X-ray vertebral index, and the levels of biochemical markers of bone remodelling.