Capture the fracture – Use of bone turnover markers in clinical practice

Abstract

Bone is a living tissue, metabolically very active, with the level of turnover of about 10% per year. Bone remodeling is a well-balanced process of bone resorption, induced by osteoclasts and bone formationmaintained osteoblasts. Loss of bone remodeling balance, with increased bone resorption, leads to osteoporosis. Bone turnover markers are classified as markers of bone formation and of bone resorption. During the growth and development of skeleton, bone turnover markers show higher levels of activity than in the adult period. The increase in biochemical markers peaks again in the postmenopausal period, indicating accelerated bone remodeling. Bone mineral density is an important predictor of an osteoporotic fracture. Timely assessment of risk factors of osteoporosis and bone markers can detect subjects with accelerated bone remodeling and osteoporosis. This may introduce adequate therapy and prevent fracture.