The Treatment and Monitoring of Osteoporosis using Bone Turnover Markers

Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease that causes the weakening of bone structure. Since bone structure is dynamic throughout a person's lifespan, bones are under constant growth and destruction in a process known as bone turnover or bone remodeling. Osteoporosis involves the disruption of this growth/destruction equilibrium towards the destructive side. An increase in bone turnover leads to a lower bone density and therefore a greater risk of fracture or injury of higher severity. Bone turnover markers serve as indicators of the process of bone turnover. These markers are split into two groups: formation (building up) markers and resorption (breaking down) markers. Using biochemical techniques and assays, these markers can be measured to monitor the activity of the markers as well as determine treatment options and efficacy based on this activity. The use of biomarkers in osteoporosis can pave the way for their use in other diseases such as cancer.