Citation
Title: Use of bone turnover markers and minerals as indicators of low bone mineral density in premenopausal and postmenopausal women for early detection of osteoporosis
Authors: Vaishali Jain, B.K.Agrawal, Atul Varshney,S.S.Biswas
Abstract
Morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporosis continues to be high in India primarily due to late diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in the levels of the bone turnover markers, oestrogen, macrominerals and trace elements in premenopausal & postmenopausal women,in order to assess whether one or more of these markers can be used as indicators for early detection of osteoporosis which can develop in later life. 350 women between 30–65 years were classified into normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic group based on bone mineral density (BMD) and their serum samples were analysed for oestrogen, osteocalcin, telopeptide-c, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc levels. Both in premenopausal and postmenopausal groups the oestrogen, telopeptide-c, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and copper levels correlated well with the status of BMD and served as an early warning against development of future osteoporosis. While levels of iron and zinc showed significant alteration only with severe decline in BMD and were not suitable for early warning of future osteoporosis. It is important to monitor not just postmenopausal but even older premenopausal women for bone mineral density. However, instead of measuring bone mineral density alone, oestrogen, telopeptide-c and minerals- calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and copper should also be estimated which can provide us with an early warning of the possibility of future development of osteoporosis.