Osteoporosis, Collagen Test Kits
osteoporosis test, osteoporosis testing, osteocalcin test, termical collagen peptide test CICP, helical peptide test, pyridinoline crosslink Pyd, bone specific alkaline phosphatase BAP, deoxypyrideinoline crosslinks DPD, bone density test
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Reasons to take this test:
Female Age 45+, Menopause, Family History of Osteoporosis, Inactivity, High Dietary Protein Consumption, Small Frame

Overview
NTx is one collagen fragment produced as the osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) work in the body. Normally, the pits created are filled with new bone by the osteoblasts (cells that make bone). This process constantly rebuilds and repairs bone. NTx levels will rise as the rate of bone breakdown increases. If bone is broken down faster than it can be rebuilt the bones lose density and become fragile.

Parameters:
Once regarded as an inevitable part of aging, osteoporosis and fracture risks are now recognized as preventable and treatable. Detecting fracture risk and preventing fractures are key intervention strategies. Collagen degradation products in urine, particularly cross-linked telopeptides and pyridinolines, have the highest specificity to bone resorption activity. The telopeptide markers appear to be the most specific and responsive markers of systemic osteoclast activity.

NTx (Ntelopeptide)
NTx (N telopeptide) is a collagen marker which is formed during bone resorption and excreted in the urine. This bone resorption marker is clinically useful for detecting rapid bone loss which can result in low bone mineral density, osteoporosis, and an increased susceptibility to fracture. Soon after starting appropriate therapy to restore bone mineral density, significant changes in Ntx levels occur, which can be monitored to determine the effectiveness of the therapy. Unlike bone mineral density measurements such as X-Rays, which give a static picture of a bone's density, Osteo Watch NTx assesses the rate of bone loss or bone remineralization that takes place over the interval between testing.

Summary
NTx is a urinary marker of bone resorption. The test accurately assesses antiresorptive therapies and predicts future skeletal status. Elevated Ntx levels should be treated to reduce the risk of fracture.

Bone fractures are a significant cause of illness and death in the elderly.
Ntx measurements determine the dynamic rate of bone loss.
Measurement of NTx provides a rapid assessment of skeletal response to antiresorptive therapies.

Description

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial skeletal disease characterized by severe bone loss and disruption of skeletal micro-architecture sufficient to predispose to atraumatic fractures of the vertebral column, upper femur; distal radius, proximal humerus, pubic rami and ribs.

Causes

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (Type I) is the most common form in Caucasian and Asian women. It is due to excessive and prolonged acceleration of bone resorption following menopausal loss of estrogen secretion. Involutional osteoporosis (Type II) occurs in both sexes above age 75. It is due to a subtle, prolonged imbalance between rates of bone resorption and formation. A mixture of Types I and II are common.

Idiopathic osteoporosis is a rare form of primary osteoporosis occurring in premenopausal women and in men below age 75. Not related to secondary causes or risk factors predisposing to bone loss. The cause is unknown.

Secondary osteoporosis is severe bone loss sufficient to cause atraumatic fractures due to extrinsic factors such as corticosteroid excess, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic liver or kidney disease, malabsorption syndromes, systemic mastocytosis, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, a variety of hypogonadal states, and others

Dietary risk factors for osteoporosis include inadequate calcium, excessive phosphate or protein; and inadequate vitamin D intake in the elderly. Physical risk factors for osteoporosis include immobilization, and a sedentary lifestyle. Social isk factors for osteoporosis include alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine. Medical risk factors for osteoporosis include chronic diseases, and endocrine disorders. Genetic or familial risk factors include suboptimal bone mass at maturity, and "familial fast bone losers"

Drug induced risk factors for osteoporosis include corticosteroids, excess thyroid hormone replacement, chronic heparin, chemotherapy, loop diuretics, anticonvulsants, and radiation therapy.