Serum osteocalcin measurement is used to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in patients with osteopenia, osteoporosis, Paget's disease, or other disorders in which osteocalcin levels are elevated and as an auxiliary test in the diagnosis of pathological conditions associated with an increased bone resorption/synthesis cycle, including Paget's disease, neoplasms accompanied by bone metastases, primary hyperparathyroidism, and renal osteodystrophy.
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Osteocalcin is a protein of the bone matrix, the most essential protein after collagen, and is used as an indicator of bone metabolism because it is produced only by osteoblasts. Osteocalcin is an integral part of the bone formation process, and a small amount of osteocalcin enters the bloodstream. Circulating levels of osteocalcin are a specific marker of bone resorption and remodeling processes. Its production depends on vitamin K and is stimulated by 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D.
Osteocalcin measurement is used to screen women at risk of developing osteoporosis and to monitor bone metabolism in patients with growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and chronic renal failure. It is also used to monitor women during the perimenopausal and postmenopausal period and hormone replacement therapy, to monitor the treatment of premenopausal women with LHRH agonists, to monitor suppression of bone metabolism caused by glucocorticoids, and to monitor the treatment of renal osteodystrophy.
Possible Interpretations of Pathological Values
- Increase: Hyperparathyroidism, rapid bone growth in children (peak levels occur between ages 10 and 16), postmenopausal women, low estrogen production, low calcium intake, low physical activity, osteomalacia, Paget's disease, hyperthyroidism (reduced with treatment), fractures (up to 1 year), renal failure with hemodialysis. Medications: 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D, calcitriol.
- Decrease: Hypoparathyroidism, multiple myeloma, hypercalcemia associated with malignancy, liver cirrhosis. Medications: Glucocorticoids, heparin, warfarin, tamoxifen, postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
