TARTARATE-RESISTANT ACID PHOSPHATASE, OSTEOCALCIN AND N-TERMINAL PEPTIDE OF PROCOLLAGEN IN THE DIAGNOSTICS OF OSTEOPOROSIS

Summary: The aim of our work was to determine whether serum levels of tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), osteocalcin (OC) and N-terminal peptide of procollagen (PINP) as markers of bone turnover could be useful in the diagnostics of osteoporosis and in distinguishing between osteoporosis and osteopenia. TRACP activity was estimated by the kinetic method, while OC and PINP concentrations were measured by the electrochemiluminescent procedure. Statistically significant differences between TRACP activity in patients affected by osteoporosis and both that in patients with osteopenia and the reference values were observed, while no changes in serum OC and PINP levels were recorded. Results suggest that determination of serum TRACP activity could improve the diagnostic potential of osteoporosis. It could be helpful in distinguishing between osteoporosis and osteopenia.