[Biochemical markers for bone activity and osteoporosis].

Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mass, derangement of bone microscopic architecture and increased risk of fractures. For the evaluation of this risk an important role is played by bone mass peak (measurable with mineralometric techniques) and the rate of bone resorption. The latter can be assessed by means of many laboratory indexes, taken as markers of bone cells activity. The latest markers of osteoblastic activity are osteocalcin and the terminal fragment of type I pro-collagen. On the other hand pyridinolines are considered markers of bone resorption. The authors describe the assay procedures and the clinical meaning of these markers of bone metabolism.