Effect of glucocorticoids on bone Gla protein values--BGP as a good marker of osteoporosis.
It is important to prevent corticosteroid(CS)-induced osteoporosis, particularly in children. One of the mechanisms is a direct inhibitory effect of CS on osteoblasts. Bone Gla protein (BGP) is produced in osteoblasts, and the serum level of BGP reflects the bone formation rate. The aim of this study is to examine the usefulness of BGP as a marker of CS-induced osteoporosis. In the present study, serum levels of 24 pediatric patients who were given prednisolone (PSL) for long periods were studied in relation to their growth rate. Serum BGP was also determined in 167 healthy children and 16 adults. In healthy children, BGP levels reached a peak at the age of 15 years in boys and 11 years in girls. In patients who were given more than 0.25 mg/kg/day PSL, serum BGP levels were significantly decreased and height growth was remarkably suppressed. In conclusion, the measurement of serum BGP is useful for early detection of CS-induced osteoporosis.
Iwasaki
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Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015675:Osteocalcin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012737:Sex Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D015675:Osteocalcin; D011239:Prednisolone