For years, researchers have looked for biochemical methods to determine bone loss rates associated with the development of osteoporosis.1 The Bone Resorption Assessment focuses on two collagen crosslinks with greater specificity for bone resorption, pyridinium (Pyd) and deoxypyridinium (D-Pyd).

Research supports the use of Pyd and D-Pyd as excellent, sensitive and specific indicators of bone loss due to osteoporosis.2,3 Presence in the urine of higher than normal amounts of Pyd and D-Pyd indicate a rapid rate of bone loss.4-6 A high rate of bone turnover in an untreated postmenopausal woman indicates that bone loss is likely to be rapid. Nearly all women will show high bone turnover in the first few years after menopause, but about a third will continue to have high turnover 10-20 years after menopause. Many clinicians believe such women are destined to suffer extensive bone loss and should be targeted for aggressive therapy to block bone resorption.7

Many studies have investigated the relationship of pyridinium markers to osteoporosis. In one, the urinary excretion of Pyd crosslinks was evaluated in a group of elderly women with untreated osteoporosis.5 The crosslinks relative to creatinine correlated closely with bone resorption with osteocalcin, a specific marker of bone formation and osteoporosis.

In another study, elderly women with femoral fractures associated with osteoporosis were compared with age-matched controls.6 Women with fractures and osteoporosis excreted higher levels of crosslinks. Patients with recent fractures showed higher excretion of both markers than those without recent fractures, indicating that accidental bone fractures also increase crosslink excretion.

Although exercise is an important element in guarding against bone loss, many physicians are noticing an increase in the early onset of bone loss in premenopausal women who exercise vigorously while maintaining extremely lowfat diets.

The Bone Resorption Assessment is a simple, direct urinary assay of pyridinium and deoxypyridinium crosslinks, useful in identifying early onset of rapid bone loss, allowing for timely intervention and effective monitoring of bone support therapies.

References:
1 Azria M. Calcif Tissue Int.1989;45:7-11.
2 Hassager C et al. Clin Endocrinology 1992;37:45-50.
3 Delmas PD. Bone 1992;13:S17-21.
4 Uebelhart D et al. Bone Miner 1990; 8:87-96.
5 Delmas PD et al. J Bone Min Res 1991;6(6):639-44.
6 McLaren AM et al. Ann Rheum Dis 1992;51:648-51.
7 Ettinger B. Current Opinion OB GYN 1993;5:396-403.

All lab tests can be done through the mail in the privacy of your own home, except blood tests, we send you to a lab to have your blood drawn for these. After you pay for the test we mail you the kit, the results take two weeks, the test results will be mailed to us and we will call you to go over the results, its that easy! All tests include the consultation for the report of findings.

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