Calcium And Phosphate Metabolisms Flashcards
Describe the function of PTH
Prolonged, high levels will promote bone remodelling
Describe the function of FGF23
Decreases phosphate and vitamin D (so Calcium)
- inhibits the formation of active vitamin D3
- will increase phosphate excretion
In response to what is FGF23 secreted?
- High phosphate levels
- Will cause the excretion and so the decrease in phosphate
Describe the function of Vitamin D
- Promotes calcium absorption in the gut
- So deficiency in Vitamin D may cause osteomalacia
Describe what osteoporosis is
Loss of both the cortical and trabecular bone mass - loss of the mineralisation of bone AND loss of the organic bone matrix (collagen)
Name some causes of osteoporosis?
- age (endocrine)
- malignancy
- drug induced
- renal disease
- nutritional
- age
How do we diagnose osteoporosis?
Measure bone mineral density and compare it to cut-off points
- Is done with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA scan)
- gives a T score and a Z score which are part of a statistical test where if the T score is lower than -2.5 then = diagnosed osteoporosis
What is the T score?
Number of standard deviations below average for young adult at peak bone density
What is osteopenia?
When the T score is between -1 and -2.5 so it is not enough for osteoporosis diagnosis (less than -2.5)
What is the Z score?
Matched to age and/or group
Name some endocrine causes of osteoporosis
- Hypogonadism (especially any cause of oestrogen deficiency but also seen in men due to no conversion of androgen → oestrogen peripherally)
- Exogenous glucocorticoids or also endogenous (think, Cushing’s)
- Hyperparathyroidism (excess resorption)
- Hyperthyroidism
How can we treat osteoporosis?
- Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, appropriate exercise
- HRT for Postmenopausal women
- Biphosphonates
- PTH analogues
- Denosumab
- Romosozumab
What is romosozumab?
Human monoclonal antibody against sclerostin
What is denosumab?
Human monoclonal antibody against RANK ligand
What do bisphosphonates do?
Inhibits function of osteoclasts