[Bone and bone related biochemical examinations. Bone and collagen related metabolites. Measurement of PICP and PINP in the evaluation of pharmaceutical treatment efficacy for osteoporosis].

Propeptides of type I procollagen are generated during the process of collagen formation in bone matrix. Among them measurements of circulating N-terminal propeptide (PINP) has been recognized as one of promising metabolic bone markers in the assessment of efficacy of pharmaceutical intervention for osteoporosis. Recently assays of PINP have been established to be supplied as measurement kits following those of C-terminal propeptide (PICP) and clinical data on usefulness of PINP in the evaluation of teriparatide an anabolic agent as well as various anti-catabolic agents have accumulated. Therefore, the measurement of PINP must be an essential tool in Japan at the time when newer agents for osteoporosis are applied to clinical practice in the future.