[Experience regarding the use of arginine-lysine-lactose treatment in menopausal osteoporosis].

Two matched groups of postmenopausal patients were treated respectively with calcitonin or calcitonin and an arginine-lysine-glycerophosphoric acid-lactose association. The rationale underlying this therapy took the form of data in the literature which indicated an action of these amino acids and lactose on calcium absorption and on the metabolism of protein components in the skeletal structure. The following tests were performed: mineralometric evaluation, evaluation of painful symptoms and intake of pain-relieving drugs, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, parathormone, and calciuria and hydroxyproline. These parameters were assayed at the beginning and end of treatment which lasted six months. The results, or in other words the comparison between the two groups, basal or after treatment, and the values recorded before and after treatment in each group, enable the authors to affirm that the administration of the arginine-lysine-glycerophosphoric acid-lactose association leads to an increase in bone density and plasma osteocalcin, a reduction in painful symptoms and analgesic intake, and a reduction in the serum levels of parathromone and hydroxyproline. Data reported in the literature support the conclusion that the results obtained are the consequence of an improved intestinal absorption calcium. It is highly probable that the protein components of the association administered, arginine-lysine-glycerophosphoric acid-lactose, also exercise a direct action on osteoblasts and on the metabolism of bone matrix protein components.