Bone & Cartilage Metabolism
Bones are continuously undergoing a dynamic process of bone resorption and formation and calcification. Bone metabolism relies on the action of several hormones or regulatory proteins. Bone metabolism disorders can result in such diseases as osteoporosis/osteopenia, bone tumor-associated osteolysis, or cardiovascular pathology.
Articular cartilage is a thin layer of specialized connective tissue providing a smooth, lubricated surface for low friction articulation. Aging changes increase the risk of articular cartilage degeneration as well as the increasing incidence of osteoarthritis. Cartilage degeneration markers allow us to differentiate between natural cartilage degeneration and disease.
