Since 1961 bone turnover has been examined using various radio-labeled substances. In 1971 bone scintigraphy was performed the first time using modern 99mTc-labeled polyphosphonates, e.g. 99mTc-hydroxyethylenephosphonate(HDP) or 99mTc-methoxyethylenephosphonate (MDP). After intravenous injection, these radiopharmaceuticals are adsorbed at the bone surface within some hours. The amount of adsorp...

The rise in oestrogen levels at menarche in girls is associated with a large reduction in bone turnover markers. This reduction reflects the closure of the epiphyseal growth plates, the reduction in periosteal apposition and endosteal resorption within cortical bone, and in bone remodelling within cortical and cancellous bone. Oestrogen promotes these changes, in part, by promoting apoptosis of...

Factors other than low bone mass, such as changes in bone quality, may contribute to fracture risk. Non-enzymatic glycation alters bone’s organic matrix [1] and creates collagen crosslinks, collectively termed advanced glycation end products (AGEs) [2]. AGEs accumulation with age stiffens bone's organic matrix, ultimately leading to fracture [3]. Cell culture work in animal models shows increas...

INTRODUCTION Renal osteodystrophy includes the complete range of mineral metabolism disorders that affect the skeleton in patients with chronic renal failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS 200 patients with end-stage renal disease and on dialysis were investigated regarding the clinical, biochemical and histological findings of bone disease. RESULTS The spectrum of renal osteodystrophy consisted mai...

The relationship between bone and the kidney in renal osteodystrophy is a complex interplay of kidney to bone connections, bone to kidney connections, and cell to cell connections. In addition, such interactions have a profound effect on the vasculature. In this review, we discuss the role of the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in the skeleton, kidney, and vasculature. In addition, we propos...