| [ Summary ] |
Pyridinoline (Pyr), a trifunctional 3-hydroxypyridinium crosslink and its minor analogue, deoxypyridino line (Dpyr), are two non-reducible crosslinks. They are believed to be physiologically essential and necessary to maintain the structure of the collagen fibril net work in the matrix of various tissues. In the late 1980's, Pyr and Dpyr were proposed as bone resorption markers. Since then, a number of studies have shown that urinary Pyr and Dpyr are more sensitive biochemical markers for bone resorption. Biochemistry, assay methods, clinical results, and indications for assays were reviewed. Also mentioned were the utility of Pyr and Dpyr as bone resorption markers in patients with chronic renal failure and who were under going hemodialysis. |