| [ Summary ] |
Bone tissue turnover is largely based on remodeling activity. The balance of the amounts of bone formed and resorbed is well maintained during remodeling cycles. However, the amount of bone resorbed is two to three times higher than that of bone formed during certain periods of time. Thus, the quantity and structure of bone depend mainly on the activity of bone resorption. Antiresorptive agents, such as alendronate, have now come to be the treatment of first choice for osteoporosis. Since bone resorption is the key factor in osteoporosis, monitoring of bone resorption markers during treatment seems to be reasonable. |