Can someone tell of the use of PTH in bone osteoporosis?

It has now been well over a year since the FDA approved PTH therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis. The only preparation available currently is brand name Forteo, which is recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH). It is important to recognize that this is human parathyroid hormone. Recombinant refers to the method of building the parathyroid hormone from amino acids (obtained from breaking down the molecular structure of microorganisms). The resulting structure is identical to that of the active part of the human PTH hormone.

All of the existing treatments for osteoporosis, which include estrogen, selective estrogen and receptor modulators (Evista), bisphosphonates (Fosamax and Actonel) and calcitonin (Miacalcin) act by reducing loss of bone mineral. These are called antiresorptive agents. They do not build bone. By reducing loss of bone mineral, the result is that there is an increased mineralization (laying down of calcium and phosphate) in what is left of the basic bone structure, but there is no rebuilding the bone that is lost in osteoporosis. It is important to understand that osteoporosis refers to a total loss of bone compared to normal. This would be a loss of calcium and phosphate, but also loss of the supporting structure, which is a protein matrix.

PTH therapy results in new bone formation in that there is a laying down of protein matrix, and mineralization occurs not only in the previous existing matrix, but in the new structure that is formed. PTH increases bone turnover, and it increases formation of bone more than resorption. The results of this are documented by an increase of bone density as measured at the osteoporosis center(s), but also a decrease in fracture compared to other forms of treatment. There is a 65-69 percent reduction in the chance of a new fracture in a person with osteoporosis, and a 77-86 percent reduction in the chance of a recurrent fracture in a person with osteoporosis.

Continuous elevation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels occurs in humans due to abnormal secretion of this hormone from the parathyroid glands located in the neck. This is called hyperparathyroid disease. Loss of bone mass occurs with resulting osteoporosis. However, intermittent elevation of PTH that occurs in the daily injections of PTH, as prescribed in the use of Forteo.

Nd Chck out Dis site 2 knw more....

http://opocenter.com/updates/update4.htm...

Cheers *Nike*

when treating osteoporosis, one must look at the cause. while Forteo is a good drug, one has to take it over a period of three years, at a cost of over Rs. 20000.00 per month! better to look for cost effective solutions.
Don't know about that, but do know that Nikken released a supplement last month that is actually shown to INCREASE bone density. It uses natural ingredients, so it's completely safe. What it does is helps the body use nutrients more effectively- helps them absorb new nutrients and release the old ones. It is available without a prescription, and you'd take it daily in addition to a calcium supplement. Let me know if you'd like more info about it!