Biomarkers In Bone Disease

In the past decade there has been a major sea change in the way disease is diagnosed and investigated due to the advent of high throughput technologies, such as microarrays, lab on a chip, proteomics, genomics, lipomics, metabolomics etc. These advances have enabled the discovery of new and novel markers of disease relating to autoimmune disorders, cancers, endocrine diseases, genetic disorders, sensory damage, intestinal diseases etc. In many instances these developments have gone hand in hand with the discovery of biomarkers elucidated via traditional or conventional methods, such as histopathology or clinical biochemistry. Together with microprocessor-based data analysis, advanced statistics and bioinformatics these markers have been used to identify individuals with active disease or pathology as well as those who are refractory or have distinguishing pathologies. New analytical methods that have been used to identify markers of disease and is suggested that there may be as many as 40 different platforms. Unfortunately techniques and methods have not been readily transferable to other disease states and sometimes diagnosis still relies on single analytes rather than a cohort of markers. There is thus a demand for a comprehensive and focused evidenced-based text and scientific literature that addresses these issues. Hence the formulation of Biomarkers in Disease. The series covers a wide number of areas including for example, nutrition, cancer, endocrinology, cardiology, addictions, immunology, birth defects, genetics, and so on. The chapters are written by national or international experts and specialists.

This monograph brings together the proceedings of a workshop held in Geneva, Switzerland in March 2000 under the joint sponsorship of the University of Sheffield and F Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. Chapters by leading scientists present the latest research on biochemical markers of bone remodelling as well as their clinical applications in the management of osteoporosis. The text focuses on four major areas of interest: 1) potential candidates for markers of bone remodelling, 2) sources of biological bone marker variability, 3) use of biochemical markers in monitoring treatment of osteoporosis, and 4) use of biochemical markers in the prediction of bone loss and fractures. The book also includes transcripts of the lively panel discussions from the Geneva workshop.

This publication takes a critical, evidence-based look at the efficacy of diagnostic tests which are increasingly being used to evaluate organ damage and dysfunction. The use of biomarkers is growing, with a steady stream of products being brought out by the pharmaceutical industry. Some of these assist in diagnosis, others provide a means of monitoring the state of progression of disease and the effectiveness of therapeutic options. However, in many cases the evidence which supports the use of these methods as opposed to traditional biochemical tests has not yet been demonstrated, and it is intended that this volume will help clarify the strengths and weaknesses of using these biomarkers across a wide range of applications and in the various organs of the body. This approach will provide pathologists, clinical biochemists and medical laboratory scientists with an invaluable overview of the diverse applications of biomarkers in medicine.

Endocrine Biomarkers: Clinical Aspects and Laboratory Determination covers all the pre-analytical variables that can affect test results, both in the clinic and laboratory. Biomarkers of endocrine and bone diseases are discussed from both clinical and laboratory perspectives, and the authors elaborate on the teamwork-based app+roach between the clinician and the laboratory professional in the diagnosis and management of endocrine and bone disorders. Discussions include test utilization, laboratory measurement methods, harmonization and standardization, interpretation of results, and reference intervals. Each chapter ends with a discussion of one or two relevant cases with shared opinions from both a clinician and a clinical chemist. Each chapter also includes a summary box outlining key points and common pitfalls in the use of specific disease biomarkers and tests. Focuses on the traditional, current, and emerging clinical chemistry tests for endocrine and bone diseases, along with their application in individual clinical management Presents a brief discussion of each disorder and its respective interrelationships, along with laboratory methodologies that can be used to aid in evaluation of disorders Reviews common approaches to the measurement of the relevant hormones, with a special focus on measures that require a structured clinical testing scenario Reviews novel chemistry tests as potential means of future diagnostic tests Provides an overview of the current methodology and controversies in the concept of target lipid levels, paying particular attention to the role of clinical chemistry in helping to implement population health targets

Geared toward rheumatologists, this book examines the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of bone loss in patients with inflammatory diseases. Drs. Maricic and Gluck—along with contributors from bone biology, diagnosis, imaging, biomarkers, and treatment—have developed a comprehensive, practical text on this specific aspect of rheumatology. Bone Disease in Rheumatology provides cutting-edge information on the pathophysiology of systemic and focal bone loss (erosions) in inflammatory disorders, the tools used to assess and measure bone loss, and the medications used in management of bone loss associated with rheumatic diseases. The book also discusses common and uncommon metabolic bone disorders, emphasizing state-of-the-art management techniques.