Biomarkers and Metabolic Bone Disease

We have been interested in the effects of bone disease as well as metastatic disease to bone on biomarkers
of bone remodeling. We have established specific biochemical assays to monitor bone resorption and
bone formation that include bone collagen breakdown products, markers of bone collagen synthesis,
markers of osteoclastogenesis and markers of osteoblast function and secretion. These biomarkers have
been evaluated in patients with osteoporosis, Paget's disease and skeletal metastases treated with
pharmaceutical agents that can attenuate bone turnover and inhibit bone loss or resorption. These agents
include the bisphosphonate class of compounds as well as hormone replacement therapy
used to treated bone resorption caused by bone disease.