Abstract
BGP (osteocalcin) is a bone-specific protein. It is synthesized by the osteoblast and incorporated into the bone matrix. A fraction, however, is also released into the circulation where it can be detected by radio-immunoassay.
We measured serum BGP in 450 normal children and adolescents (229 girls and 221 boys), aged 6-19 years. BGP concentrations changed in relation to age and sex with a pattern that resembles the height velocity curves. From 6 to 9 years the mean BGP concentration was 29.0 ± 1.1 ng/ml (mean ± 1SEM) in both sexes. Serum BGP in girls began to rise at about age 10 years, peaked 2 years later (49.2 ± 5.6 ng/ml), and then showed a progressive decline towards the adult levels (range 3-15 ng/ml) at age 17 to 19 years. Serum BGP in boys began to rise at about 11 years, peaked at 14 years with a higher level than in girls (64.0 ± 6.3 ng/ml) and declined towards the adult range somewhat later. Multiple regression analysis including partiel correlation showed that BGP in girls (aged 9-12) and in boys (aged 10-14) were significantly related to height and serum IGF-1, whereas age in itself had minor effect.
We conclude that BGP is a sensitive marker of bone growth. Repeated measurements may provide useful information in the diagnosis and follow-up treatment of children with disturbances in bone turnover.
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Johansen, J., Giwercman, A., Hartwell, D. et al. 117 SERUM BONE GLA-PROTEIN (BGP) AS A MARKER OF BONE GROWTH IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. Pediatr Res 24, 536 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198810000-00138
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198810000-00138