Serum Human \(\beta\) Defensin (HBD-2) and Osteocalcin Levels in Menopausal Iraqi Women with Osteopenia

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Osteopenia (OP) is a chronic and advanced condition that is often described by diminished bone mineral density (BMD), deteriorated bone tissue microarchitecture, and an elevated risk of fracture. The low molecular weight antimicrobial peptides known as Human Defensin (HBD-2) proteins are produced locally by keratinocytes in various tissues, including skin, mucosa, and bones. Osteocalcin, often called bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGLAP), is a tiny (49 amino acids) noncollagenous protein hormone in bone and dentin. It was initially discovered to be a calcium-binding protein. Material and Methods: Prospective study to evaluate the osteoblast's ability to produce and release osteocalcin makes it a noncollagenous protein, and has primary physiological roles include calcium ion homeostasis, maintaining an average rate of bone mineralization, preventing the aberrant development of hydroxyapatite crystals, and participating in bone remodeling via a negative feedback loop. In menopausal women with osteopenia, this study evaluates the osteocalcin and human beta-defensin 2 for their diagnostic potential. A small amount of venous blood, about 5 ml, was added to the tube and centrifuged for five minutes at a speed of 3 \(\times\) 103 rpm. The serum was put into an Eppendorf tube and stored in a freezer at -20 \(^\circ\)C before being tested. With the help of the specified equation, the body mass index is determined. Findings and Conclusion: Increasing serum HBD 2, osteocalcin levels in postmenopausal women with osteopenia plays an essential role in developing osteopenia to osteoporosis. Differences in serum levels of alkaline phosphatase were seen among patients (as a sample) and controls; serum levels of HBD2 and osteocalcin were considerably lower in controls than in patients (p 0.01).