The Predictive Value of Osteocalcin, Granulin, Cathepsin K and Some Other Biomarkers in Women with Premature Ovarian Failure

Abstract

Background: Premature ovarian failure (POF), often and misleadingly referred to as ‘premature menopause’,is defined as a loss of ovarian activity before the age of 40 years and is characterized by irregular or absentperiods and reduced fertility. Symptoms include those associated with the natural menopause (night sweatsand vaginal dryness), and with the long-term adverse effects of estrogen deficiency (osteoporosis andcardiovascular disease): the latter is believed to explain the shorter life expectancy associated with POF.Aim: To determinethe predictive value of serum osteocalcin(OC), granulin(GRN), cathepsin k (CTK),vitamin D, parathyroid hormones (PTH), calcium and phosphrus as biomarkers for POF.Method: Sixty (60) women with idiopathic POF with thirty (30) women as control groups were included inthe study. Baseline investigation in all subjects included serum Osteocalcin(OC), granulin(GRN), cathepsink (CTK), vitamin D, parathyroid hormones (PTH), calcium and phosphrus levels were estimated using theappropriate assays for each.Results: The mean serum levels of Osteocalcin, Ganulin,Parathyroid hormones,vitamin D and phosphorus,were significantly higher in women with POF,when compared to healthy controls (P=<0.05). However, meanserum levels of cathepsin k and calcium in POF group were non significant differences,when compared tohealthy controls.Conclusion: Osteocalcin and granulin serum levels may be used as new biomarker for the diagnosis ofpremature ovarian failure.