The value of osteopontin and matrix metalloproteinase-3 in the assessment of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the value of osteopontin (OPN) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in the assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. Background Osteoporosis is a widespread age-related skeletal disorder characterized by bone loss that increases skeletal fragility. Patients and methods This study was conducted on 172 postmenopausal female individuals. OPN and MMP-3 were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. BMD assessment was carried out by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The patients were divided into three groups according to BMD: osteopenic, osteoporotic and control groups. Results OPN and MMP-3 levels were significantly greater in the osteoporotic and osteopenic groups than in the control group (P Conclusion OPN and MMP-3 were significantly increased in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, suggesting their role in bone turnover. The preserving of normal bone mass density is a challenge for postmenopausal women to prevent bone disabilities. Hence, further studies are recommended to use the presence of OPN and MMP-3 as a regular monitoring system – being sensitive and easy to measure – for the early detection of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.