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

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 absent periods and reduced fertility. Symptoms include those associated with the natural menopause (night sweats and vaginal dryness), and with the long-term adverse effects of estrogen deficiency (osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease): the latter is believed to explain the shorter life expectancy associated with POF. Aim: To determine the 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 in the study. Baseline investigation in all subjects included serum Osteocalcin(OC), granulin(GRN), cathepsin k (CTK), vitamin D, parathyroid hormones (PTH), calcium and phosphrus levels were estimated using the appropriate 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, mean serum levels of cathepsin k and calcium in POF group were non significant differences, when compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: Osteocalcin and granulin serum levels may be used as new biomarker for the diagnosis of premature ovarian failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]