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 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 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 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.