Changes in serological bone turnover markers in bisphosphonate induced osteonecrosis of the jaws: A case control study

Abstract

Background: There are a lot study confirmed the relationship of bone serum markers changes and skeletal irregularities. But there is no sufficient case control studies about the role of these markers on bisphosphonate induced osteonecrosis of jaws (BRONJ). Aims: The aim of this study is to find out if there is any derangement of bone markers in bisphosphonate-treated patients with ONJ. Methods: We obtained serum bone markers and other relevant endocrine assays on 20 patients with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and 20 randomized healthy volunteers. All of the ONJ group treated with zoledronic acid and had been withdrawn from bisphosphonate for at least 6 months. Diagnostic criteria for ONJ were those formulated by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Serum levels of several indices of bone remodeling were evaluated using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The biochemical assays were performed on N-Telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcitonin, osteocalcin, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), T3, T4, TSH, and Vitamin D 25 hydroxy (Vit-D). Results: In ONJ group, PTH level is statistically higher and TSH, Vit-D, osteocalcin and NTX levels statistically lower compared to control group. Conclusion: We conclude that these changes in PTH, Vit-D, TSH, osteocalcin and NTX levels maybe have a role in the pathophysiology of BRONJ. But the data need to be confirmed by future studies.