N-terminal telopeptide
N-terminal telopeptide (NTX)
N-terminal telopeptide (pronounced: en-ter-mi-nal tel-o-pep-tide), often abbreviated as NTX, is a biomarker used in medicine to measure the rate of bone turnover. It can be used to diagnose osteoporosis, monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment, and predict future bone fracture risk.
Etymology
The term "N-terminal telopeptide" is derived from its structure and function. "N-terminal" refers to the nitrogen end of an amino acid chain, while "telopeptide" refers to the end sections of a collagen molecule, which is the main structural protein in bone.
Function
NTX is a fragment of type I collagen, the most abundant collagen in bone. During bone resorption, when old bone is broken down, NTX is released into the bloodstream. By measuring the levels of NTX in the blood or urine, doctors can estimate the rate of bone turnover.
Related Terms
- Bone turnover: The process of bone resorption and formation.
- Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.
- Bone resorption: The process by which osteoclasts break down bone and release the minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone fluid to the blood.
- Collagen: The main structural protein in various connective tissues.
- Amino acid: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on N-terminal telopeptide
- Wikipedia's article - N-terminal telopeptide
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