EditorialEditorial

J. Blahoš

Clin Osteol 2007; 12(3): 95

Biology of calcitoninReview articles

M. Bayer

Clin Osteol 2007; 12(3): 96-99

Calcitonin, the only hypocalcaemic factor in the organism, was discovered in the late 1950s. Soon after, its origin from the thyroid C cells was documented. The direct action of calcitonin on osteoclasts was evidenced in the early 1980s. These discoveries were followed by cloning and sequencing of calcitonin receptors. Specific regions of the receptor necessary for ligand binding and intracellular sig­ nalling through cyclic AMP and calcium have been identified. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the structure, cel­ lular and molecular actions of fish, mammalian and human calcitonin as well as about its related peptides: alpha- and...

Procalcitonin and its role in current diagnosisReview articles

S. Skálová

Clin Osteol 2007; 12(3): 100-105

Procalcitonin (ProCT) is a 116 amino acid protein with a sequence identical to that of the prohormone of calcitonin (32 amino acids). Under normal metabolic conditions, hormonally active calcitonin is produced and secreted in the C-cells of the thyroid gland after spe­ cific intracellular proteolytic procession of the prohormone proCT. Bacterial infections induce an ubiquitous increase of CALC-I gene expression and a constitutive release of proCT from all parenchymal tissues and differentiated cell types throughout the body, so that significant concentrations of proCT can be detected in the blood of patients with severe bacterial infection/sepsis....

Calcitonin and regulation of osteoclastic bone resorptionReview articles

V. Zikán

Clin Osteol 2007; 12(3): 107-111

The calcitonin (CT) gene encodes two polypeptides, CT and a-CT gene-related peptide (aCGRP). CT, a 32-amino-acid-long peptide produced by thyroid C cells, directly inhibits osteoclast function through a high-affinity CT receptor. It is well known that CT levels rise during periods of calcium stress, such as pregnancy, growth, and lactation. The CT/aCGRP-null mouse confirmed that CT pro­ tects the maternal skeleton during lactation, at least in mice. Subjects with CT deficiency as well as CT/aCGRP-null animals were mo­ re responsive to PTH- or vitamin D-induced stimulation. Moreover, the deficiency of CT in the CT/aCGRP-null mouse does result in increased...

The analgesic effect of calcitoninReview articles

I. Kučerová

Clin Osteol 2007; 12(3): 112-115

The analgesic effect of calcitonin (CT) is used mainly in the treatment of acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures. It significantly relie­ ves the pain already in the first week of treatment and improves the patients' quality of life. Less often, it is indicated in Paget's disea­ se, pain in metastatic bone diseases, and algodystrophy. The article gives a concise overview of possible mechanisms of the analgesic effect of CT and deals with its use in the above-mentioned conditions.

Orally administered calcitonin - a new option in the osteoporosis and osteoarthritis treatment?News

S. Kutílek, T. Hála

Clin Osteol 2007; 12(3): 118-120

Calcitonin is well known for its antiresorptive and analgetic effects. The application forms of calcitonin (nasal spray or subcutaneous injections) limit its wider use. Recent development of oral salmon calcitonin represents new therapeutic options in osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

AbstractsAbstracts

Clin Osteol 2007; 12(3): 121-140