Osteocalcin

General information:

Osteocalcin is the major non-collagenous protein of the bone matrix. It is a bone-specific, vitamin K-dependent, low-molecular-weight calcium-binding protein. It constitutes 1-2% of the protein content of bones. Osteocalcin is synthesized by osteoblasts. One part of the newly synthesized osteocalcin is free in the blood, another part is bound to the bone matrix. Its synthesis is regulated by calcitriol.

Serum levels of osteocalcin reflect the intensity of bone turnover, particularly bone formation, with particularly high levels observed in disorders of bone mineralization.

Sample required:

Venous blood, in morning in fasting

Key words:

Osteocalcin, bones