Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab 2003;47(3):285-291
Parathyroid hormone (1-34 PTH) for the treatment of osteoporosis
DOI: 10.1590/S0004-27302003000300014
Parathyroid glands produce the parathyroid hormone (PTH) that acts on bone and kidneys controlling calcium and phosphorus serum concentration. It has long been known that PTH can act as an anabolic hormone if it is given by small and intermittent doses. Recently, there are data showing that PTH (1-34) increases bone mineral density, increases bone mass, improves trabecular connectivity, and reduces the risk of vertebral, non-vertebral and hip fractures in women with postmenopausal or corticoid-induced osteoporosis and in men with idiopathic osteoporosis. The effect of PTH (1-34) is sustained along the time, even when PTH (1-34) is withdrawn. In this article, we looked over the literature data about PTH (1-34) anabolic action in the bone and its use to treat osteoporosis.