OBJECTIVES: Hyperprolactinemia could be one of possible causes of bone loss. The reason is thought to be connected with hypogonadism due to PRL excess and the role of other hormones like PTH and PTH-rP. There is no data on the influence of PTH fractions (CAP and CIP) on bone turnover and density in hyperprolactinemia. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of PTH and its fractions on bone metabolism in hyperprolactinemia of various origin.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 75 women. Group I consisted of 32 women with prolactinoma, group II consisted of 43 women with functional hyperprolactinemia. Both groups were subdivided in patients with hypogonadism and normal gonadal function. The control group consisted of 29 healthy women. In all subjects PRL, PTH and its fractions (CAP, CIP), and bone turnover markers (BAP, ICTP) were studied. BMD measurement was carried out using DXA.
RESULTS: In patients with functional hyperprolactinemia i-PTH and CAP levels were lower than in controls. CIP concentrations were lower in patients than in controls. CAP/CIP ratio was higher in patients with prolactinoma than in patients with functional hyperprolactinemia and controls. Higher values of bone turnover markers (BAP, ICTP) in patients groups and subgroups were shown as compared to controls. Some correlations between PTH and its fractions, and BMD and bone turnover were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: There is no direct benefit from the assessment of parathormone fractions and CAP/CIP ratio in the prognosis of bone metabolism changes in hyperprolactinemia of various origin.