The relationship between levels of osteocalcin, calcium, vitamin K and vitamin D in sera of patients with bone fractures compared to apparently healthy control

Abstract

The production of osteocalcin is stimulated by 1, 25 dihydroxy vitamin D and depends on vitamin K. Vitamin K increases the carboxylation of osteocalcin, but it does not increase its overall rate of synthesis. Although its function is not completely understood, osteocalcin may exist as a deposition site for hydroxyapatite crystals. It may also affect energy metabolism via the production and action of insulin. The present study aimed at measuring serum levels of osteocalcin, calcium, vitamin k and vitamin D in sera of patients complaining from different types of fractures compared to levels in apparently healthy controls. Serum osteocalcin was within normal limits in patients and controls. Serum calcium generally lower than normal, vitamin D was lower than normal and vitamin K was within normal limits. The results indicated the importance of measurement of vitamin D and serum calcium in patients with fracture.