Immunophenotyping in Patients With Osteoporosis

In addition to a medical history and clinical examination, the diagnosis of osteoporosis includes the measurement of bone surface density by means of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In addition, blood tests are performed for certain parameters, such as vitamin D, calcium, phosphate and C-reactive protein. In order to optimize osteoporosis diagnostics, the development of further specific methods is required. The modulation of the immune system seems promising in this respect, since osteoporosis is based on an inflammatory reaction. Various regulatory markers of the innate and acquired immune system, which seem to be relevant in the development of the disease, have already been detected in osteoporosis patients. This study may help to gain new insights into disease-associated immunoregulatory markers that could revolutionize both the diagnosis and therapy of osteoporosis in the long term. By means of a simple blood test, patients could be diagnosed early and without additional radiation exposure, and effective therapy options could be developed.