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The evolution of assays for parathyroid hormone
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. martinkj@slu.edu
Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension
|August 10, 2001
Summary
New assays reveal parathyroid hormone (PTH) fragments, previously thought inactive, may have biological effects. This discovery, particularly relevant in renal failure, highlights potential new actions of PTH peptides.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Renal Medicine
Background:
- Commercially available intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) assays cross-react with truncated PTH fragments.
- These fragments, like PTH 7-84, have elution positions similar to biologically inactive forms.
- Specific assays now distinguish whole PTH from these fragments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential biological activity of PTH fragments.
- To explore the implications of these findings in the context of renal failure.
- To highlight the significance of new PTH assay methodologies.
Main Methods:
- Development of specific assays for 'whole' 84-amino-acid PTH.
- Utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to characterize PTH fragments.
- Comparative analysis of intact PTH assays versus specific whole PTH assays.
Main Results:
- Whole PTH assays identified previously unrecognized findings regarding PTH fragments.
- Evidence suggests that PTH fragments, such as PTH 7-84, may possess biological activity.
- Emerging research indicates additional receptors for PTH peptides.
Conclusions:
- Parathyroid hormone fragments, previously considered inactive, may exert biological effects.
- These fragments could have significant actions, particularly in patients with renal failure.
- Further research into PTH fragments and their receptors is warranted.