[Bone and bone related biochemical examinations. Bone and collagen related metabolites. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase].

Research has long been conducted to elucidate the association between bone and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). ALP-labeled monoclonal antibodies developed in recent years represent a significant advance in the evaluation of bone quality by making bone-specific ALP (BAP) available for standard quantitative measurement. While BAP yields variable results depending on the assay used, the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or immunoradiometric assay (IRMA), it has enabled the risk of fracture, as well as the efficacy of pharmacological intervention, to be predicted to a certain degree, through evaluation of a parameter other than bone mass. In this regard, BAP is assumed not only to reflect bone strength, but also to serve as an index for bone quality, quite apart from bone mass. Thus, quantitative measurement of BAP currently represents the most effective means available for clinical evaluation of bone quality.