What is the purpose of urine n-terminal-to-helix-links (NTX)?

• A. To assist in fracture healing
• B. To evaluate bone resorption
• C. To measure bone density
• D. To monitor vitamin levels

Answer: (B)

Urine N-terminal-to-helix-links (NTX) are biochemical markers specifically related to the process of bone resorption. When bone is broken down by osteoclasts, fragments of collagen, including NTX, are released into the bloodstream and subsequently excreted in the urine. Measuring NTX levels can provide valuable information about the rate of bone resorption in the body, which is particularly important for diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to bone metabolism, such as osteoporosis.

This makes the evaluation of bone resorption the primary purpose of NTX testing. By analyzing urine NTX levels, healthcare professionals can assess how effectively bone is being broken down, helping in the management and treatment of diseases characterized by increased bone loss. Thus, NTX serves as a useful biomarker for understanding bone health and metabolism.