Associations between serum markers of collagen metabolism and spinal shrinkage

Objectives. To explore whether serum concentrations of the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I collagen and the carboxyterminal telopeptide region of type I collagen as biomarkers of the metabolic condition of spinal tissues are associated with spinal shrinkage as a measure of tissue response to physical loading. Design. Association of biomarker concentrations in blood and spinal shrinkage in healthy young nurses. Background. Certain biomarkers of type I collagen metabolism may be considered potential instruments to assess the biochemical condition of spinal tissues and alterations thereof in response to physical loading. Correlation of the serum concentrations of the biomarkers with spinal shrinkage, as a measure of the response of spinal tissues to physical loading, provides information on the validity of the biomarkers. Methods. Concentrations of biomarkers of type I collagen synthesis and degradation have been monitored during a period of six months in 25 young nurses. Spinal shrinkage was assessed on a representative working day and related to shrinkage on a rest day. Results. Larger relative spinal shrinkage was associated with a lower rate of collagen turnover and a higher relative synthesis. Conclusions. These results support the assumption that biomarkers of type I collagen metabolism are associated with structural and material properties of spinal tissues.