components to the clinical evaluation of disease markers in bone and joint disorders.Part I of the book provides an up-to-date account of current knowledge of the structure, biosynthesis and molecular biology of the major tissue components, including the important regulators such as cytokines, growth factors, and proteases.The second part of the book covers the organizational structure and cellular metabolism of bone and cartilage. As with the first part, there are separate sections on bone and cartilage addressing their specific and unique functions. For bone, questions on mineralization, remodeling and hormonal regulation are covered as well as the derivation of products of metabolism: for cartilage, the physiology and pathology are reviewed in relation to the products of metabolism, together with recent data from animal and in vitro models. The first two parts of the book serve to contextualize all of the biochemical markers for assessing bone and cartilage metabolism.Part III deals with the utility of components specific to bone and cartilage as biomarkers of health and disease, both in experimental and clinical settings. A wide range of disorders affecting bone and cartilage metabolism is covered, including different forms of osteoporosis, metastatic bone disease and arthritic diseases, as well as some of the less common growth and degenerative abnormalities. This application-oriented part of the book is complemented by an initial section detailing the methodological and technical aspects of the various biochemical and genetic markers of disease and their measurements.With contributions from over 75 international experts, this book will be indispensable reading for those involved in skeletal research as well as for rheumatologists, endocrinologists, clinical biochemists, and other clinical disciplines participating in the management of the patient with bone and cartilage diseases. Key Features* Comprehensive and complete guide to bone and cartilage biochemistry and metabolism* Covers both aspects of skeletal integrity, bone and cartilage* Spans the interests of both research and clinical disciplines* Authoritative accounts from more than 75 experts in their respective fields * Provides clear biochemical bases for disease markers* Provides state-of-the-art accounts on genetic markers of bone and joint disease* Provides objective evaluations of the clinical applicability of disease markers

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