What is calcitonin?
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Calcitonin is a 32-amino acid polypeptide hormone primarily produced by the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland. It plays a crucial role in regulating calcium homeostasis in the body, particularly during phases like growth, pregnancy, and menopause. Calcitonin has been utilized in various clinical scenarios, such as diagnosing and monitoring medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Additionally, calcitonin has shown efficacy in reducing vertebral fractures in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Studies have also highlighted its potential as an analgesic agent in conditions like vertebral fractures, metastasis, migraine, and neuropathic pain. Despite its historical significance, the use of calcitonin has declined over the years due to challenges with formulations and associations with cancer, leading to a shift towards alternative treatments like bisphosphonates and monoclonal antibodies.
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| Calcitonin is a peptide precursor of procalcitonin, serving as a biomarker. It is measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, aiding in early detection of medullary thyroid cancer. | |
| Calcitonin is a 32-amino acid polypeptide that regulates calcium homeostasis in the body, particularly during growth, pregnancy, and menopause. It is used in conditions like osteoporotic fractures and hypercalcemia. | |
Open access•Journal Article 12 Citations | Calcitonin is a hormone that regulates blood calcium levels and has anti-fracture properties, particularly reducing vertebral fractures in postmenopausal osteoporotic women, but its use has declined over the years. |
8 Citations | Calcitonin is a polypeptide hormone that regulates calcium metabolism in the body. It has analgesic properties, making it useful in various painful conditions, including vertebral fractures and neuropathic pain. |
| Calcitonin is a hormone produced by thyroid parafollicular cells, acting through the calcitonin receptor. It is crucial in diagnosing medullary thyroid carcinoma and associated with various neoplasms. |
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What is calcitonin?4 answersCalcitonin is a 32-amino acid polypeptide hormone crucial for regulating calcium levels in the body, particularly during phases like growth, pregnancy, and menopause. It is primarily produced by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland and acts through the calcitonin receptor, playing a significant role in diagnosing and monitoring medullary thyroid carcinoma. Calcitonin has been utilized to reduce vertebral fractures in postmenopausal osteoporotic women, although its use has declined over the years due to various factors like limited administration options and associations with cancer. Additionally, calcitonin has shown promise as an analgesic agent in various painful conditions, including vertebral fractures, metastasis, and neuropathic pains, making it a potential alternative for pain management in certain scenarios.
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