Lifestyle
- Weight-bearing exercise
- Smoking cessation
- Moderate alcohol consumption
C-terminal Telopeptide · Beta-CrossLaps · CTX · Bone Resorption Marker
CTX quantifies the rate of bone resorption by measuring the concentration of C-terminal telopeptide fragments of type I collagen in the blood.
Levels can vary based on age, sex, and renal function. Fasting morning samples are recommended.
C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), also known as Beta-CrossLaps, is a biochemical marker of bone resorption. It is a fragment released into the bloodstream during the breakdown of type I collagen, a major component of bone. Researchers have found that CTX levels reflect the rate of bone turnover and are used to assess bone health, particularly in conditions like osteoporosis. Clinically, CTX is significant in evaluating fracture risk and monitoring the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments. Elevated CTX levels are associated with increased bone resorption, which can indicate heightened fracture risk, especially in postmenopausal women. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, CTX may be used to monitor bone health and the impact of physical activity on bone turnover. However, its utility in these areas is less established compared to its clinical use in osteoporosis. Caveats include potential confounders such as renal function, as CTX levels may be elevated in chronic kidney disease due to impaired clearance. Additionally, CTX levels exhibit diurnal variation, with higher levels in the early morning, necessitating standardized timing for sample collection, typically in a fasting state, to ensure comparability.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated CTX levels indicate increased bone resorption, which is associated with a higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Reduced CTX levels may suggest effective treatment of osteoporosis or low bone turnover.
Rising CTX levels suggest increased bone resorption, potentially indicating worsening osteoporosis. Re-test in 3-6 months to assess treatment efficacy.
Falling CTX levels may indicate effective treatment of osteoporosis or reduced bone turnover.
Re-test Interval
3-6 months if outside optimal range
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if on medication for bone health.
CTX levels peak in the early morning; fasting morning samples are recommended for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for osteoporosis monitoring, more frequently if adjusting treatment.
Correlated with
Current research suggests that the interaction of β-CTX-I with other fracture risk factors remains insufficiently studied, limiting its incorporation into fracture risk algorithms. Researchers have not yet established optimal reference ranges for β-CTX-I in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, where confounding factors may elevate levels. Additionally, clinical questions remain regarding the precise role of β-CTX-I in monitoring treatment responses and its predictive value for long-term outcomes in osteoporosis management.
2,249
Total Citations
28
Human/RCT
7.8
Avg. Influence
2023
Latest
This study highlighted the importance of bone turnover markers (BTMs) in predicting fracture risk and monitoring osteoporosis treatment. Researchers found that high levels of BTMs can predict fracture risk independently of bone mineral density. They also emphasized the need for international reference standards for BTMs to enhance clinical practice.
Researchers examined the rapid global spread of CTX-M-type extended-spectrum beta-lactamases among Enterobacteriaceae. They found that these enzymes are now the most prevalent in certain areas, impacting antibiotic treatment strategies. The study highlights the importance of understanding the epidemiology of these enzymes for effective laboratory detection.
Mobasheri A, et al. · Osteoarthritis and cartilage · 2017
This review summarized advancements in biomarker research related to osteoarthritis. Researchers noted the identification of new biomarkers and the development of novel technologies for measuring existing ones. However, they highlighted ongoing challenges in discovering early biomarkers for osteoarthritis.
Key findings
Researchers observed that calcium and phosphate homeostasis is tightly regulated, with bone turnover markers like serum N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP) and C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) potentially useful for predicting fracture risk. The study calls for standardization of sample collection protocols to improve the clinical utility of these markers.
This study reviewed clinical outcomes in patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). Researchers found that treatment with CDCA significantly reduced plasma cholestanol levels and improved symptoms in a majority of patients. The study emphasized the need for awareness of CTX in young patients with specific clinical features.
Researchers investigated the effects of zoledronate treatment after discontinuing denosumab in osteoporosis patients. They found that while bone mineral density was maintained over two years, significant bone loss occurred in all groups, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring of bone turnover markers like p-CTX.
This study reported on the rapid emergence of extensively drug-resistant Shigella sonnei in France. Researchers documented the increasing resistance to multiple antibiotics and highlighted the importance of laboratory surveillance for effective public health responses. The findings raise concerns about the implications of these resistant strains on treatment options.
Prajzlerová Klára, et al. · Autoimmunity reviews · 2016
Researchers found that while HLA-B27 is the best genetic biomarker for axial spondyloarthritis diagnosis, circulating biomarkers like CRP are useful for assessing disease activity. Other biomarkers, including CTX-II, may predict spinal structural progression, although their effectiveness needs further validation in larger studies.
Key findings
This review highlights the urgent need for effective biomarkers in osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis and monitoring. Researchers emphasize that structural molecules and fragments from bone and cartilage could serve as potential biomarkers, aiding in the early detection and treatment of OA.
In a trial involving patients with inoperable esophageal adenocarcinoma, researchers identified high tumor monocyte content as a predictor of better overall survival following immunochemotherapy. They also noted that tumor mutational burden could serve as an additional predictor, aiding in patient selection for treatment.
12
Total Trials
498
Total Enrolled
Esbjerg Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark
12
2025
Serum levels of CTX
USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center
2
2023
Change in serum C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX)
Brock University
0
2023
C-terminal crosslinking telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX)
Dow University of Health Sciences
40
2021
c terminal telopeptide of type I collagen
VA Office of Research and Development
9
2021
C-telopeptide of Type I Collagen (CTX) Change
University of Copenhagen
10
2019
CTX
University of Copenhagen
8
2017
C-terminal telopeptide (CTX)
University of Aarhus
12
2014
The resorptive bone marker S-CTX.
Sheba Medical Center
17
2010
Predisposition of CTX patients for pro-atherogenic features as evaluated by lipid and lipoproteins plasma profiles, and blood chemical assessment. Preclinical atherosclerosis in CTX patients as determined by Carotid artery Intima-media thickness 1.
QinetiQ Ltd
10
2007
Change in C-terminal telopeptide region of collagen type 1 (B-CTX) concentration from baseline
University of Pittsburgh
201
2006
Urinary excretion of CTX-II at 3 and 6 months post intervention
Massachusetts General Hospital
177
2004
Percent Change in Bone Turnover Marker (Serum C-telopeptide, CTX)
Research publications about CTX over time
9totalLog lab results, track trends and optimize your biomarkers over time.
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