Two matched groups of postmenopausal patients were treated respectively with
calcitonin or
calcitonin and an
arginine-lysine-glycerophosphoric
acid-
lactose association. The rationale underlying this
therapy took the form of data in the literature which indicated an action of these
amino acids and
lactose on
calcium absorption and on the metabolism of
protein components in the skeletal structure. The following tests were performed: mineralometric evaluation, evaluation of painful symptoms and intake of
pain-relieving drugs, serum levels of
calcium,
phosphorus,
alkaline phosphatase,
osteocalcin,
parathormone, and calciuria and
hydroxyproline. These parameters were assayed at the beginning and end of treatment which lasted six months. The results, or in other words the comparison between the two groups, basal or
after treatment, and the values recorded before and
after treatment in each group, enable the authors to affirm that the administration of the
arginine-lysine-glycerophosphoric
acid-
lactose association leads to an increase in bone density and plasma
osteocalcin, a reduction in painful symptoms and
analgesic intake, and a reduction in the serum levels of parathromone and
hydroxyproline. Data reported in the literature support the conclusion that the results obtained are the consequence of an improved intestinal absorption
calcium. It is highly probable that the
protein components of the association administered,
arginine-lysine-glycerophosphoric
acid-
lactose, also exercise a direct action on osteoblasts and on the metabolism of bone matrix
protein components.