What is the Parathyroid-Related Protein?
The parathyroid-related protein is partially responsible for calcium levels in the body, but the effect is thought to be much greater than that. Animal studies are the main source of medical information about the protein at this time, but the research does reveal how important parathyroid-related protein is to develop well before birth. The protein affects cartilage and bone development as well.
The parathyroid-related protein may sound like parathyroid hormone, but the two are not as closely related as the names would suggest. However, elevated blood calcium levels could be a result of a condition that affects both the protein and hormone. Doctors typically order the parathyroid-related protein test in conjunction with the parathyroid hormone test. While the protein does not solely work with the hormone, elevated blood calcium levels could be symptomatic of a condition that affects both the hormone and protein.
Normal Value Range
- Negative Pregnancy Adult: < 1.3 pmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester One: 0.7 to 0.9 pmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Two: 1.8 to 2.2 pmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Three: 2.5 to 2.8 pmol/L
Low parathyroid-related protein levels are normal, but high levels are not. If the blood test reveals levels above normal range it could be a sign of cancer.