Meet the editors

Beyza Goncu received her BS and MS in Molecular Biology and Genetics in 2007 and 2010, respectively. She obtained her Ph.D. in Biotechnology in 2018. Dr. Goncu has been involved in several scientific research projects funded by TUBITAK and the Research Funding Department of Bezmialem Vakif University (BVU), Turkey. She has published numerous journal papers, book chapters, and conference proceedings. She is a member of

the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT), Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation (MESOT), and the Association of Transplantation Immunology and Genetics (TIGED). Her main research area is parathyroid gland cell biology and parathyroid tissue-specific immunology. She also investigates other molecular and cellular biology fields, including therapeutic approaches. Her latest study revealed a significant outcome of tissue-specific immunogenicity through clinical features of parathyroid tissue. Dr. Goncu manages the Parathyroid Transplantation Laboratory at BVU Hospital, which aims to prepare transplantable grafts for treating hypoparathyroidism patients.

Robert Gensure, MD, Ph.D., is a physician-scientist with significant experience in basic science and clinical research as well as in the clinical practice of pediatric endocrinology. He has authored forty-six publications on topics including parathyroid hormone function, vitamin D supplementation, and inherited disorders of bone and mineral metabolism. He is currently chief of pediatric endocrinology at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA.

### Contents


Preface

Parathyroid glands have evolutionarily conserved features and unique tissue functions for health. In the absence of parathyroid glands or in case of damage, various diseases are observed under the influence of environmental and/or genetic factors. There is no known curative treatment for parathyroid-related genetic diseases. Current treatment approaches are only palliative; they target the symptoms, not the disease itself. Observed disorders encompass a wide range of conditions in medical genetics and endocrinology and some are defined as rare diseases. Although rare in most parts of the world, parathyroid diseases are more

Among other composite tissues, the parathyroid glands are relatively small and thus difficult to study and research. Innovations in developing technology and biomedical advances have not adequately played a role in parathyroid gland research. Studies on the biological/functional properties of the parathyroid glands, especially those on parathyroid cell biology and molecular biology, have answered many questions

Chapter 2 describes the evolution of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay and defines the importance of PTH measurements. The outcomes of the assay directly affect the diagnosis and prognosis of the function of the parathyroid glands. Numerous PTH assays are available for diagnostic testing, but precision is lacking when it comes to pulsatility. As such, the chapter also discusses the limitations of the current approaches

Chapter 3 examines the potential role of the trabecular bone score (TBS) evaluation in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. This method can be used in patients

Chapter 5 discusses genetic diseases related to calcium and phosphorus metabolism, which affect parathyroid tissue functions in a broader context. It also presents basic and clinical information on novel issues and addresses common disturbances

Chapter 4 highlights the function of parathyroid glands and their relation with dentistry. Considering the critical role of the parathyroid glands in bone formation, dentists should be informed about parathyroid-related disorders such as hyperpara-

This book provides a comprehensive overview of parathyroid glands.

with the parathyroid-related disease to predict fracture risk.

common in certain geographic areas.

Chapter 1 introduces the topic.

thyroidism and hypoparathyroidism.

commonly encountered in clinical practice.

to date.

for diagnosis.
