Parathyroid hormone-related peptide

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) is a protein similar to parathyroid hormone, which helps regulate calcium levels in the body. It plays a vital role in normal development and tissue function, especially during fetal growth and cell growth. However, when produced in excess by certain cancers, PTHrP can cause elevated calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia), leading to symptoms like weakness, nausea, and confusion. It acts by signaling bones to release calcium and kidneys to retain calcium, disrupting the body's calcium balance. Understanding PTHrP is important for diagnosing and managing cancer-related complications.