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The effects of acid on bone
1Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, New York, USA. David_Bushinsky@URMC.Rochester.edu
Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension
|August 5, 2000
Summary
Metabolic acidosis causes calcium release from bone to buffer excess hydrogen ions. This process involves increased bone resorption by osteoclasts and decreased activity of bone-forming osteoblasts.
Area of Science:
- Bone Metabolism
- Acid-Base Balance
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body.
- Bone plays a critical role in buffering systemic acid-base disturbances.
- Understanding the cellular mechanisms of bone response to acidosis is crucial for metabolic bone disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the effects of metabolic acidosis on bone calcium regulation.
- To investigate the impact of acidosis on bone cell activity and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- The study examines the mechanisms by which metabolic acidosis influences bone.
- Focuses on the interplay between physicochemical mineral dissolution and cell-mediated bone resorption.
- Analyzes the effects on osteoclast and osteoblast activity and related gene expression.
Main Results:
- Metabolic acidosis triggers calcium efflux from bone, serving as a buffer for hydrogen ions.
- Acidosis initially stimulates physicochemical mineral dissolution, followed by enhanced cell-mediated bone resorption.
- Increased osteoclast activity and decreased osteoblast activity were observed, alongside inhibition of osteoblastic genes.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic acidosis significantly impacts bone homeostasis by promoting calcium release and altering bone cell function.
- The findings highlight the dual role of bone in buffering acidosis, involving both mineral dissolution and cellular responses.
- Acidosis-induced suppression of osteoblast activity and matrix formation genes may have long-term implications for bone health.