Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
11:47
A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published on: June 9, 2014
Osteoporosis, genetics and hormones
R Rizzoli1, J P Bonjour, S L Ferrari
1Division of Bone Diseases, WHO Collaborating Center for Osteoporosis and Bone Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. rizzoli@cmu.unige.ch
Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Osteoporosis is a bone disease causing low bone mass and deterioration. Bone loss accelerates after menopause, significantly altering bone structure and increasing fracture risk.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology
- Skeletal physiology
- Osteoporosis research
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease defined by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration.
- Peak bone mass achieved during growth and subsequent age-related bone loss determine bone mass at any given age.
- Bone loss accelerates significantly after menopause, impacting skeletal integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms of bone mass acquisition and loss.
- To understand the differential changes in bone mass and microarchitecture across the lifespan.
- To highlight the impact of menopause on skeletal deterioration.
Main Methods:
- Review of established literature on bone physiology and osteoporosis.
- Analysis of factors influencing peak bone mass and age-related bone loss.
- Examination of microarchitectural changes in bone tissue.
Main Results:
- Bone mass is a result of peak bone mass minus age-related bone loss.
- Bone mass gain during puberty primarily involves increased bone size.
- Postmenopausal bone loss involves thinning of cortices and trabeculae, leading to microarchitectural deterioration.
Conclusions:
- Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mass and compromised bone microarchitecture.
- Menopause significantly accelerates bone loss, altering skeletal structure.
- Understanding these processes is crucial for managing osteoporosis and preventing fractures.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during bone...
01:29Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:22Target Cell Response to Hormones
Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.