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Mechanisms of bone remodeling: implications for clinical practice
Anne M Kenny1, Lawrence G Raisz
1Center on Aging, Department of Medicine, Lowell P. Weicker, Jr., General Clinical Research Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA.
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|February 7, 2002
Summary
Sex hormones, including estrogen and androgen, are crucial regulators of adult bone remodeling. New biochemical markers enhance our understanding of their roles in skeletal health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Skeletal Biology
- Bone Physiology
Background:
- The adult skeleton is continuously remodeled by osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells.
- Bone remodeling is regulated by systemic hormones and local factors.
- Sex hormones play a significant role alongside calcium-regulating hormones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the specific roles of androgens and estrogens in human skeletal physiology.
- To understand how sex hormones influence bone formation and resorption.
- To explore the mechanisms by which sex hormones exert their effects on bone.
Main Methods:
- Utilized new methods for measuring bone mineral density.
- Employed biochemical markers to assess relative rates of bone formation and resorption.
- Analyzed the influence of sex hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin.
Main Results:
- Estrogen is a primary inhibitor of bone resorption in both sexes.
- Androgen directly stimulates bone formation and serves as an estrogen precursor via aromatase.
- Sex hormone effects are mediated by local cytokines, prostaglandins, and growth factors.
Conclusions:
- Sex hormones are critical regulators of skeletal homeostasis.
- Advanced biochemical markers provide precise insights into hormone-bone interactions.
- Understanding these roles is vital for skeletal pathophysiology and treatment strategies.