Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders
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 8, 2014

The selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib reduces bone resorption, but not bone formation, in ovariectomized

Yuji Kasukawa1, Naohisa Miyakoshi, Apurva K Srivastava

  • 1Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Neuro and Locomotor Science, Akita University School of Medicine, Japan. kasukawa@doc.med.akita-u.ac.jp

The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
|March 10, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, significantly reduced bone resorption markers in ovariectomized mice, a model for post-menopausal osteoporosis. However, it did not impact bone formation or bone mineral density, suggesting potential for preventing estrogen-deficiency-induced bone loss.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Bone Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Post-menopausal osteoporosis is characterized by increased bone resorption due to estrogen deficiency.
  • Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, like celecoxib, have shown potential in inhibiting osteoclastogenesis in vitro.
  • Evaluating celecoxib's efficacy in vivo for suppressing bone loss is crucial for osteoporosis treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vivo effects of celecoxib on elevated bone resorption in a mouse model of post-menopausal osteoporosis.
  • To determine if celecoxib administration can suppress bone resorption markers caused by estrogen deficiency.
  • To assess celecoxib's impact on bone formation markers and bone mineral density.

Main Methods:

  • Ovariectomized (OVX) and sham-operated mice were treated with celecoxib (4 mg/kg) or vehicle for 4 weeks.
  • Serum levels of C-telopeptide (bone resorption marker) and osteocalcin (bone formation marker) were measured at 2 and 4 weeks.
  • Femoral bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT).

Main Results:

  • OVX mice exhibited significantly higher C-telopeptide levels compared to sham-operated controls.
  • Celecoxib treatment significantly decreased serum C-telopeptide levels in OVX mice by 41-45% (p<0.001).
  • Celecoxib did not significantly alter serum osteocalcin levels or femoral BMD in either OVX or sham-operated mice.

Conclusions:

  • Celecoxib effectively suppresses elevated bone resorption in a mouse model of estrogen deficiency.
  • The drug does not appear to affect bone formation markers or prevent bone mineral density loss.
  • These findings suggest celecoxib may hold potential for preventing bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency.

Related Concept Videos

Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling01:31

Osteoclasts 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...
Bone Remodeling01:40

Bone 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.