Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

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
[Vitamin D and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) ]
1Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry.
Abstract:
Bisphosphonate have been widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis and malignant hypercalcemia or bone metastasis of solid cancers. Recently bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) has been reported. However the pathogenesis of BRONJ has been unclear. This article reviews the various hypotheses of the pathogenesis of BRONJ including our hypothesis for its pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Bone Disorders
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...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification