Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
05:55
Author Spotlight: Developing a Rat Model for Weight-Bearing Intervention to Investigate Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Published on: September 27, 2024
1.1K
Bone: Strontium ranelate does not have an anabolic effect on bone
1King's College London, Osteoporosis Screening and Research Unit, King's College Academic Health Partners, 1st Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Guy's Campus, London SE1 9RT, UK.
Nature Reviews. Endocrinology
|October 23, 2013
Summary
Strontium ranelate, a treatment for osteoporosis, may not work as previously believed. New research suggests it mildly suppresses bone formation rather than stimulating it and reducing resorption.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology and pharmacology
- Osteoporosis therapeutics
- Drug mechanism of action studies
Background:
- Strontium ranelate is a medication prescribed for osteoporosis.
- Its presumed dual action involves stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption.
- This dual mechanism has been the long-standing explanation for its therapeutic efficacy.
Discussion:
- Recent findings challenge the established dual-action hypothesis for strontium ranelate.
- The study indicates a potential mild inhibitory effect on bone formation.
- Evidence for a significant impact on bone resorption is minimal.
Key Insights:
- Strontium ranelate's mechanism of action may be different from the widely accepted dual mode.
- The drug appears to have a limited suppressive effect on bone formation.
- Its effect on bone resorption seems negligible.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanism of strontium ranelate.
- Re-evaluation of osteoporosis treatment strategies may be necessary.
- Understanding the nuanced effects of strontium ranelate could lead to improved patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
3.5K
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...
3.5K
01:29Bone Disorders
8.0K
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...
8.0K
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
3.9K
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...
3.9K
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
6.3K
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect 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...
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...
6.3K
01:40Bone Remodeling
34.4K
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.
34.4K
01:18The Bone Matrix
9.4K
Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in...
9.4K