Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Influence of osteoporosis on the osteocyte density of human mandibular bone samples: a controlled histological human
Pablo S Oliveira1, José A Rodrigues1, Jamil A Shibli1
1Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, Dental Research Division, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, Brazil.
Objectives:
Osteocytes have emerged as key regulators of skeletal and mineral homeostasis. The number of these cells could be influenced by the presence of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Hence, the aim this study was to evaluate the osteocyte density in patients with osteopenia, and in patients with osteoporosis treated with bisphosphonates.
Materials And Methods:
Thirty-nine patients were selected for this study and divided into three groups: (A) nine healthy patients (control), (B) 15 patients with osteopenia, and (C) 15 patients with osteoporosis. During the surgical insertion of dental implants in the lower jaw, bone samples were retrieved and processed for histological analysis of osteocyte density, measured as number of osteocytes/bone tissue area (μm(2) ).
Results:
Patients with osteopenia showed statistically higher values of osteocyte density than patients with osteoporosis (P < 0.05) No significant differences were detected between osteopenia and osteoporosis subjects vs. healthy patients (P > 0.05).
Conclusions:
Bone metabolism diseases (osteoporosis and osteopenia) do not seem to influence the osteocyte density; this could be due to the administration of bisphosphonates in patients with osteoporosis. This information could play a fundamental role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in a postmenopausal stage.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Compact Bone
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
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...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
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...

