Estrogens and Androgens in Skeletal Physiology and Pathophysiology

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Bone Biology
• Metabolic Diseases

Background:

• Sex steroids, including estrogens and androgens, are vital for mammalian skeletal growth, maintenance, and sexual dimorphism.
• Estrogen deficiency post-menopause and combined estrogen/androgen loss in elderly men are significant contributors to osteoporosis.
• Recent advances in basic research, genetics, and imaging have significantly advanced our understanding of bone biology and sex steroid metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of estrogen and androgen action on bone.
• To elucidate the influence of these hormones on skeletal homeostasis throughout life.
• To examine the pathogenesis of bone loss due to sex steroid deficiency and their therapeutic roles in osteoporosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on molecular and cellular mechanisms.
• Analysis of genetic insights from human and rodent studies.
• Evaluation of advancements in imaging technologies for bone assessment.

Main Results:

• Estrogens and androgens exert critical effects on bone through various molecular and cellular pathways.
• Deficiency in these hormones leads to osteoporosis, impacting both female and male skeletons.
• New insights reveal the interplay between hormonal and mechanical signals, antioxidant properties, and distinct cellular targets.

Conclusions:

• Sex steroids play a fundamental role in skeletal health, and their deficiency is a major cause of osteoporosis.
• Understanding these hormonal actions informs the development of novel therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis.
• Emerging research highlights the complexity of hormonal influences on bone, including antioxidant effects and interactions with aging processes.