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Animal models to explore the effects of glucocorticoids on skeletal growth and structure
Claire L Wood1, Ondrej Soucek2,3, Sze C Wong4
1Division of Developmental BiologyRoslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Abstract:
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are effective for the treatment of many chronic conditions, but their use is associated with frequent and wide-ranging adverse effects including osteoporosis and growth retardation. The mechanisms that underlie the undesirable effects of GCs on skeletal development are unclear, and there is no proven effective treatment to combat them. An in vivo model that investigates the development and progression of GC-induced changes in bone is, therefore, important and a well-characterized pre-clinical model is vital for the evaluation of new interventions. Currently, there is no established animal model to investigate GC effects on skeletal development and there are pros and cons to consider with the different protocols used to induce osteoporosis and growth retardation. This review will summarize the literature and highlight the models and techniques employed in experimental studies to date.
Insights
Glucocorticoids (GCs) effectively treat chronic conditions but cause bone issues like osteoporosis. This review examines animal models for studying GC effects on skeletal development and growth retardation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Pharmacology
- Skeletal Biology
Background:
- Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used for chronic conditions.
- GCs induce significant adverse skeletal effects, including osteoporosis and growth retardation.
- The precise mechanisms behind GC-induced skeletal damage remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing animal models for studying glucocorticoid-induced skeletal changes.
- To highlight methodologies used in pre-clinical investigations of GC effects on bone.
- To identify the need for well-characterized models to evaluate interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental studies.
- Analysis of various protocols for inducing GC-related bone conditions in animal models.
- Summary of techniques used to assess skeletal development and bone changes.
Main Results:
- Current animal models for GC-induced skeletal effects have limitations.
- No single established model effectively captures all aspects of GC-induced bone pathology.
- Different protocols present unique advantages and disadvantages.
Conclusions:
- A well-characterized pre-clinical model is crucial for evaluating new treatments.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal animal models for GC skeletal toxicity studies.
- Understanding these models is vital for developing effective interventions against GC-induced bone damage.
