[Glucocorticoid-induced abnormality in bone remodeling.]

Glucocorticoid(GC)is widely used to treat a variety of autoimmune, inflammatory and allergic diseases. GC causes a number of adverse effects and among them osteoporosis and degenerative bone fracture are major complications of GC therapy. GC inhibits differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts, induces apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes and prolongs lifespan of osteoclast, resulting in low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, which leads to severe osteoporosis, increased bone fragility and susceptibility to bone fracture. Physicians who prescribe GC have to manage patients according to guidelines on the management and treatment of GC-induced osteoporosis.