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Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers
Published on: November 21, 2011
Reactive Oxygen Species in Osteoclast Differentiation and Possible Pharmaceutical Targets of ROS-Mediated Osteoclast
Taiwo Samuel Agidigbi1, Chaekyun Kim2
1Laboratory of Leukocyte Signaling Research, Department of Pharmacology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea.
Abstract:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals are essential for transmission of cell signals and other physiological functions. However, excessive amounts of ROS can cause cellular imbalance in reduction-oxidation reactions and disrupt normal biological functions, leading to oxidative stress, a condition known to be responsible for the development of several diseases. The biphasic role of ROS in cellular functions has been a target of pharmacological research. Osteoclasts are derived from hematopoietic progenitors in the bone and are essential for skeletal growth and remodeling, for the maintenance of bone architecture throughout lifespan, and for calcium metabolism during bone homeostasis. ROS, including superoxide ion (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are important components that regulate the differentiation of osteoclasts. Under normal physiological conditions, ROS produced by osteoclasts stimulate and facilitate resorption of bone tissue. Thus, elucidating the effects of ROS during osteoclast differentiation is important when studying diseases associated with bone resorption such as osteoporosis. This review examines the effect of ROS on osteoclast differentiation and the efficacy of novel chemical compounds with therapeutic potential for osteoclast related diseases.
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