Osteoporosis and gut microbiota: current understandings.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bone Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Osteoporosis (OP) is a common condition in older adults, marked by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk.
• The imbalance between bone resorption and formation is central to OP pathogenesis.
• Emerging research highlights the gut microbiota's (GM) crucial role in OP development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of how gut microbiota influences osteoporosis pathogenesis.
• To explore the mechanisms by which GM affects bone metabolism, including metabolite production, intestinal barrier function, and immune regulation.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting GM for OP intervention.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on gut microbiota and osteoporosis.
• Analysis of mechanisms linking GM to bone health, immunity, and intestinal barrier integrity.
• Synthesis of findings on the impact of dysbiosis and probiotics on bone metabolism.

Main Results:

• Gut dysbiosis can accelerate OP progression, while beneficial bacteria (probiotics) may support bone health.
• GM influences OP through metabolite production, modulation of intestinal permeability, and regulation of immune and osteoimmune responses.
• Specific bacterial species and their metabolites are increasingly recognized as key players in bone remodeling.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.
• Targeting the gut microbiota presents a promising avenue for novel OP prevention and treatment strategies.
• Further research into the gut-bone axis is essential for developing effective microbiome-based therapies for osteoporosis.