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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published on: June 8, 2014
[Growth factors and cytokines in bone metabolism]
1Department of Biochemistry, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine.
Abstract:
Insulin-like growth factors are present in the circulation and are also synthesized by osteoblasts so that they may function both as systemic and local regulators of bone growth. Production of insulin-like growth factors in bone are under the control of parathyroid hormone, estrogen and growth hormone. Cytokines, such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption, and are under inhibitory control of estrogen. Bone loss associated with age and menopause may be due in part to removal of this inhibitory influence upon cytokines production.
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