Mechanisms of bone loss

We have seen rapid and important advances in the understanding of bone resorption processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Indeed, the field of molecular and cellular biology of bone is proliferating at a virtually exponential rate. Osteoclastic bone resorption, the major process involved in Type 1 osteoporosis, is the target of several pharmacological agents for the treatment of osteoporosis, and is the potential target of several agents that are proposed for the treatment of osteoporosis. This review will focus on (1) the factors known or postulated to affect bone loss; (2) the function of the differentiated osteoclast and the pharmacological effects on osteoclast function; (3) the processes involved in the generation and differentiation of mature osteoclasts and, again, the pharmacological implications of these processes.