Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
08:12
Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
Fewer bone histomorphometric abnormalities with intermittent than with continuous slow-release sodium fluoride
C M Schnitzler1, J R Wing, F J Raal
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Summary
Intermittent sodium fluoride (NaF) therapy is preferred over continuous administration for osteoporosis treatment. Intermittent NaF increased bone thickness and reduced abnormal osteoid accumulation, with similar fracture reduction benefits.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology and osteoporosis treatment
- Pharmacological interventions for bone health
Background:
- Uncertainty exists regarding optimal administration of sodium fluoride (NaF) for osteoporosis.
- Both intermittent and continuous NaF therapies are used, alongside calcium supplementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of intermittent versus continuous sodium fluoride (NaF) therapy on bone structure and fracture rates.
- To determine the preferred regimen for NaF treatment in patients receiving calcium.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of iliac crest bone biopsies (pre- and post-treatment) from 35 intermittently treated and 69 continuously treated patients.
- Assessment of fragility fracture rates in both treatment groups.
- Histomorphometric analysis of trabecular thickness, mineralized thickness, osteoid accumulation, and erosion surfaces.
Main Results:
- Vertebral fracture rate reduction was similar in both intermittent and continuous NaF groups.
- Intermittent NaF significantly increased trabecular and mineralized bone thickness.
- Continuous NaF showed increased erosion surfaces and abnormal osteoid accumulation, correlating with bone fragility.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent sodium fluoride (NaF) therapy is superior due to increased bone thickness and reduced adverse effects like excessive osteoid and erosion.
- Intermittent NaF demonstrates comparable vertebral fracture reduction to continuous therapy.
- Further research is needed to ascertain effects of intermittency independent of cumulative fluoride dose.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:40Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
01:29Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...