Disorders of bone remodeling

X Feng, JM McDonald - Annual Review of Pathology …, 2011 - annualreviews.org
X Feng, JM McDonald
Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease, 2011annualreviews.org
The skeleton provides mechanical support for stature and locomotion, protects vital organs,
and controls mineral homeostasis. A healthy skeleton must be maintained by constant bone
modeling to carry out these crucial functions throughout life. Bone remodeling involves the
removal of old or damaged bone by osteoclasts (bone resorption) and the subsequent
replacement of new bone formed by osteoblasts (bone formation). Normal bone remodeling
requires a tight coupling of bone resorption to bone formation to guarantee no alteration in …
The skeleton provides mechanical support for stature and locomotion, protects vital organs, and controls mineral homeostasis. A healthy skeleton must be maintained by constant bone modeling to carry out these crucial functions throughout life. Bone remodeling involves the removal of old or damaged bone by osteoclasts (bone resorption) and the subsequent replacement of new bone formed by osteoblasts (bone formation). Normal bone remodeling requires a tight coupling of bone resorption to bone formation to guarantee no alteration in bone mass or quality after each remodeling cycle. However, this important physiological process can be derailed by a variety of factors, including menopause-associated hormonal changes, age-related factors, changes in physical activity, drugs, and secondary diseases, which lead to the development of various bone disorders in both women and men. We review the major diseases of bone remodeling, emphasizing our current understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
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