Bone Metabolism - Overview

Bone metabolism refers to the continuous process of building and breaking down bone tissue in the body. Osteoblasts are cells responsible for bone formation, while osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption. The two processes are regulated by various hormones, including parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and calcitonin.

Bone metabolism is essential for maintaining bone health and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis, which is characterised by weakened bones that are susceptible to fractures. Exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D are crucial for maintaining optimal bone metabolism.

Usage Of Medicine For Bone Metabolism

There are various categories of medicine for strong bones and joints that can help improve bone metabolism and prevent bone loss.

• Bisphosphonates: Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs that can help prevent bone loss and increase bone density. They work by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. Bisphosphonates are available as tablets or capsules to boost bone metabolism and can also be administered as an injection
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): HRT involves taking estrogen and/or progesterone to help maintain bone density and prevent bone loss
• Calcitonin: Calcitonin is a hormone that helps regulate bone metabolism by inhibiting osteoclast activity. It can be given as spray or injection to help prevent bone loss
• Teriparatide: Teriparatide is a synthetic form of PTH administered as an injection to help stimulate bone growth and increase bone density. It is used to treat severe osteoporosis
• Denosumab: Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that can help prevent bone loss by inhibiting the osteoclast activities. It is given as an injection and is prescribed to women with osteoporosis.

References:

• https://www.alpco.com/cycle-bone-growth-resorption#:~:text=Bone%20metabolism%20is%20a%20continual,of%20hormonal%20and%20regulatory%20influences.
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/bone-metabolism
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5346273/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7729585/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/bone-resorption#:~:text=Bone%20resorption%20is%20the%20destruction,bone%20mass%20and%20bone%20density.