Interferon-γ plays a role in bone formation in vivo and reverses osteoporosis in ovariectomized
Interferon γ (IFN-γ) is a cytokine produced by mesenchymal and immune cells in the bone environment. The aim of this study [1] was to get insights into the role of IFN-γ in bone remodeling.
Using interferon γ receptor R1 knockout mice, the authors were able to show that mice without IFN-γ receptor R1 exhibited a 45% decrease of bone volume associated with significant changes in cortical and trabecular structural parameters. These specific changes are characteristic of the osteoporotic phenotype.
Adipokines and the risk of fracture in older adults
Adiponectin and leptin, two adipokines, have been shown to influence bone metabolism in vitro and in animal models, and they have been associated with bone mineral density (BMD). Little is known about the association between leptin and adiponectin serum levels and the fracture risk. The authors of a recent study [1] tested the hypothesis that low leptin and high adiponectin levels are each individually associated with increased fracture risk in a prospective cohort study, among 3075 elderly men and women.
Use of antidepressant drugs and risk of osteoporotic and nonosteoporotic fractures
The antidepressant classes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TCAs) have been associated with increased risk of fractures.
Serum fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and fracture risk in elderly men
Since the population in the developed world is aging, the burden of fragility fractures is a constantly increasing problem. Potent bone-specific pharmaceutical agents have become available. However, the identification of patients with a high risk of bone fractures, who will benefit from these agents, remains an important challenge. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a circulating factor expressed predominantly in osteoblasts and osteocytes that negatively regulates serum levels of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3. Overexpression of FGF-23 in transgenic mice led to demineralization and renal phosphate leakage. Accordingly, diseases resulting in high circulating FGF-23 concentration, such as autosomic dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (which is due to stabilizing mutations in the FGF-23 gene) or tumor-induced osteomalacia (which is the consequence of FGF-23 secretion by certain tumors) are associated with generalized osteomalacia, skeletal deformities, and a high risk of fractures. FGF-23 is not, however, associated with reduced bone mineral density in the general population. Whether or not high serum FGF-23 concentrations correlate with an increased risk of fracture in the general population is unknown.
Osteoporosis: a risk factor for VTE
The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) varies according to the presence of a number of risk factors; most notably age, immobilization, hospitalization, and surgery. In addition, aging is accompanied by an increasing incidence of chronic diseases, which can impair general health status, and may also indirectly increase the risk of VTE. One such chronic disease is osteoporosis.
 Download here the slide set presented by Prof. Friedlander, on Thursday, November 10th. |
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