[The molecular mechanism of osteoclastic bone resorption and inhibitory drugs for bone resorption]

Clin Calcium. 2005 Jul;15(7):11-6.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Osteoclasts are the only cells that destroy and resorb bone. The differentiation and activation of osteoclasts are tightly regulated by osteoblasts. Osteoblasts express RANKL essential for osteoclast differentiation. Osteoclast precursors express RANK, a receptor of RANKL, recognized RANKL through cell-cell interaction. Serum levels of RANKL were markedly elevated in deficiency of osteoprotegerin (OPG), a soluble decoy receptor for RANKL. Calcitonin and bisphosphonate are used for inhibitory drugs of bone resorption by osteoclasts. In addition, a specific anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody is expected as well-tolerated bone antiresorptive agent.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Resorption / physiopathology*
  • Calcitonin / pharmacology
  • Carrier Proteins / physiology
  • Diphosphonates / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology
  • Osteoclasts / physiology*
  • RANK Ligand
  • Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Diphosphonates
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • RANK Ligand
  • Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B
  • TNFRSF11A protein, human
  • TNFSF11 protein, human
  • Calcitonin