Title: Control of bone mass by sclerostin: Inhibiting BMP- and WNT-induced bone formation
Abstract: Bone is continuously replacing itself by the actions of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts, a process called bone remodeling. Because both cell types control each other's activity, there is a tight balance between bone resorption and bone formation. However, when this delicate balance is disturbed by increased osteoclast or decreased osteoblast activity, it can lead to diseases characterized by low bone mass such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common disorder characterized by decreasing bone-mineral density (BMD), degenerative microarchitectural changes in bone tissue, and an increased fracture risk, and has become an important public health problem. In recent years, sclerostin was postulated to be an attractive target for treatment of osteoporotic patients to restore lost bone. In this chapter, our current knowledge on the function of sclerostin in bone formation and its potential as a target for anabolic treatment is discussed.
Publication Year: 2008
Publication Date: 2008-08-09
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 2
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