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This mlnlreview on skeletal biology describes the actions of prostaglandins and cytoklnes Involved in the local regulation of bone metabolism, it documents the role of lipids In bone biology,andIt presents relationships between fattyacids andother factors that Impact skeletal metabolism. The data presented herein show consistent and reproducible beneficial effects of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids on bone metabolism and boneJjolnt diseases. Polyunsaturated fattyacidsmodulate eicosanoid biosynthesis In numerous tissues andcelltypes, altersignal transduction, and Influence geneexpression. These effects havenot been explored In the skeletal system. Future research on n-a fatty acids In bone biology should focus on the following two aspects. First, the further elucidation of hown-3fattyacidsalter biochemical and molecular processes Involved In bonemodel-Ing and bonecell differentiation, and second, the evaluation of the potential pharmaceutical applications of thesenutraceutlcal fatty acids In maintaining bone minerai status and controlling Inflammatory bone/joint diseases.

The philosopher William of Ockham is recognized for the maxim that an assumption introduced to explain a phenomenon must not be multiplied beyond necessity, or that the simplest explanation is probably the correct explanation. The general truth is that conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are nutrients. However, the demonstration that these isomers of octadecadienoic acid protect against cancers in rodents stimulated curiosity that directed significant resources to characterize the biological functions of these fatty acids in cell and animal models. The benefits to human subjects given supplements of CLA were at best modest. The disappointing results in humans should be taken as an opportunity to critically evaluate all findings of CLA use and to consolidate the common actions of this nutrient so that future investigations focus on specific isomers and the most reasonable mechanisms. As such, the principal and consistently reported benefits of CLA have been in improving cancer outcomes, reducing body fat in growing animals, and modulating cell functions. Recognizing where related actions of CLA converge in specific disease conditions and physiologic states is how research efforts should be directed to minimize the pursuit of superfluous theories. Here, we briefly review the current biological effects of CLA and attempt to integrate their potential effect on the physiology and health of the skeletal system. Thus, the purpose of this review is to advance the science of CLA and to identify areas of research in which these nutrients affect bone metabolism and skeletal health.