Application of metabolomics in osteoporosis research

Abstract

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic disease characterized by bone metabolism imbalance and bone microstructure destruction, which causes serious social and economic burden. At present, the diagnosis and treatment of OP mainly rely on imaging combined with drugs. However, the existing pathogenic mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment strategies for OP are not clear and effective enough, and the disease progression that cannot reflect OP further restricts its effective treatment. The application of metabolomics has facilitated the study of OP, further exploring the mechanism and behavior of bone cells, prevention, and treatment of the disease from various metabolic perspectives, finally realizing the possibility of a holistic approach. In this review, we focus on the application of metabolomics in OP research, especially the newer systematic application of metabolomics and treatment with herbal medicine and their extracts. In addition, the prospects of clinical transformation in related fields are also discussed. The aim of this study is to highlight the use of metabolomics in OP research, especially in exploring the pathogenesis of OP and the therapeutic mechanisms of natural herbal medicine, for the benefit of interdisciplinary researchers including clinicians, biologists, and materials engineers.

Metabolic bone disease: from basic science to clinical frontier

“…The link between the lifetime risk of fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebral regions and osteoporosis has already been identified. Beyond compromising athletic ability, osteoporotic fractures severely impact daily functionality and mobility, resulting in personal and societal burdens [1,2] .…”

“…It can amplify the subtle changes in gene expression and protein expression on metabolite, which aids in uncovering the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and biomarkers after TCM treatment, and further analyzing the metabolic pathways related to these biomarkers, thereby clarifying the mechanisms through which TCM treats osteoporosis. In recent decades, significant progress has been made in pharmaceuticals and treatments for osteoporosis, particularly in bone homeostasis and bone remodeling [2] .…”