New insights into the epigenetics of osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone formation and accumulation of adipocytes in the bone marrow compartment. The decrease in bone mass results from an imbalance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-mediated bone formation. The deficiency of bone cells to replace the resorpted bone can be due to a preferential differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells into adipocytes at the expense of osteoblasts. Consequently, the processes that control the differentiation of osteoclasts, osteoblasts and adipocytes play a crucial role in bone metabolism. It is known that epigenetic mechanisms are critical regulator of the differentiation programs for cell fate and moreover are subject to changes during aging. Here, we summarize recent findings on the role of epigenetics in the modulation of mechanisms that may be associated with osteoporosis. In particular, we focus on disturbances in the bone remodeling process described in human studies that address the epigenetic regulation of the osteoblast/adipocyte balance.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Polydatin improves osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells by stimulating TAZ expression via BMP2-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

“…OP is a common bone disease characterized by low bone mass and subsequent elevated fracture risk [34]; therefore, antiresorptive agents, anabolic agents, and bone/ mineral drugs have been used to maintain normal bone mass. However, their limitations and side effects, such as an increased risk of breast cancer, jaw necrosis, or atypical femur fracture, have gradually been found [35,36].…”

miR‑29b enhances the proliferation and migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in rats with castration‑induced osteoporosis through the PI3K/AKT and TGF‑β/Smad signaling pathways

“…Studies have manifested that the proliferation ability of BMSCs is significantly weakened in osteoporosis patients (2,3) However, the understanding of such a weakening is still very limited. At present, numerous studies have indicated that miRNAs are not only pivotal regulators in BMSC differentiation, but also of important significance in the proliferation and apoptosis of BMSCs (5)(6)(7).…”

“…Current studies have manifested that the expression level of miRNAs is evidently associated with the progression of osteoporosis. For instance, the expression levels of miR-133a and miR-422 are deemed as potential biomarkers for postmenopausal osteoporosis (5,6). Besides, it is pointed out in some studies that the expression levels of serum miR-21, miR-23a, miR-24, miR-25 and miR-100 can be used to predict the incidence rate of osteoporotic fractures.…”

Socio-economic Determinants of Bone Health from Past to Present

“…Further support for social determinants of bone health can be found in epigenetic research efforts. Indeed, the social gradient of osteoporosis, mechanisms of which are still not fully understood, can be hypothesised to have foundation in the epigenome considering the already discussed DOHaD acting in utero and postnatally, and manifesting in the adult life [31,63,64].…”