Postmenopausal osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder that is characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue. Fractures of the proximal femur, the vertebrae and the distal radius are the most frequent osteoporotic fractures, although most fractures in the elderly are probably at least partly related to bone fragility. The incidence of fractures varies greatly by country, but on average up to 50% of women >50 years of age are at risk of fractures. Fractures severely affect the quality of life of an individual and are becoming a major public health problem owing to the ageing population. Postmenopausal osteoporosis, resulting from oestrogen deficiency, is the most common type of osteoporosis. Oestrogen deficiency results in an increase in bone turnover owing to effects on all types of bone cells. The imbalance in bone formation and resorption has effects on trabecular bone (loss of connectivity) and cortical bone (cortical thinning and porosity). Osteoporosis is diagnosed using bone density measurements of the lumbar spine and proximal femur. Preventive strategies to improve bone health include diet, exercise and abstaining from smoking. Fractures may be prevented by reducing falls in high-risk populations. Several drugs are licensed to reduce fracture risk by slowing down bone resorption (such as bisphosphonates and denosumab) or by stimulating bone formation (such as teriparatide). Improved understanding of the cellular basis for osteoporosis has resulted in new drugs targeted to key pathways, which are under development.

Osteoporosis Therapy: Bone Modeling during Growth and Aging

“…Fragility fracture associated with osteoporosis is a common health problem during growth (13, 14) and aging (15, 16). Here, we provide a novel evidence-based insight into osteoporosis therapy from the viewpoint of bone modeling/remodeling, apart from approaches targeting bone formation/resorption and quality/quantity.…”

DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Bone turnover markers: are they clinically useful?

“…The fractures that result from osteoporosis are a major public health problem (1). Osteoporosis is characterised by reduced bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration leading to increased bone fragility and may be diagnosed by measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.…”

Hsa_Circ_0001275: A Potential Novel Diagnostic Biomarker for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

“…Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP), one of the most common types of primary osteoporosis, is characterized by low back pain and pathological fracture caused by postmenopausal estrogen deficiency [1]. The gold standard for measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) for diagnosing osteoporosis is dual energy x-ray absorption (DXA) [2].…”