The science and therapy of glucocorticoid-induced bone loss.
Glucocorticoids are critical in the management of chronic, noninfectious, inflammatory diseases. Bone loss is a most devastating side effect of these powerful medications. Glucocorticoids produce bone loss by altering calcium metabolism, suppressing gonadal hormone production, and inhibiting bone formation. Now that the mechanism of glucocorticoid-induced bone loss is understood and effective medications are available, this disease can be prevented and reversed.
Division of Rheumatology, University of California at San Francisco, USA.
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D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009132:Muscles / Q000187:drug effects; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012307:Risk Factors
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones