title: Effect of glucocorticoids on bone density.
abstract: Glucocorticoid therapy is the most common cause of secondary iatrogenic osteoporosis. The bone loss occurs predominantly due to a decrease in bone formation, although increased bone resorption also occurs. Glucocorticoids induce osteoblast apoptosis and increase osteoclast survival and activity. Most of these effects are mediated through the RANKL-OPG system but perturbations in gonadal hormone activity and calcium balance may also contribute significantly to bone loss. Future therapies in the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis may be targeted at restoring the hormonal and cytokine balance to nullify the apoptotic effect of glucocorticoids on bone forming cells.
authors.affiliation: South Central Kansas Bone and Joint Center, Pratt, Kansas 67124, USA. qrehman@prmc.org
authors.forename: Qaiser
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Rehman
authors.forename: Nancy E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Lane
mesh_terms: D015519:Bone Density; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000517:prevention & control; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids