title: Pathophysiology of osteoporosis: new mechanistic insights.
abstract: Understanding of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis has evolved to include compromised bone strength and skeletal fragility caused by several factors: (1) defects in microarchitecture of trabeculae, (2) defective intrinsic material properties of bone tissue, (3) defective repair of microdamage from normal daily activities, and (4) excessive bone remodeling rates. These factors occur in the context of age-related bone loss. Clinical studies of estrogen deprivation, antiresorptives, mechanical loading, and disuse have helped further knowledge of the factors affecting bone quality and the mechanisms that underlie them. This progress has led to several new drug targets in the treatment of osteoporosis.
authors.affiliation: Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrine Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Creighton University Medical Center, 601 North 30th Street, Suite 4820, Omaha, NE 68131, USA. larmas@creighton.edu
authors.forename: Laura A G
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Armas
authors.forename: Robert R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Recker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016723:Bone Remodeling; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000517:prevention & control