title: Effect of glycosphingolipids on osteoclastogenesis and osteolytic bone diseases.
abstract: Alterations in glycosphingolipid (GSL) production results in lysosomal storage disorders associated with neurodegenerative changes. In Gaucher's disease, the patients also develop osteoporosis that is ameliorated upon treatment for the underlying defect in GSL metabolism. The role of GSLs in osteoclast and osteoblast formation is discussed here as well as the potential therapeutic uses of already approved drugs that limit GSL production in bone loss disorders such as multiple myeloma and periodontal disease.
authors.affiliation: Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford London, UK.
authors.forename: Adel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ersek
authors.forename: Anastasios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karadimitris
authors.forename: Nicole J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Horwood