Bone Loss is a Health Condition called Osteoporosis
Bones are rigid structures found in vertebrates. They form the endoskeleton and function to move, support and protect various organs within the body. They also are a site for production of blood cells and stores for minerals.
Every individual looses bone little by little over age. This is mainly due to the loss of minerals from the bone. However, in some individuals this bone loss is accelerated leading to a condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disorder, which is more prominent in women. Almost 80% of the osteoporotic patients are women. In this disorder, due to the demineralization of bone, the bones become more fragile and susceptible to fractures.
Bone Structure
The bones of the body are made up of several types of cells and minerals.
Cellular Structure of the Bone:
At a cellular level, bones are composed of various types of cells such as:
Osteoblasts – They are cells, which help in bone formation. They produce a protein called osteoid, which gets mineralized to become bone. This osteoid protein is primarily composed of Type I collagen. Osteoblasts also help in the formation of other matrix components. These cells are also responsible for the production of certain hormones such as prostaglandins, which help to form the bones and maintain them. These cells are also responsible for the production of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase, which is responsible for the mineralization of the bone.
Osteocytes – These are cells, which originate from osteoblasts, which have migrated into the bone matrix, where they are trapped. They help in formation of bones, maintenance of the matrix, as well as the calcium homeostasis.
Osteoclasts – They are the cells responsible for the resorption or remodeling of the bone. Osteoclasts are responsible for reducing bone density and mass and keeping a check on the shape and size of the bone.
Molecular Structure of the Bone:
The bone matrix has a number of organic and inorganic components. The organic components of the matrix are mainly proteins such as collagen. Other organic protein components such as glycosaminoglycans, osteocalcin, osteonectin, and bone sialo protein are also present; while the inorganic components are minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Causes of Bone Loss:
The main cause of bone loss is a decrease in the function of osteoblasts, often accompanied by a relative increase in the function of osteoclasts. This could be either due to reduced levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, a change in parathyroid activity, a decrease in sun exposure (as the sun is responsible for the endogenous production of vitamin D in the skin), or a decrease in the ability to synthesize vitamin D.
Other causes for an increased risk of bone loss include consumption of alcohol, smoking, reduced intake of essential minerals and vitamins in the body, prolonged bed rest accompanied with inactivity, regular intake of soft drinks. Diseases such as coeliac disorders, or operations such as gastrectomy (including weight loss surgery where the stomach size is reduced) could possibly lead to poor absorption of nutrients for the body, resulting in reduced bone formation and increased bone loss.
Certain medicines also increase the risks of bone loss and osteoporosis. These include steroids such as glucocorticoids. In addition, intake of antibiotics such as tetracyclines can also lead to reduced calcium levels in the body resulting in bone loss. This is because tetracyclines form a complex with calcium, which cannot be absorbed by the body.
Treatment for Bone Loss:
Bone loss can be treated in a number of ways by targeting various routes. Increase in bone mineralization can be done by giving supplements of minerals (mainly calcium and magnesium) and vitamins (especially vitamin D and vitamin K). Reduced hormone levels which could be a cause of concern, can be ameliorated by giving hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Drugs that can stimulate the osteoblasts such as hormones, phytoestrogens, and vitamins are helpful. Other drugs that inhibit the action of osteoclast cells such as bisphonates (Alendronate, Risedronate, Ibandronate, and Zoledronate) can be given to prevent bone resorption and increase bone mineralization.
Osteoporosis Treatment: Find One The is Safe and Effective
