Bone loss. Factors that regulate osteoclast differentiation: an update

Arthritis Res. 2000;2(6):451-456. doi: 10.1186/ar127. Epub 2000 Sep 6.

Abstract

Osteoclast activation is a critical cellular process for pathological bone resorption, such as erosions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or generalized bone loss. Among many factors triggering excessive osteoclast activity, cytokines such as IL-1 or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha play a central role. New members of the TNF receptor ligand family (namely receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B [RANK] and RANK ligand [RANKL]) have been discovered whose cross-interaction is mandatory for the differentiation of osteoclasts from hemopoietic precursors, in both physiological and pathological situations. Osteoprotegerin, a decoy receptor which blocks this interaction, decreases osteoclast activity and could have a fascinating therapeutic potential in conditions associated with upregulated bone resorption.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Osteoclasts / pathology*
  • Osteoporosis / pathology*
  • Osteoporosis / physiopathology