Researchers Study Inside Bones for Cause of Osteoporosis

Over 10 million Americans have bone disease. Another 34 million have low bone mass and are at increased risk of osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. In a recent press release, researchers announced that they will be studying the interior of the bone in an effort to learn more about bone disease and osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis can have serious consequences. Many elderly adults suffer from bone density loss, and develop osteoporosis. As the population in America continues to age, the number of people with osteoporosis is expected to skyrocket.

Funded by a $1.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, researchers will look inside of our bones to unveil the mystery of bone and joint diseases. Their results can help scientists determine causes of arthritis and osteoporosis.

Armed with additional information, drug therapies can be targeted to treat joint and bone diseases. Nearly half of all people over the age of 50 suffer from bone fractures because of bone or joint diseases.

Treating bone and joint diseases in the United States costs in excess of $250 billion every year. Additionally, nearly a third of all of the people who have a bone fracture due to bone loss risk dying within 12 months of their fracture.

By using specialized equipment, researchers will monitor and learn how our osteocytes, communicate with other cells, sense external stimuli and send signals to tell our bodies to remove existing bone or create more bone.

The osteocytes act like the brain inside of our bones, and live inside of the cells in our bones. This is why researchers are studying them. Fluids that give them nutrients and carry messages to other molecules surround them.

"The osteocytes are very smart. They can tell whether a person is using his or her bones or not. If the person is physically active, the osteocytes tell cells on the surface that it's okay to put on more bone. Otherwise, they signal the surface cells to remove bone at a rate that can be as high as 3 percent bone mass per month, which is the case for patients confined to long-term bed rest and for astronauts," said Liyun Wang, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Delaware.

Researchers hope to see the inside of the living bone cells. They are seeking to determine how the nutrients and signals are passed from one cell to another both when a bone is resting and at work. Even though our bones are very strong, inside they are filled with a stiff, sponge-like material.

Liyun Wang, will head the research project in collaboration with investigators from other specialized fields of study, at the University of Delaware.

Source:
http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2008/nov/osteoporosis111507.html