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Osteocytes and Estrogen Deficiency

  • Osteocytes (J Delgado-Calle and J Klein-Nulend, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Postmenopausal osteoporosis reduces circulating estrogen levels, which leads to osteoclast resorption, bone loss, and fracture. This review addresses emerging evidence that osteoporosis is not simply a disease of bone loss but that mechanosensitive osteocytes that regulate both osteoclasts and osteoblasts are also impacted by estrogen deficiency.

Recent Findings

At the onset of estrogen deficiency, the osteocyte mechanical environment is altered, which coincides with temporal changes in bone tissue composition. The osteocyte microenvironment is also altered, apoptosis is more prevalent, and hypermineralization occurs. The mechanobiological responses of osteocytes are impaired under estrogen deficiency, which exacerbates osteocyte paracrine regulation of osteoclasts.

Summary

Recent research reveals changes in osteocytes during estrogen deficiency that may play a critical role in the etiology of the disease. A paradigm change for osteoporosis therapy requires an advanced understanding of such changes to establish the efficacy of osteocyte-targeted therapies to inhibit resorption and secondary mineralization.

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Acknowledgements

This publication has emanated from research conducted with the financial support of funding from European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (Grant agreements: No 258992 and No 863795), Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Grant co-funded under the European Regional Development fund (14/IA/2884), and the Irish Research Council (IRC) under the Laureate Consolidator Program.

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  1. Mechanobiology and Medical Device Research Group, Biomedical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

    Laoise M. McNamara

  2. Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

    Laoise M. McNamara

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McNamara, L.M. Osteocytes and Estrogen Deficiency. Curr Osteoporos Rep 19, 592–603 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-021-00702-x

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