[Medical Q&A] Why do patients with osteoporosis need to use drugs that inhibit osteoclasts?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Han Liqiang, deputy chief physician, Tianjin Third Central Hospital

There are many osteoporosis patients clinically. In the treatment of osteoporosis, the use of drugs that inhibit osteoclasts is one of the commonly used treatment methods.

The human skeleton is a living tissue that is constantly decomposed and replaced. There are two main types of cells in the bone, one is osteoblasts and the other is osteoclasts. Osteoblasts mainly promote bone formation (generate new bone tissue), while osteoclasts mainly promote bone resorption (decompose old bone tissue). The two cells are functionally corresponding and play a very important role in bone development and fracture healing. When people are young, their bones are mainly osteoblasts, which reach their peak at around 35 years old. In middle age, the two are basically balanced, and in old age, osteoclasts are the main ones, which leads to bone resorption exceeding bone formation, reducing bone density and destroying bone microstructure, thus causing osteoporosis. The use of drugs that inhibit osteoclasts can reduce the number and activity of osteoclasts, thereby reducing bone resorption and preventing further bone loss. It can also indirectly promote the activity of osteoblasts, help maintain the integrity of bone microstructure, and improve bone strength and toughness. Commonly used drugs that inhibit osteoclasts include sodium alendronate, denosumab, raloxifene, etc. It is important to remind you that anti-osteoporosis drugs include not only drugs that inhibit osteoclasts, but also drugs that promote osteoblasts and combined drugs. In addition, supplementing vitamin D and calcium, and exercising appropriately are all effective measures. Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that is preventable and controllable. After diagnosis, you should follow the doctor's advice and receive regular treatment as soon as possible.