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

[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.

<<:  [Medical Q&A] How can the Achilles tendon, which is so thick, rupture?

>>:  Silver Healing: VR Treatment for Elderly Mental Illness

Recommend

Causes of breast pain and lumps

I believe everyone knows the importance of breast...

What should I do if I have a lump on my breast?

As women get older, they will develop breast dise...

Will girls still grow taller at 13?

The time of the first menstruation for every woma...

What does the accessory nipple look like?

Breasts are an essential tool for showing female ...

Pubic pain in late pregnancy means birth is imminent

The late pregnancy is a very important period, wh...

What to do if the embryo has no germ

After becoming pregnant, women must pay attention...

Symptoms of Sanjiao obstruction in women

The triple energizer is a key position, which has...

Thick menstrual blood picture

The most uncomfortable days for women are during ...

How long does it take to get menstruation after a painless abortion?

In modern life, many young female friends suffer ...

When will the Korean drama "Have We Loved?" be broadcast? Starring lineup

The Korean drama Have We Ever Loved is expected t...

Does your metabolism speed up during menstruation?

For premenopausal women, under normal circumstanc...

Ruili reports new COVID-19 cases again, what is going on?

According to the Yunnan Provincial Health Commiss...