| [ Summary ] |
As our population rapidly ages, osteoporosis has become a serious problem. The prevalence of osteoporosis is over 50 % in women and over 30 % in men in their 80's. The incidence of hip fractures, which are the most serious complication for osteoporosis patients, is increasing. There are over 100 thousands new osteoporosis patients a year. The incidence of vertebral fractures is still five times that of the number of hip fractures. The incidence of hip and vertebral fractures rapidly increases in those over 70 years of age. No symptoms are present with osteoporosis itself, however, osteoporotic fractures, especially hip fractures and vertebral fractures, are associated with high mortality rates, up to five years after the occurrence of the fracture. Thus, therapy for osteoporosis in the elderly is quite important. Recently, prostaglandin (PG), which is synthesized from fatty acids, has become a hopeful new agent for osteoporosis therapy. Prostaglandin E2, has an important role for both bone formation and absorption, and is associated with increasing bone mineral density under mechanical stress. However, PGE2 cannnot be used for osteoporosis therapy because of present side effects. Development of PGE2 agents without side effects is on going. |