| [ Summary ] |
Much less information is available concerning the relationship of iron to bone structure and function than the close relationship between iron and hematopoiesis in bone marrow. Osteopenia in genetic diseases such as thalassemia and hemochromatosis has been associated with iron excess. That excess has been linked to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, elevated bone resorption and interaction with sex steroid activity. Mitochondrial activation and supply of iron to respiratory proteins are both essential for osteoclast differentiation and bone-resorbing function. Iron metabolism may also be related to age-related bone loos in general population. |