| Theme |
Endocrinological control of bone metabolism |
| Title |
Roles of estrogen in development, maturation and aging of bone |
| Author |
Kotaro Azuma |
Research Team for Functional Biogerontology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology |
| Author |
Satoshi Inoue |
Research Team for Functional Biogerontology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology |
| [ Summary ] |
Estrogen is involved in the process of development, maturation, and aging of bone, regardless of sex. In adolescence, estrogen is a crucial factor in determining body height by regulating growth spurt and closure of epiphyseal line. Estrogen helps preserve both volume and quality of the bone tissue from adolescence throughout life. A rapid decline in bone mass after menopause and reduction in fracture risk with hormone replacement therapy substantiate the bone-protective roles of estrogen. The direct effect of estrogen on bone tissue targeting osteoclasts or osteoblasts has been studied using cell-typespecific gene-manipulated mice. One of the beneficial effects of estrogen on bone quality could be explained by attenuation of oxidative stress in the bone tissues. It is also suggested that estrogen indirectly affects bone with the mechanisms mediated by the immune, digestive, and central nervous systems. |