Mechanism of osteoclast mediated bone resorption-rationale for the design of new therapeutics

An effective inhibition of bone resorption can also be achieved by inhibiting osteoclast activity to resorb bone. Examples of this category of physiological and pharmacological inhibitors are calcitonin and aminobisphosphonates, respectively. Finally one can reduce bone resorption by shortening osteoclast lifespan with substances that induce apoptosis in osteoclasts. A good example of these substances is a first generation bisphosphonate, clodronate. Several new potential molecular targets have been revealed during recent years since many individual molecules in osteoclast differentiation, function and apoptosis have been identified and their physiological functions revealed. Thus we are expecting several new bone inhibitors to be developed in following years both for experimental studies and finally also for clinical use.