A view at monoclonal antibodies in therapy of osteoporosis

IntroductionOsteoporosis is a bone disease, which leads to increased fracture risk and weakens bone strength. Drugs used in current therapies of this disease are far from perfect thus the search for new effective compounds is an ongoing process, and some researchers put great hopes in monoclonal antibodies in this field.AimThe purpose of this paper is to discuss monoclonal antibodies as potentially beneficial therapy of osteoporosis.Material and methodsIt was based upon the available literature and publications.Results and discussionSclerostin is a glycoprotein that belongs to Wnt inhibitors. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is essential for normal physiological cell functions such as differentiation or proliferation. Inhibition of sclerostin activity can result in increased bone mineral density, and can be achieved by using antibodies against this factor, i.e. romosozumab and blosozumab. Another compound that has an influence on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is Dickkopf-1. Monoclonal antibodies against this factor have been tested in bone diseases and found to contribute to increased bone mineral density. Other antiresorptive agent indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis is a receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) inhibitor. Denosumab is a human antibody to RANKL, and it decreases osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity, leading to reduced bone resorption. It is currently used in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.ConclusionsThe essential goal for the management of osteoporosis is to increase bone mass and reduce fracture risk by slowing or stopping bone loss. Monoclonal antibodies that have been recently developed are becoming an important option in the pharmacotherapy of osteoporosis.