Patogenia de la osteoporosis esteroidea

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis. Patients exposed to high doses of glucocorticoids have decreased bone mineral density, this entailing greater risk of vertebral and hip fractures. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis on bone tissue are not well known. Supra-physiological doses of glucocorticoids mainly act on the bone, decreasing osteoblast number and therefore bone formation. Recent studies have also shown that glucocorticoids also have direct effects on osteocytes and osteoclasts.