Журнал остеопороза и физической активности
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Cellular and Animal Models for the Identification of Osteoporosis Determinants Increasing Vertebral Compression Fractures Risk

Ruosi C, Querques F, Granata F, Colella G, Liccardo S, Lombardo B and Pastore L

Osteoporosis is a chronic, systemic, metabolic disease characterized by loss of bone mass, disruption of the micro architectural structure of bone tissue and changes in the physical properties of bone matrix that leads to an increased risk of fracture. The rise in average age in western society increases the need for novel therapeutic strategies for this disease; therefore, in order to identify novel drugs, systems for in vitro screening for molecules capable of stimulating osteoblast differentiation are of increasing relevance. Indeed, detailed analysis and characterization in cellular and animal models are necessary preclinical steps towards the development of novel therapeutic options.

Here we present a review of cellular models for osteoblast differentiation and animal models for osteoporosis as well as available methodologies to evaluate bone parameters in vivo. These models are useful to identify novel targets and to develop safer and more effective therapeutic strategies with new drugs able to reduce fractures risk in human.