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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Little Rock, Arkansas » Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #182222
Title: MOLECULAR PATHWAYS TO TOXICANT-INDUCED OSTEOPOROSIS

Author
item BHATTACHARYYA, M - ARGONNE NATL LAB
item PUZAS, E - UNIV OF ROCHESTER
item LIAN, J - UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS
item NOVACK, D - WASHINGTON UNIV SCH OF ME
item RONIS, MARTIN - UAMS/ACNC

Submitted to: Toxicologist
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/3/2004
Publication Date: 3/15/2005
Citation: Bhattacharyya, M.H., Puzas, E., Lian, J.B., Novack, D.J., Ronis, M.J. 2005. Molecular pathways to toxicant-induced osteoporosis. The Toxicologist. 84(S-1):210.

Interpretive Summary: A workshop was held with experts from various areas of development, growth, and maintenance in order to discuss environmental factors that affect bone health, especially factors that impact osteoporosis. The complex topics covered were: 1) basic information about bone formation and bone the nature process of bone breakdown (resorption) and the role in the later development of osteoporosis; 2) new insights into how the important toxic metals (like lead) and beneficial metals (like calcium) contribute to metabolic bone disease; and 3) the role that alcohol consumption may play in the development of osteoporosis.

Technical Abstract: Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. This disease is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually; 44 million Americans have low bone mass such that they either have osteoporosis or are at significant risk of developing the disease. Of the 10 million who actually have osteoporosis, 80 percent are women. Men suffer one-third of all hip fractures that occur, and approximately one-third of these men will not survive more than one year after the fracture. Our population is increasing in the fraction of elderly persons faster than at any other time in human history. Understanding ways in which toxicants contribute to the development of osteoporosis is an important undertaking. In this workshop, we will provide 1) basic information on pathways of bone formation and bone resorption and their role in the development of osteoporosis, 2) new insights into how the important metals, lead and calcium, affect bone cell pathways and contribute to metabolic bone disease, 3) the role that alcohol consumption may play in the development of osteoporosis, and 4) discussion by workshop participants of the results presented with respect to their application and relevance to human health.