Journal of orthopaedic translation

How aging immune cells may be linked to weak bones

Updated

Abstract

Osteoporosis may be driven by changes in the immune system associated with aging, known as immunosenescence.

  • Immunosenescence involves functional and structural changes in immune cells that can disrupt bone metabolism.
  • Alterations in immune cells may promote bone loss by increasing the activity of bone-resorbing cells and decreasing bone-forming cells.
  • Factors released by aging immune cells, referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), are linked to bone fragility.
  • Preclinical studies suggest that targeting immunosenescence could improve bone health in animal models.
  • Clinical studies indicate that markers of immunosenescence are associated with low bone mineral density, highlighting a potential risk factor for osteoporosis.

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Funding

Competing interests

The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.
PubMed

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