Osteoporosis and its Effects on Man
Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that poses a major health threat for nearly 45 million Americans. The disease is characterized by a decrease in bone mass, which in turn increases the susceptibility of bone to fracture (Encarta 2001). The disease affects approximately 10 million Americans, and its harmful effects are seen in about 1.5 million fractures each year (MayoClinic.com 1). As a result, much scientific research has been conducted to obtain a better understanding of the disease. Thus far, research has allowed scientists to identify various forms of the disease and their respective associated factors, which has then allowed for effective preventive and treatment methods that may eventually lead to a cure for the disease. Osteoporosis primarily affects women, the elderly, Caucasians, smokers, alcoholics, individuals who are calcium deficient, those who suffer from depression, those who have do not exercise regularly, and individuals with a family history of the disease (MayoClinic.com 3-4). Though an established method of diagnosing osteoporosis has not been determined, a medical history, physical exam, spinal radiograph, and densitometry exam are useful tools in determining a high risk of bone fracture (Marcus
Lasofoxifene, like Raloxifene, is a SERM that acts either completely or very similarly to estrogen; however, Lasofoxifene is newer and more potent than Raloxifene (“Emerging” 1-2). In addition, lasofoxifene does not exhibit negative effects associated with SERMs such as stimulating uterine tissue (2). Lasofoxifene is currently undergoing clinical trials in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (2). Glucocorticoids are hormones that are essential in metabolism, growth, maintenance of blood sugar levels, and immune system response (“Secondary” 1). When the adrenal glands produce an excessive amount of glucocorticoids, such as in Cushing’s disease, bone loss increases (1). Glucocorticoid medications, which behave very similarly to natural glucocorticoids, have been used as medication for inflammatory and allergic conditions and cause increased bone loss as well (1). Statins are drugs that were initially designed to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease (MayoClinic.com, 7). Now, studies have shown that women who take statins for at least a year exhibit a reduction in the risk of bone fractures; however, other studies have contradicted these findings (7). Side effects of statins include potential reversible injury to the liver and inflammation of muscles (7).
Some topics in this essay:
Type II,
RA SLE,
BMD Rosen,
Raloxifene SERM,
Jeri Nieves,
,
ERT Marcus,
Administration FDA,
SERMs MayoCliniccom,
Lacey Jr,
bone loss,
et al,
rosen et al,
rosen et,
encarta 2001,
postmenopausal women,
bone mass,
secondary osteoporosis,
studies shown,
idiopathic juvenile,
mayocliniccom 7,
idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis,
increases bone formation,
negative calcium balance,
et al 163,
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