Inflammation-Induced Bone Loss: Can it Be Prevented?

Abstract

Inflammatory synovitis induces profound bone loss and OCLs are the instrument of this destruction. TNF blockers have an established role in the prevention of inflammatory bone loss in RA; however, not all patients respond to anti-TNF therapy and side effects may prevent long-term treatment in others. The B-cell-depleting antibody rituximab and the T-cell costimulation blocker abatacept are emerging as major treatment options for patients who are resistant to anti-TNF [96,97]. Proof-of-concept studies demonstrate that targeting RANK-mediated osteoclastogenesis prevents inflammatory bone loss and clinical application has only just begun. The efficacy of RANKL inhibition has been witnessed in t..