U.C.L.A. Rheumatology Pathophysiology of Disease Course Lecture,
Second Year Medical School 1997

  
 
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Osteoporosis    Page 32
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       Vitamin D (400-800 I.U.) and calcium supplementation (1000 mg/day premenopausal, and 1500 mg/day postmenopausal) have been shown in some studies, under certain circumstances, to be helpful. Weight bearing excercise is also recommended.
       There are now two additional effective treatments for osteoporosis with many more under investigation. One group of promising treatments are called bisphosphonates with alendronate currently FDA approved for use in the U.S.A. Bisphosphonates most likely work by intercalating themselves between ostoclasts and bone disrupting resorption (figure 11 & 12).
       The results of two large studies with alendronate are shown in figure 13. New generation bisphosphonates are likely to be considerably more potent. The other currently available promising treatment is nasal calcitonin which also inhibits bone resorption and is well tolerated. The chances for a significant reduction in the misery and mortality of osteoporotic fractures is very likely, making this one of the most exciting areas of medicine today.		      
Figure 11 & 12. . A schematic osteoclast is shown in a cavity resorbing bone. Bisphosphonates most likely work by intercalating themselves between the cell and the bone matrix. jpeg 240 x 200 pixels 10kbs excel
 
 
 
Figure 13. Results of two large studies using the bisphoshonate alendronate in the teatment of osteoporosis. More importantly, the fracture frequency also significantly decreased. jpeg 280 x 360 pixels 6kbs   FirstPreviousNextLast Page 32
 
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