Bone Lose in Space Traced to Bone-Destroying Cells
Results of a space experiment published online in The FASEB Journal have yielded a giant leap for science that could translate into an important step for mankind in the ongoing battle against osteoporosis. In the report, a team of Italian scientists show for the first time that a lack of resistance (i.e., gravity) activates bone-destroying cells. This outcome helps explain more completely why bedridden patients and astronauts experience bone loss and provides an entirely new drug target for stopping the process.
“This study cuts straight to the bone in terms of why our skeletons deteriorate with disuse,” said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., editor-in-chief of The FASEB Journal. “As is the case with human intelligence, bone loss is an example of ‘use it or lose it.’ This study from space has pinpointed the cellular culprits that destroy our bones when we don’t use them to support weight.” (more…)
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