Primary and Secondary Osteoporosis: From Pre-Clinical Approaches to New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies

Dear Colleagues,

Low bone mass and changes in bone architecture are hallmarks of osteoporosis. This bone disease can often limit mobility, cause pain and increase susceptibility to fragility fractures in affected patients. Osteoporosis affects approximately 200 million people worldwide, with women being impacted far more frequently than males. Primary osteoporosis occurs during the human ageing process. There are two types of primary osteoporosis: postmenopausal osteoporosis (type 1) and senile osteoporosis (type 2). Secondary osteoporosis is caused by specific, well-defined clinical disorders and adverse effects of medications that result in bone loss. Degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis are gaining importance due to demographic changes, and their incidence is expected to increase in the coming years.

Thus far, various in vivo and in vitro models have been developed to study disease-causing processes and to define diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives. The gold standard for the study of osteoporosis, especially in small animals, is still in vivo models. The ovariectomised mouse is the model most commonly used for imaging primary osteoporosis. Undoubtedly, in vivo models accurately represent the systemic and biological state. However, it is important to consider ethical issues and transferability to human patients.

This Special Issue focuses on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of primary and secondary osteoporosis. In particular, we encourage contributions to this Special Issue that addresses pre-clinical approaches, including cells, factors and components of bone homeostasis and their mechanistic interplay, and in vivo and in vitro models of osteoporosis. Translational studies on new diagnostics, biomarkers and therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat osteoporosis are also welcome.

Dr. Timo Gaber
Guest Editor

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