revisão June 01, 2010 June 01, 2010

Diabetes mellitus, thiazolidinediones and fractures: an unfinished story

DOI: 10.1590/S0004-27302010000400002

The association of diabetes mellitus with increased fracture risk is well established, and is observed in both diabetes type 1 and type 2, due to multiple causes. Evidence from rodents suggests that thiazolidinediones (TZD), by activation of PPAR-gamma, cause increased bone marrow adiposity, with decreased osteoblastogenesis resulting in bone loss. Initial studies in humans evidence higher fracture risk in the population using these drugs, in comparison with other oral antidiabetic medications. TZD are largely prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, therefore, better understanding of their mechanisms of action and impact on bone mass and fracture risk is necessary, in order to guide the management of these patients in regards to prophylaxis and adequate treatment. This article summarizes current knowledge about the relationship between diabetes, TZD and fracture risk as well as, based on current evidence, tries to suggest ways to guide the population using these medications.