Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass associated with the deterioration of microarchitecture, due to an imbalance either in high bone resorption or low bone formation or in both, leading to a high risk of fractures. Bisphosphonates are medications which reduce the ability of osteoclasts to induce bone resorption and consequently improve the balance between resorption and formation. There are bisphosphonates approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Administration can be oral (daily, weekly or monthly) or […]

Parathyroid glands produce the parathyroid hormone (PTH) that acts on bone and kidneys controlling calcium and phosphorus serum concentration. It has long been known that PTH can act as an anabolic hormone if it is given by small and intermittent doses. Recently, there are data showing that PTH (1-34) increases bone mineral density, increases bone mass, improves trabecular connectivity, and reduces the risk of vertebral, non-vertebral and hip fractures in women with postmenopausal or corticoid-induced osteoporosis and in men with […]

The evolution of the idea of the potential use of parathyroid hormone in the treatment of osteoporosis was a long one. It was also an example of how the concepts in medicine can take a long time to change, and the change is mainly dependant on the availability of adequate diagnostics resources. The acceptance that an hormone, that when present in excess leads to bone disease, can be a therapeutic agent that brings an increase in bone mass, is difficult. […]