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Research presents path to alternative treatment against bone loss

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Results of experiments performed with mice suggest that inhibiting the action of the protein known as cheerin may present as an efficient strategy to prevent bone loss linked to inflammatory diseases. Burner is a molecule produced mainly by adipocytes, but is also expressed in several organs. There is evidence that this protein is increased in the bloodstream of people obese or suffering from type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease. Although the existence of a correlation between chronic inflammation, bone loss and increase of burner was already evident, it was not yet established whether the molecule was only a marker or actively participated in the process that resulted in a decrease in bone mass.

According to Fukada, the molecule tested as a burner receptor antagonist is still in experimental use. Now we need to study the effect of quemerin on human osteoclasts to find out if we achieve the same effect.

Source: Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

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