Osteoporosis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Latest Scientific Research

Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disorder in which bones become thin, weak, and fragile, increasing the risk of fractures even after minor injuries or falls. It is often called the “Silent Disease” because early stages usually show no obvious symptoms.

It occurs more commonly in:

• Elderly people
• Post-menopausal women
• Individuals with calcium and vitamin-D deficiency

With a rapidly ageing population, osteoporosis is becoming a major public-health concern in India and worldwide.

Normal Bone Remodeling

Bones are not static — they constantly break down and rebuild.

When bone breakdown exceeds bone formation, bone density decreases → Osteoporosis develops

Osteoporosis  Causes

(A) Biological Causes

• Ageing
• Estrogen deficiency after menopause
• Hormonal imbalance (thyroid, parathyroid)
• Genetic predisposition

(B) Nutritional Causes

• Calcium deficiency
• Vitamin-D deficiency
• Protein deficiency

(C) Lifestyle Causes

• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Physical inactivity
• Lack of sunlight exposure

(D) Medical Causes

• Long-term steroid use
• Kidney or liver disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Osteoporosis  Symptoms

Usually absent in early stages. Later symptoms include:

• Chronic back pain (vertebral compression)
• Loss of height
• Stooped posture (Dowager’s hump)
• Fractures after minor trauma

Common fracture sites:

• Hip
• Spine (vertebrae)
• Wrist

Osteoporosis Diagnosis

Osteoporosis  Treatment

(i) Lifestyle Modification

• Regular weight-bearing exercise (walking, jogging, climbing stairs)
• Sunlight exposure
• Balanced diet

(ii) Nutrition

• Calcium supplements
• Vitamin-D supplementation

(iii) Medications

• Bisphosphonates (reduce bone breakdown)
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Monoclonal antibody – Denosumab

Latest Scientific Research: The “Exercise Sensor” Protein Piezo1

Scientists at the University of Hong Kong discovered how the body senses exercise and strengthens bones.

Study Basis

Research performed on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMMSC)

These cells can become:

• Osteoblasts (bone-forming cells)
• Adipocytes (fat cells)

Role of Piezo1 Protein

• A mechanical sensor protein
• Detects movement and pressure on bones

When activated:

• Increases bone formation
• Reduces fat accumulation in bone marrow

Experimental Findings (in mice)

Removing Piezo1 resulted in:

• Reduced bone density
• Increased fat cells
• Loss of exercise benefits

Future Significance

Researchers believe future medicines may:

Mimic exercise signals in the body — potentially strengthening bones even without physical activity.

Socio-Economic Importance

• Rising elderly population
• Fractures → disability → healthcare burden
• Higher risk among women in India
• Linked with the concept of Healthy Ageing

Challenges

• Low awareness in rural populations
• Malnutrition
• Expensive diagnostic tests
• Safety concerns of new therapies (Piezo1 affects multiple body systems)