Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:32:1
Ayinde O. Chase - AHN Editor
London, U.K. (AHN) - Scientists in London have uncovered fundamental differences between the bone which makes up the skull and the bones in our limbs, which they link to understanding bone weakness and fractures. The researchers say that their new understanding of the differences between the two types of bone could lead to new ways to treat or prevent osteoporosis.
People who develop osteoporosis have fragile bones which are prone to breaking. The condition becomes more common as we age, especially in post-menopausal women when levels of oestrogen fall dramatically.
Researchers attempting to understand why the skull bones are resistant to bone thinning as they age looked in detail at rat bone cells from the skull and compared them with cells from limb bone.
They found differences between the appearance of the cells and how they behaved in the lab. They also noticed that treating the cells with oestrogen had a far greater effect on the cells from the limb bone.
Researchers believe that the differences are so great between that they diverge in makeup more thank likely when the bones are still forming in the womb.
Lead author, Dr Simon Rawlinson says "This research is exciting because it tells us why our skulls remain so tough as we age compared to the bones in our arms and legs.
"Now we understand this phenomenon better, we also understand osteoporosis better. And this has opened up many new lines of research into how the disease could be treated or even prevented."
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