Premium
Androgens and osteoporosis
Author(s) -
Vanderschueren D.,
Vandenput L.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
andrologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1439-0272
pISSN - 0303-4569
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2000.tb02876.x
Subject(s) - androgen , androgen receptor , endocrinology , medicine , osteoporosis , stromal cell , testosterone (patch) , stimulation , androgen deficiency , bone marrow , osteoblast , chemistry , hormone , biochemistry , prostate cancer , cancer , in vitro
Summary. Androgen receptors are present in relevant numbers in osteoblasts. Stimulation of androgen receptors in osteoblastic bone marrow stromal cells inhibits the differentiation of osteo‐clasts in the bone marrow cavity. Androgens not only inhibit osteoclastogenesis but also increase cortical bone formation mainly by stimulating periosteal bone formation. Clinically, androgen action is crucial for the gain of bone mass during puberty and the maintenance of bone mass after puberty. Therefore, androgen replacement is necessary in hypogonadal men. However, the role of androgen replacement in partial androgen deficiency still remains unclear. Thus far, only testosterone has established its role in androgen replacement. However, further clinical and basic research should better define the selective role of androgen versus oestrogen receptor stimulation in male skeletal homeostasis.