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©2011 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
Interactions between the immune system and bone
Patrizia D’Amelio, Giorgia Fornelli, Giovanni Carlo Isaia, Department of Surgical and Medical Disciplines, Section of Gerontology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
Ilaria Roato, Center for Research and Medical Studies and Polo Oncologico, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
Author contributions: All the authors contributed to the design and writing of this article.
Supported by the University of Torino
Correspondence to: Patrizia D’Amelio, MD, PhD, Department of Surgical and Medical Disciplines, Section of Gerontology, University of Torino, Corso Bramante 88/90, 10126 Torino, Italy. patrizia.damelio@unito.it
Telephone: +39-011-6335533 Fax: +39-011-6636033
Received: December 7, 2010
Revised: January 12, 2011
Accepted: January 19, 2011
Published online: March 18, 2011
Revised: January 12, 2011
Accepted: January 19, 2011
Published online: March 18, 2011
Abstract
The relationship between the immune system, estrogen deficiency and bone loss is an intriguing and, as yet, unexplained challenge of the past two decades. Here we summarize the evidence that links immune cells, inflammation, cytokine production and osteoclast formation and activity with particular regard to humans.
Keywords: Osteoclast; T cells; Cytokines; Osteoporosis; Immune system; Menopause