THE PREVENTION OR TREATMENT OF AGE-RELATED OSTEOPOROSIS IN THE ELDERLY BY SYSTEMIC RECOMBINANT GROWTH-FACTOR THERAPY (RHIGF-I OR RHTGF-BETA) - A PERSPECTIVE

Both insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and transforming growth fact or beta (TGF beta) have powerful modulatory effects in a variety of ti ssues. A major target of action is the skeletal system, where they enh ance bone formation and decrease matrix degradation, thus playing a pa rt in the maintenance of bone mass. Because of the potent mitogenic ef fect of these agents on osteoblasts, recombinant IGF-I (rhIGF-I) and r ecombinant TGF beta (rhTGF beta) have potential as drugs to stimulate bone formation in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, Using biochemical markers, subcutaneous rhIGF-I therapy has been shown to in crease bone turnover and bone formation in nonosteoporotic older peopl e. However, a corresponding increase in bone mass has not yet been doc umented nor have there been reports yet on the effects of systemically administered rhTGF beta in humans. Further investigation is required to define the clinical potential of rhIGF-I and rhTGF beta as therapeu tic agents in age-related osteoporosis.