Role of polypeptides in the treatment and diagnosis of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common disorder characterized by reduced bone mineral den sity, deterioration of the microarchitecture of bone tissue and increased r isk of fracture. The aim of treatment of osteoporosis is to maintain and, i deally, to restore bone strength safely. In recent years the role of polype ptide growth factors in bone metabolism has begun to appear. It has been pr oposed that alterations in the expression or production of growth factor ca n modulate the proliferation and activity of bone forming cells. In this di rection, the role of structurally diverse peptides for the management and d iagnosis of osteoporosis has attracted the attention of many investigators. This paper reviews numerous findings concerning the use of polypeptides, h ormones, and growth factors, for the management of osteoporosis. Many of th e compounds mentioned here are experimental prototypes of new therapeutic c lasses. Though it is unlikely that some of the compounds may ever be used c linically, development of safe and efficacious agents in each class will de fine the future course of therapy for osteoporosis (C) 1999 Elsevier Scienc e Inc. All rights reserved.