Journal of Pharmacological Sciences
Online ISSN : 1347-8648
Print ISSN : 1347-8613
ISSN-L : 1347-8613
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Pharmacological Topics of Bone Metabolism:
Antiresorptive Microbial Compounds That Inhibit Osteoclast Differentiation, Function, and Survival
Je-Tae WooTakayuki YonezawaByung-Yoon ChaToshiaki TeruyaKazuo Nagai
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2008 Volume 106 Issue 4 Pages 547-554

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Abstract

The mass and function of bones depends on the maintenance of a complicated balance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-mediated bone formation. Osteoporosis typically reflects an imbalance in skeletal turnover, such that bone resorption exceeds bone formation. Osteoclasts are target cells for anti-osteoporosis therapies. To discover new types of antiresorptive agents, we screened for natural compounds that regulate osteoclast differentiation, function, and survival. As a result, we identified reveromycin A, destruxins, mevastatin, FK506, cyclosporin A, prodigiosins, concanamycins, and symbioimine among microbial natural compounds. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of action of these compounds on osteoclasts.

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© The Japanese Pharmacological Society 2008
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