Title:Are Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Mediators of Bone Loss Due to Estrogen Deficiency? A Review of Current Evidence
Volume: 20
Issue: 9
Author(s): Nur-Vaizura Mohamad, Soelaiman Ima-Nirwana and Kok-Yong Chin*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, The National University of Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia
Keywords:
Inflammation, menopause, estrogen, osteoporosis, oxidative stress, review.
Abstract: Osteoporosis is one of the major health issues associated with menopause-related estrogen
deficiency. Various reports suggest that the hormonal changes related to menopausal transition may
lead to the derangement of redox homeostasis and ultimately oxidative stress. Estrogen deficiency and
oxidative stress may enhance the expression of genes involved in inflammation. All these factors may
contribute, in synergy, to the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Previous studies suggest
that estrogen may act as an antioxidant to protect the bone against oxidative stress, and as an antiinflammatory
agent in suppressing pro-inflammatory and pro-osteoclastic cytokines. Thus, the focus of
the current review is to examine the relationship between estrogen deficiency, oxidative stress and
inflammation, and the impacts of these phenomena on skeletal health in postmenopausal women.