What are the Clinical Implications of Osteoclast Dysregulation?
Dysregulation of osteoclast activity can lead to various clinical conditions. Increased osteoclast activity is associated with osteoporosis, a condition characterized by decreased bone mass and increased fracture risk. Conversely, decreased osteoclast activity can result in osteopetrosis, a rare genetic disorder marked by overly dense and brittle bones. Understanding the regulation of osteoclasts is therefore critical for developing therapeutic strategies for these and other bone-related diseases.