Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy has published research carried out by a group of researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany and Shandong University in China, which has led to a breakthrough in the treatment of osteoporosis. Thanks to tests carried out on laboratory mice, they have been able to identify the cell receptor GPR133 (ADGRD1) as crucial for bone density. This was possible through osteoblast cells, present in the GPR133 gene, which had previously been linked to bone density. Through the tests carried out, they used a chemical called AP503 in mice where the gene was absent and could be activated.
The results showed that mice lacking the gene grew with weaker bones, but when the gene was activated with AP503, bone production and strength improved, as explained by Ines Liebscher, a biochemist at the University of Leipzig. These advances indicate that future treatments derived from this could strengthen and even restore the structure of a bone affected by osteoporosis, which is often very common in women going through menopause. Although it has not yet been tested in humans, expectations are positive. According to Juliane Lehmann, a molecular biologist at the University of Leipzig, this receptor could be very useful in medical applications for the aging population.
Osteoporosis
Millions of people worldwide suffer from this condition. Osteoporosis is a disease that directly affects bone structure, causing thinning and deterioration. Internally, there is an imbalance between bone formation and destruction processes. This makes bones more brittle and weak, and also causes pain.
New treatment?
Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy has published a study that could shed some light on the matter. A group of researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany and Shandong University in China may have found a way to strengthen these affected bones. How has this been possible? Their studies have identified the cell receptor GPR133 (ADGRD1) as essential for bone density. This has been possible thanks to osteoblast cells and the fact that the researchers followed the path illuminated by others, focusing on variations in GPR133.
How did they make this discovery?
It was thanks to tests carried out on laboratory mice. Some mice lacked the GPR133 gene, while in others it could be activated with a chemical called AP503. The results showed that mice lacking the gene grew up with much weaker bones. However, when the gene was activated with AP503, both bone strength and production improved significantly. According to Ines Liebscher, a biochemist at the University of Leipzig, “Using the substance AP503, which was recently identified through a computer-assisted screen as a stimulator of GPR133, we were able to significantly increase strength in both healthy and osteoporotic mice.” It has been determined that AP503 causes osteoblasts to perform at maximum efficiency, resulting in greater bone density.
What now?
The results of the experiment are revealing and have generated high expectations. However, it has not yet been tested on humans, so it is still too early to claim victory. According to Juliane Lehmann, a molecular biologist at the University of Leipzig, “The recently demonstrated parallel strengthening of bone once again highlights the great potential of this receptor for medical applications in an aging population.” If this is the case, millions of people affected by osteoporosis could benefit from a medical solution that would be practically a cure compared to current treatments, which only slow down bone deterioration but do not stop or reverse it.
Just as it is essential to take care of our external bone structure, it is also vital to take care of ourselves internally, and that involves our diet. Choosing foods that are beneficial for our body is very important, but there is so much information available today… However, did you know that carrots are a superfood that benefits us both internally and externally?