Bone is continually remodeled throughout life, with osteoclast cells breaking down and osteoblast cells building up the extracellular matrix of bone tissue. As aging progresses, osteoclast activity exceeds osteoblast activity, leading to a loss of bone mineral density and osteoporosis. This process is also observed in bone loss related to periodontitis. The imbalance in bone remodeling is influenced by various factors, and while treatments like bisphosphonates can slow the progression of osteoporosis, there is a need for more effective therapies to increase bone mineral density significantly.
In a recent study, researchers discuss the role of DEL-1 in bone loss related to periodontitis and demonstrate that upregulating DEL-1 expression can regenerate bone in the context of gum disease. The decline in DEL-1 expression with age may be a crucial factor contributing to loss of bone mineral density, and this mechanism could have broader implications for age-related bone loss. The authors propose that exploring the upregulation of DEL-1 expression could lead to potential therapeutic approaches for restoring bone in the elderly.
The study also highlights the novel macrolide-Del-1 axis, showing that macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin can stimulate DEL-1 expression and promote bone regeneration in old mice. This approach may offer a safe and effective way to regenerate bone lost due to periodontitis in elderly patients and potentially increase the mineral content of skeletal bone in the elderly.
