The involvement of WNT signaling in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis

Bulgarian Medical Journal, 16, 2022, № 1, 30-35.

A. Grigoryan

Abstract. Osteoporosis reflects a disruption in the process of bone remodeling, in which bone resorption predominates over bone formation. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is one of the most common forms of primary osteoporosis. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway regulates mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and controls the balance between adipogenesis and osteogenesis in bone tissue. Estrogen deficiency, leading to marked fatty degeneration of the bone marrow, exerts its effect by inhibiting the Wnt canonical pathway. Accordingly, the use of drugs that correct Wnt signaling would be a step forward in the prevention of fractures, especially for menopausal women. Drugs that stimulate Wnt signaling are a new direction in anabolic therapy for osteoporosis.

Key words: osteoporosis, Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Address for correspondence: Armine Vardani Grigoryan, Department of Physiology and Pathological Physiology, Medical University, 1 Kliment Ohrisdki St, Bg – 5800 Pleven, e-mail: armine_ph@abv.bg