Question

Osteoporosis is a clinical manifestation of an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, resulting in weakened bones that easily fracture. Determine from the choices below the best goals for designing a therapeutic drug targeting specific bone cell types for the treatment of osteoporosis.

a) Inhibit osteoclast activity and promote osteoblast function
b) Increase osteoclast activity to remove damaged bone tissue
c) Inhibit osteoblast activity to reduce bone formation
d) Enhance overall bone resorption

Answer 1

The goal in designing a drug for treating osteoporosis is to inhibit osteoclast activity, which resorbs bone, and to promote osteoblast activity, which forms bone, ultimately enhancing bone density and skeletal health.

Step-by-step explanation:

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder characterized by an imbalance between bone resorption, carried out by osteoclasts, and bone formation, managed by osteoblasts. This imbalance leads to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures. In designing a therapeutic drug for osteoporosis, the best goals would be to inhibit osteoclast activity and promote osteoblast function.

Drugs like bisphosphonates are used in treatment as they slow down bone breakdown, permitting bone rebuilding during remodeling to maintain bone density. Ultimately, the aims of such therapy are to enhance bone density, reduce the risk of fractures, and maintain skeletal health.