Can osteoporosis be reversed? Scientists think they’ve found a way to strengthen bones for life
Scientists may have found a breakthrough in the fight against osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and affects millions worldwide.
A new study by researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany and Shandong University in China has identified a key cell receptor—called GPR133 (ADGRD1)—that plays a major role in building strong bones.
How it works
The receptor activates osteoblasts, the special bone-building cells in our body. When researchers tested mice without the GPR133 gene, the animals developed weak bones similar to osteoporosis. But when they stimulated the receptor with a newly discovered compound called AP503, bone density and strength increased significantly.
“In both healthy and osteoporotic mice, we saw major improvements in bone strength after using AP503,” explained Ines Liebscher, a biochemist at the University of Leipzig.
Even more promising, the team found that activating GPR133 worked even better when combined with exercise.
Why this matters
Currently, osteoporosis treatments only slow bone loss and often come with serious side effects or reduced effectiveness over time. There’s no real way to reverse the disease. This new discovery suggests it may be possible not only to protect healthy bones but also to rebuild weakened ones—something especially important for women after menopause, who are at higher risk.
“If this receptor is impaired, bone density drops early in life, much like what we see in human osteoporosis,” said Liebscher.
The road ahead
While the study was done on mice, scientists believe the same process likely applies to humans. The findings open the door to future therapies that could help people maintain stronger bones as they age and potentially reverse bone loss in those already suffering from osteoporosis.
As molecular biologist Juliane Lehmann from the University of Leipzig noted, “This receptor shows enormous potential for medical applications in an aging population.”
The research was published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.
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