The Physiologic Role of Inflammatory Cytokines in Bone Homeostasis

Abstract The skeletal system is considered a prominent endocrine organ that encompasses a large number of cell types and a wide spectrum of secreted cytokines and factors. Collectively these cells and factors contribute to skeletal homeostasis and respond to adverse events in cases of stress, injury or inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF family, IL-1 family, IL-6, IFN and others, are considered the first responders to maintain skeletal homeostasis. In this article, we will describe basic aspects of the beneficial inflammatory response and the individual role of these factors to regulate bone and immune cells to preserve physiologic bone health.