Research progress in the relationship between iron overload and osteoporosis

Although iron is an essential nutrient with crucial biological function in the body,too much iron is harmful to both cells and tissues.Iron overload has already been demonstrated to be associated with osteoporosis.Iron overload may cause osteoporosis.However,the pathogenesis and exact function of iron have not been clarified.The latest reports indicate that:on the experimental level,iron overload may inhibit the function of osteoblasts and increase the activity of osteoclasts.On the clinical level,osteoporosis occurs in the patients with iron overload-associated diseases.In this article the author reviews the clinical and experimental studies on the association of iron overload with osteoporosis.