Pharmacological agents for bone remodeling: An experimental approach

Abstract Bone formation or osteogenesis involves two modes of ossifications, i.e., intramembranous that is direct bone formation from mesenchymal tissue and endochondral which starts by conversion of mesenchymal tissue to cartilage template and continues until replacement by bone cells. Intramembranous bone formation has important role in growth and development of craniofacial skeleton and healing of the fractured bones. The result of both modes of osteogenesis is identical biochemically and histologically. Bone tissue is supplied with blood vessels and has the ability to turnover its constituents, i.e., remodeling process. Bone remodeling is a crucial process during life from infancy to adolescence, and from adulthood to senility. It is also important from different perspectives, e.g., athletic activities, astronauts, postmenopausal osteoporosis, and even eating during the day or nocturnal fasting. In all of the above-mentioned periods or situations, bone remodeling takes place and any interruption in its normal condition will lead to a skewness toward inequality between bone formation and bone resorption. Many pharmacological agents can change the balance or skew the curve of apposition/resorption toward targeted intention of the drug formulation. The dynamic tissue of bone as a reservoir for calcium and a metabolic organ is remodeled constantly to maintain its vitality and health. The aforementioned phenomena are under the influence of growth factors, hormones, and in general; pharmacological agents affecting bone turnover. The effect of different drugs (calcium, vitamin D, prostaglandin (PG) E, thyroid hormone, pamidronate, zoledronate, aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and fibroblast growth factor) that have been administered for living subjects and the role of gonadal hormones on the bone development and remodeling are discussed in this chapter with an experimental perspective towards bone remodeling by dentoalveolar changes that are adapted from the author’s own experiences.