Oxidative stress in bone remodelling and disease

Oxidative stress is characterised by an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that disrupts the intracellular reduction-oxidation (redox) balance. Although initially shown to be involved in aging, physiological roles for ROS in regulating cell functions and mediating intracellular signals have emerged. In bone tissues, recent studies have demonstrated that ROS generation is a key modulator of bone cell function and that oxidative status influences the pathophysiology of mineralised tissues. Here, we review the crucial role of oxidative stress in bone pathophysiology, and discuss the possibility that ROS production might be a relevant therapeutic target under certain conditions. Further studies will be needed to investigate whether manipulation of the redox balance in bone cells represents a useful approach in the design of future therapies for bone diseases.