Animal Models for Age-Related Osteoporosis

<p>Background: Osteoporosis is a frequent age-related skeletal disorder, wielding an enormous influence on the quality of life of many women but also men. Osteoporosis results from a shifted ratio between the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts resulting in an increased degradation of bone. This leads to a systemic impairment of bone mass and microarchitecture. Currently, only a small number of patients with osteoporosis is treated adequately. This implies the urgent need of developing new treatment strategies and application mechanisms as osteoporosis is associated with an enormous economic burden. Therefore, animal models are of great importance for the investigation and treatment of bone diseases. Summary: In this narrative review, we focus on animal models specifically used for age-related osteoporosis including mice, selected non-rodent small and large animal models, and fish. Key Message: With this manuscript, we want to contribute to the identification of novel treatment strategies for the treatment of age-related osteoporosis. </p>