Osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease seemingly affecting 300 million people across the globe can now be treated, thanks to the following discovery. Researchers from the University of Sydney claim that a naturally occurring protein can be the key to treatments for osteoporosis. This protein termed as interferon gamma allegedly produced by the body’s immune system and stem cells is already known to benefit patients suffering from hepatitis C.
During the research, experts injected low doses of interferon gamma in menopausal mice. An elevation in bone mass and declined bone damage was registered that possibly occurred due to menopause-associated osteoporosis. Employing this type of medication can reportedly stimulate bone formation instead of halting bone destruction.
The protein helps stimulate the bone forming cells to work and produce more bone which may further boost bone mass and restrict new fractures. Ageing hampers bone formation that seemingly predisposes people to osteoporosis. Associate Professor Duque and colleagues conclude that the research findings have great significance in the health world.
The research is published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.