Aging Bones: Metabolism Meets Epigenetics
A new review investigates how the interplay between metabolism and epigenetics regulates bone aging
Ow, my bones
As we march through adulthood and advance into old age, aches and pains start to pop up (in most people anyway). The biological clock keeps ticking, and all throughout our bodies, processes run less smoothly than they once did.
Our skin loses its smooth tightness, our body shape and fat distribution change, muscle tone decreases. The immune function starts to sputter, the risk for cancer goes up, joints creak, memory falters, and even our microbiome might give us trouble.
Of course, the extent of these changes differs between individuals and there are lifestyle factors that can speed up or slow down the process. Still, no one escapes it (not even centenarians).
Let’s now add bones to the list above. Once we hit 40–50 years of age, our risk for fractures starts increasing, and it keeps going up. Bone mineral density goes down, as does the amount and functionality of bone stem cells. The wear-and-tear our skeleton has accumulated through life also starts to add up.
All this leads to skeletal fragility. Combine this with an increased propensity to fall, and in the…
