As we grow older, not only our bones but also our immune system changes. Bone structure depends on a balance between the breakdown and formation of bone tissue. Cells that break down bone, called osteoclasts, and cells that build bone, osteoblasts, are normally well balanced. With ageing, this balance is disrupted, resulting in more bone being broken down than is built up.
One of the causes of this disruption lies in the ageing of the immune system. In older people, there is often prolonged, low-grade inflammation. This is also known as chronic inflammation and has negative effects on the process by which bones are maintained. The inflammation affects the functioning of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, making the bone less strong.
In addition, the behaviour of certain immune cells that also play a role in tissue maintenance, including bones, changes. As people age, these cells stop their normal protective duties and begin to behave differently, which can accelerate bone ageing. This increases the risk of bone demineralisation, brittle bones and ultimately bone fractures.
Research into the interaction between the immune system and bones helps to better understand how ageing works in the body. This insight is important for finding ways to slow down or prevent bone loss, so that older people maintain strong bones for longer.
For healthy ageing, it is therefore important that the immune system also continues to function properly.
Source: Reason
