Bone turnover and bone structure in clinical animal models of COPD.

Abstract

The features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)are chronic inflammatory and emphysema changes in the lungs by long-term cigarette smoke(CS)exposure. Osteoporosis is an important systemic comorbidity of COPD. Severe emphysema and low body mass index(BMI)are independent risk factors for low bone mineral density in COPD patients. However the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying emphysema and osteoporosis have not been fully elucidated. An established mouse model of CS-induced emphysema with decrease body weight and bone mineral density is important for investigating the cause of osteoporosis in COPD patients.