Osteoporosis is considered one of the most common and serious problems affecting the elderly population worldwide. It is a chronic and progressive disease, characterized by decreased bone mass and degeneration of the microarchitecture of the bone tissue. Gene therapy represents a new approach in osteoporosis treatment, and its main function is to restore the compromised function in the metabolism. This review aims to elucidate the main studies on gene therapy in recent years, in the medical databases, that use gene therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis in animal models, as well as the future prospects of this therapy. The majority of the studies use the BMP, PTH and OPG genes, in an attempt to reestablish bone mass. Despite the lack of new molecules, all genes employed in these studies have proven to be efficient in the treatment of the disease. The benefits that gene therapy will provide for patients in the future should contribute substantially to increasing the quality of life for the elderly. Soon, clinical trials involving humans will benefit individuals with osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis; Gene therapy; Orthopaedics; Genetic vectors
