| The osteoclast is a giant multinuclear cell. The abnormity of its formation and activity may cause osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, loose of the prosthesis after artificial joint replacement and many diseases. Osteoporosis is a systemic metabolic bone disease due to many factors. The treatment targets focus on inhibition of osteoclast activity and stimulation of osteoblast formation. Following the research in the effect of osteoclasts on signal pathways of the bone, some new therapeutic targets have been found. Currently, it has been thought that OPG/RANKL/RANK pathway, TNF pathway, NO and estrogens, PPARγ, etc.,are associated with osteoclasts. This paper summarizes the relationship between osteoporosis and osteoclasts, to provide evidences for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. |