| Osteoporosis has become one of the most important diseases related to aging. The high incidence in women is due to the decrease of estrogen level and the increase of bone resorption after menopause. The latest research shows that the immune system may be an important factor involved in postmenopausal osteoporosis. The pro-inflammatory factors acting on osteoblasts and osteoclasts, as well as the activation of the immune system, are considered to be risk factors for osteoporosis. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), as a powerful osteoclast stimulating factor, plays an important role in the physiological state, inflammatory diseases, and postmenopausal systemic bone loss. In this paper, we review the literature about IL-1 family, the role of IL-1 in different levels including cellular, signaling pathways, and animal models, as well as the effects of IL-1 inhibitors, antagonists, and their derivatives on bone metabolism. |