Aging, neuroendocrine function, and osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis may occur in both women and men. Osteoporosis is defined as age-related involutional bone loss that exceeds that observed in the normal population of the same age and sex. The hallmark of the disease is a reduction in mineralized bone matrix. Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disease and can be considered the result of impaired coordination of bone remodeling ("resorption/formation coupling"). This review describes the role of systemic hormones and local acting mediators, including neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, in the control of bone turnover. Furthermore the significance of age-related (neuro)endocrine dysfunction for bone remodeling and consequently for development of osteoporosis is discussed.