What is the impact of corticoids on bone health?

• A. Enhance bone density
• B. Inhibit bone remodeling
• C. Have no effect on bone health
• D. Promote calcification

Answer: (B)

Corticoids, particularly glucocorticoids, have a well-documented impact on bone health, primarily through their role in inhibiting bone remodeling. Bone remodeling is a dynamic process where old bone tissue is continuously replaced by new bone tissue. When corticoids are present in elevated levels, they interfere with the function of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, while also enhancing the activity of osteoclasts, the cells involved in bone resorption.

This imbalance leads to a reduction in bone formation and an increase in bone resorption, ultimately resulting in decreased bone density and increased risk for osteoporosis and fractures over time. Therefore, the correct statement about the impact of corticoids on bone health is that they inhibit bone remodeling, resulting in negative consequences for overall bone integrity and strength.

In contrast, options that suggest enhancement of bone density or promotion of calcification do not align with the established understanding of the effects of corticoids on bone metabolism. Similarly, the notion that corticoids have no effect on bone health overlooks a significant body of research that highlights their detrimental impact on skeletal health over prolonged use. Thus, the inhibition of bone remodeling accurately reflects the adverse effects corticoids have on bone health.