Research Progression

Scroll down to see how osteoporosis research has evolved over the years!
Western related research is also outlined below.
Look out for audio format access, if that is preferred.

Track 1

June 2018:

MicroRNA

Feng et al. dove into the role of microRNAs with relation to bone remodelling, and its potential implications for osteoporosis treatment. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a major category of small noncoding RNA with approximately 20 bases, integral to epigenetic modification. They concluded that miRNA impacted both osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Patients with osteoporosis were noted to have serum circulating miRNAs, marked as a potential benchmark for future research. As one certain miRNA may have numerous transcriptional targets, specific targeting is crucial in ensuring activation of correct areas are conducted purposefully.

July 2024:

ARC neurons

ERα/KISS1

Track 2

The role of ARC neurons has been clearly established in the past: the gatekeeper of female reproduction and energy allocation. Additionally, these neurons control multiple facets of physiology, including regulating pubertal onset and the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Babey et al. recently discovered another crucial function for ARC neurons in females: controlling bone homeostasis during lactation through the brain-derived osteoanabolic hormone medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) and cellular communication network factor 3 (CCN3). Ultimately, these researchers found that shutting down oestradiol (potent female sex hormone) production during lactation alters osteoblast activity and how bone surfaces are mineralized. Through MBH, ARC lifts restraints on energetically costly bone formation.

ERα/KISS1

Track 3

February 2026:

Nicotinamide Mononucletoide (NMN)

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is known to improve metabolic diseases (precursor to NAD+), but its role in regulating type H vessels in obesity-induced osteoporosis remains unclear. Type H vessels are specialized capillaries in bone marrow that promote bone formation and repair. Shen et al. found that NMN prevents obesity-related bone loss, by aiding in type H vessel formation, in addition to angiogenesis-osteogenesis coupling. Overall, this finding supports therapeutic potential in managing obesity-induced osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.

Western University Spotlight

Listen here!

00:00 / 01:55

Assistant Professor

Division of Geriatric Medicine

Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

Dr. Jenny Thain, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Thain's clinical and research focus is osteoporosis and hip fracture care. She leads geriatric care for the Victoria Hospital Hip Fracture Unit and plays major leadership roles nationally and internationally with organizations such as Osteoporosis Canada and the Fragility Fracture Network to improve fragility fracture management. Dr. Thain also serves as Program Director of the Geriatric Medicine Residency Program at Western University.

Medical Director

Osteoporosis and Bone Disease Program
St. Joseph’s Health Care London

Dr. Kristin Clemens, MD

Dr. Clemens' research focuses on improving care for patients with complex endocrine and metabolic disorders, including diabetes, cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, and metabolic bone disease, using population data science, clinical trials, and quality improvement initiatives. She has lead multiple funded research programs, has authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications and mentors numerous trainees.

Professor

School of Physical Therapy

Dr. Tina Ziebart, PhD

Dr. Ziebart's research program focuses on using exercise to prevent and rehabilitate fragility fractures in individuals with or at risk for osteoporosis. Her work aims to identify early signs of fractures, reduce the risk of hip and spine fractures, and improve quality of life through targeted exercise, fall prevention, and knowledge translation strategies. She also incorporates sex and gender as key factors in understanding bone health, exercise behaviors, and osteoporosis outcomes.