Bone health and inflammation.

Abstract

This chapter reviews the roles of various bone cells, as well as those of T cells and various cytokines and growth factors, in bone formation and resorption. The effect of oestrogen withdrawal in accelerating bone loss is also described, with emphasis on relevant inflammatory mechanisms that contribute to such process. The potential anti-inflammatory properties of several food components (i.e., phenolic phytochemicals, long chain polyenoic fatty acids) are also discussed, as well as the impact of physical activity in reducing inflammation and improving bone health.