Finally, an in vivo study showed that reduced P2X7 receptor function aggravates estrogen-withdrawal-induced bone loss, which is in line with the growing number of reports cementing the association between P2X7 receptor polymorphisms and development of osteoporosis and fracture risk.
The activation of P2X7 receptor can ameliorate osteoporosis by inducing a fine balance between osteoclastic resorption and osteoblastic bone formation.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether genetic variation in the P2X7 receptor gene (P2RX7) is associated with decreased BMD and risk of osteoporosis in fracture patients.