Good to the Bone
Biological Implications of a Potential Anti-Aging Drug
Author(s)
Abstract
This case study is designed to introduce students to how the bone’s architecture influences movement and the roles cells play in bone growth and repair. It tells the story of “Maria,” an active 68-year-old woman who works on a farm. Over the last five years, Maria has experienced pain in her wrist and knee joints and has used a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) to deal with the pain. In the course of cleaning her home in preparation for a visit from her grandchildren, she falls and breaks a bone in three places. After reading the short case scenario and relevant journal articles, students are asked a series of questions designed to teach facts about bone anatomy, physiology and pathology underlying the patient’s condition. This case study was designed for use in both freshman-level and advanced-level courses in human anatomy and physiology. It could also be used for a biology pathology course. Before starting the case, students should have a basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of bones.
Objectives
- Compare and contrast the different types of joints and how their structure and shape dictates movement.
- Describe the location and function of bone structures.
- Explain the processes of bone construction and destruction involved in the homeostasis of bone.
- Distinguish the roles of osteochondral progenitor cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes.
- Understand the process by which bone is repaired following an injury.
- Describe the process by which bone is repaired following an injury.
- Describe how the drug metformin can influence bone growth and repair and could potentially be used to treat osteoporosis and arthritis.
- Read and analyze graphical data.
Keywords
Joint; bone; bone repair; fracture; metformin; osteoporosis; arthritis; graph; osteoblasts; osteoclasts; calcium; phosphorus; data analysis; remodeling; osteoporosisTopical Areas
N/AEducational Level
Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Analysis (Issues), Discussion, InterruptedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biochemistry | Biology (General) | Cell Biology | Medicinal Chemistry | Medicine (General) | Organic Chemistry |
Date Posted
10/23/2020Teaching Notes
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