Fetal Origin of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and destruction of bone microstructure. Studies have identified the fetal origin of osteoporosis, where the bone status in the early developmental period determines the onset and progression of osteoporosis in adulthood and old age. Intrauterine programming is the process of damage to fetal organs during intrauterine development, which ultimately leads to permanent changes in tissue structure and function. Previous studies by the authors’ team have identified the involvement of the bone-localized renin-angiotensin system and the glucocorticoid-insulin-like growth factor 1 axis in the intrauterine programming of fetal-originated osteoporosis. This chapter summarizes the phenomenon and the intrauterine programming mechanisms of fetal-originated osteoporosis to provide the theoretical and experimental basis for the early prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.