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Millions of osteoporosis patients have been given hope as scientists have discovered scores of genes that may be to blame.Researchers analysed data from 426,000 individuals to pinpoint 518 that they fear play a role in the loss of bone mineral density.
The findings, made by a team of academics in Canada, offer fresh hope of finding a cure for the agonising condition.
Current treatment options are costly and have unfavourable side effects, claim the researchers from the Jewish General Hospital.
But knowing more about the genetic factors involved in the condition could allow scientists to find a more targeted and simplified treatment.
Osteoporosis affects around three million people living in the UK and around 44 million in the US, according to figures. The researchers, led by Dr John Morris, compiled the genetics that are associated with bone mineral density (BMD) using people in the UK Biobank.
BMD, which can be tested and compared to the bone density of a healthy individual, is one of the most clinically relevant factors in diagnosing osteoporosis.
The newly identified genes, of which 300 have been seen for the first time, explain 20 per cent of the genetic variance associated with osteoporosis.
Animal tests have already proven the validity of some of these genes.
Lead author Dr Brent Richards said: ‘Our findings represent significant progress in highlighting drug development opportunities.’
Treatment for osteoporosis varies from person to person depending on the level of bone density, age and risk of fracture.
‘We currently have few treatment options,’ Dr Richards said.
‘Many patients who are at high risk of fractures do not take current medications because of fear of side effects.’
These include irritation to the throat, swallowing problems, stomach pain, hot flushes, leg cramps and a potential increased risk of blood clots, according to the NHS.
Dr Richards said: ‘Notwithstanding that it is always better to prevent than to treat. We can prescribe injectables that build bone, but they are prohibitively expensive.
‘We have medications that prevent loss of bone, but they must be taken on a strict schedule.
‘As a result, the number of people who should be treated, but are not, is high.
‘Therefore, we believe that we will have greater success in getting patients to follow a treatment regimen when it can be simplified. Osteoporosis is a common condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.
Losing bone is a normal part of the ageing process, but some people lose bone density much faster than normal.
Having a low body mass index, long-term use of steroids, beginning the menopause earlier and a family history of the disease are all risk factors.
Fractures can have severe consequences, including the risk of mortality and impose major burdens of hospitalisation and extended rehabilitation.