Modulation of bone remodeling by active vitamin D: its role in the treatment of osteoporosis

Active vitamin D drugs are used for the treatment of osteoporosis in a number of countries, including Japan. However, their use is controversial. Here, we briefly discuss two issues that are important for understanding the role of active vitamin D (rather than plain vitamin D) in the treatment of osteoporosis: (1) whether or not its skeletal effects are mediated solely through its effects on intestinal calcium absorption in calcium- and vitamin D-replete states, and (2) how it modulates the bone remodeling process. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.