Circular RNAs in the management of human osteoporosis.

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease producing reduction in bone mass with consequent bone fragility. Circular ribonucleic acid (CircRNA) is a form of RNA that forms a loop structure rather than a linear one. CircRNA can be used for therapeutic purposes, including molecular targets or to test new therapies.

Sources of data: A systematic search of different databases to July 2024 was performed to define the role of circRNA in OP therapy. Seventeen suitable studies were identified.

Areas of agreement: CircRNAs may be useful in studying metabolic processes in OP and identify possible therapeutic targets and new drug therapies.

Areas of controversy: The metabolic processes involved in OP are regulated by many genes and cytokines that can be targeted by CircRNAs. However, it is not easy to predict whether the in vitro responses of the studied CircRNAs and their interaction with drugs are also applicable in vivo.

Growing points: Metabolic processes can be affected by gene dysregulation of CircRNAs on various growth factors. Areas timely for developing research: Despite the predictability of CircRNA pharmacological response in vitro, such pharmacological response cannot be expected to be replicated in vivo.

Data availability: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author.