The spatiotemporal effects of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the bone remodeling are controversial according the specific therapeutic doses used for different clinical conditions. The goal of a new study published in the Cell & Bioscience reviewed in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on the dose-dependent roles of aspirin and NSAIDs in bone remodeling. The findings revealed that low-dose aspirin (< 100 μg/mL) – widely recommended for prevention of thrombosis, is very likely to be advantageous in maintaining bone mass and qualities by activation of osteoblastic bone formation and inhibition of osteoclast activities via cyclooxygenase-independent manner. While the roles of high-dose aspirin (150-300 μg/mL) and other NSAIDs in bone self-regeneration and fracture-healing process are difficult to elucidate owing to their dual effects on osteoclast activity and bone formation of osteoblast. Thus, this study highlighted the potential clinical applications of low-dose aspirin in abnormal bone remodeling, as well as the risks of high-dose aspirin and other NSAIDs for relieving pain and anti-inflammation in fractures and orthopedic operations.

Source: Cell & Bioscience. 2019 Dec 23;9:103. doi: 10.1186/s13578-019-0369-9