Factors influencing bone resorption – Medicine MCQ

Which of the following decreases bone resorption?
A. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)
B. Interleukin 1
C. Osteoprotegerin
D. Tumour necrosis factor

Correct answer : C. Osteoprotegerin

Osteoclasts on the surface of a bone

• Osteoprotegerin is glycoprotein which acts as a decoy receptor for receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL).
• It prevents RANKL induced conversion of osteoclast precursors to osteoclasts.
• It is produced by osteoblasts.
• All the other factors mentioned increase bone resorption.

Ref: Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, p1062