Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a significant metabolic bone disease triggered by estrogen deficiency. Macrophages, as pivotal cells in bone metabolism regulation, participate in bone remodeling and inflammatory modulation through differentiation into osteoclasts and polarization phenotype switching. This article systematically reviews the mechanistic roles of macrophages in PMOP, encompassing their interactions with osteoclasts, polarization effects, immune-inflammatory responses, and impacts of oxidative stress. Furthermore, it explores the potential applications of macrophages in molecular diagnosis and pharmacological interventions for PMOP, while proposing future research directions.
Exosomes are a type of tiny vesicles released by cells, which contain bioactive molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids secreted by cells. Exosomes released by different cells play an important role in tumor development and metastasis. These exosomes can regulate the tumor microenvironment, promote the tumor growth and invasion, and participate in the process of distant metastasis by carrying specific proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, some biomarkers in exosomes can serve as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of osteosarcoma. This article reviews the research progress of exosomes in osteosarcoma, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of their mechanisms of action in this disease and provide a reference for the development of new treatment strategies and prognostic evaluation indicators.