What is one potential effect of corticosteroids on bone health?

Corticosteroids are well known for their ability to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system but can have significant adverse effects on bone health. One of the major concerns with long-term corticosteroid use is that they can lead to osteoporosis. This condition is characterized by a decrease in bone density, making bones more fragile and increasing the risk of fractures.

The mechanism behind this effect involves several factors, including the alteration of calcium metabolism, inhibition of osteoblast function (the cells responsible for bone formation), and an increase in the rate of bone resorption (the process by which bone is broken down). As a result, prolonged exposure to corticosteroids can lead to a net loss of bone mass, particularly in individuals who may have other risk factors for osteoporosis.

The other options, such as increased bone density, bone growth, and bone regeneration, are not typically associated with corticosteroid use and instead represent positive outcomes that are not seen with corticosteroid therapy. In fact, the opposite is true; corticosteroids inhibit bone formation and can lead to a substantial decrease in overall bone health.