The functional roles and mechanisms of polyamines in age-related bone diseases

Age-related bone diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and sarcopenia present complex pathogenesis. These conditions are associated with high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates, underscoring the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies. Polyamines, a group of small-molecule compounds, regulate critical biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and show potential bone-protective effects. Following the elucidation of polyamines’ therapeutic effects in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, growing research attention has been directed toward their role in age-related bone disorders. This review synthesizes the current understanding of polyamines’ mechanisms in age-related bone diseases, analyzing their biological functions and bone-protective effects to explore the therapeutic potential for these conditions, thereby offering valuable perspectives to guide future investigations and clinical applications in this emerging field.