NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis in Osteoporosis: Osteoimmune Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targeting.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a chronic, age-related skeletal disorder characterised by progressive bone loss and microstructural deterioration, which increases bone fragility and fracture risk. The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a multi-subunit protein complex involved in bone homeostasis, mediates inflammatory cascades in response to external stimuli and pathological conditions. This process triggers pyroptosis in various bone-related cells, disrupting bone repair and remodelling.