[Mechanism of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and perspectives of the treatment].

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation and destruction of bone and cartilage. Osteoclastogenesis induced by inflammatory cytokines contributes to focal and systemic bone and cartilage destruction including secondary osteoporosis. Recent progress in treatment enables us to prevent disease activity. Not only anti-inflammatory management but also therapies directly targeting bone metabolism can further prevent bone destruction in RA.