Monitoring bone formation may lower one’s risk of developing osteoporosis, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Osteoporosis, a disorder that weakens the bones, is caused by the degeneration of osteoblast cells, which can increase as a person ages. If this disorder is left untreated, an individual can suffer more serious complications, including bone fractures.

Previous trials have shown that if bone formation and destruction are not balanced, then an individual becomes more susceptible to developing osteoporosis. If this problem continues, osteoblast cells will transform into fat cells, and increase the bone aging process.

In an effort to find a method of slowing this process, a team of researchers examined this complication in mice. As a result, these findings showed that certain proteins blocked the change in osteoblasts, providing an anti-aging effect.

The investigators concluded that the success of this study may help find new methods that could help treat patients with osteoporosis.

By the end of 2010, an estimated 40 million people residing in the U.S. aged 50 years and older will be diagnosed with osteoporosis-related symptoms, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation.