Genetics in model organisms has progressively broken down walls that previously separated different disciplines of biology. One example of this holistic evolution is the recognition of the complex relationship that exists between the control of bone mass (bone remodeling) and energy metabolism in mammals. Numerous hormones orchestrate this crosstalk. In particular, the study of the leptin-mediated regulation of bone mass has not only revealed the existence of a central control of bone mass but has also led to the realization that sympathetic innervation is a major regulator of bone remodeling. This happened at a time when the use of drugs aiming at treating osteoporosis, the most frequent bone disease, has dwindled. This review will highlight the main aspects of the leptin-mediated regulation of bone mass and how this led to the realization that β-blockers, which block the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, may be a viable option to prevent osteoporosis.

模式生物中的遗传学逐渐打破了以前分隔不同生物学学科的墙。这种整体进化的一个例子是认识到哺乳动物的骨量控制（骨重塑）和能量代谢之间存在的复杂关系。许多激素协调这种串扰。特别是瘦素介导的骨量调节的研究不仅揭示了骨量的中枢控制的存在，而且还使人们认识到交感神经支配是骨重塑的主要调节剂。这发生在针对治疗骨质疏松症（最常见的骨病）的药物使用减少的时候。