Abstract: Provided are methods for treating a pathological condition associated with unbalanced osteoclast differentiation by providing an AQP-9 modulator. The modulator can be an AQP-9 inhibitor or an AQP-9 inducer. Also provided are methods for modulating osteoclast differentiation, methods for treating pathological conditions associated with unbalanced osteoclast differentiation, as well as pharmaceutical composition including such modulators.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of an aquaprin-9 (AQP-9) modulator for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a pathological condition associated with unbalanced osteoclast differentiation. In accordance with one embodiment, the modulator is an AQP-9 inhibitor. An example of AQP-9 inhibitor is phloretin which has been shown to inhibit osteoclast differentiation, following induction of bone marrow cells with RANKL. The invention also concerns methods for modulating osteoclast differentiation, methods for prevention and treating pathological conditions associated with unbalanced osteoclast differentiation as well as pharmaceutical composition comprising such modulators.