HMOX1 and osteoporosis: The important role of HO in the modulation of oxidative stress in the differentiation of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and its potential role in diseases such as diabetes, inflammation, osteoporosis, and hypertension are reviewed by L. Vanella et al. HO-1 regulates MSC differentiation process by shifting the balance of MSC differentiation in favor of the osteoblast lineage by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase and BMP-2.