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Bone turnover markers (BTMs) derived from the secretory activities of osteoblasts and the matrix-degrading activities of osteoclasts are useful in monitoring the progression of osteoporosis and the efficacy of anti-osteoporotic treatment. However, the usefulness of BTMs in predicting osteoporosis remains elusive. Osteocytes play a central role in regulating bone formation and resorption. The proteins secreted by osteocytes, such as fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), sclerostin (SOST), and dickkopf-1 (DKK1), could be candidates for osteoporosis screening and fracture prediction. This review summarizes the current evidence on the potential of osteocyte-related proteins as biomarkers for osteoporosis and fracture prediction. The literature reports that SOST may be a potential marker for osteoporosis screening but not for fracture prediction. FGF23 is a potential marker for increased fracture risk, but more studies are needed to confirm its usefulness. The role of DKK1 as a marker to predict osteoporosis and fracture risk cannot be confirmed due to a lack of consistent evidence. In conclusion, circulating osteocyte markers are potential osteoporosis biomarkers, but more studies are warranted to validate their clinical use.

Original publication

DOI

10.3390/diagnostics10030145

Type

Journal article

Journal

Diagnostics (Basel)

Publication Date

06/03/2020

Volume

10

Keywords

Wnt signaling pathway, bone, bone turnover, screening, skeleton