Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow
Published on: November 6, 2014
Osteoprotegerin and bone mineral metabolism in renal failure
1Division of Intensive Care Medicine, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan. jjkaz@med.niigata-u.ac.jp
Purpose Of Review:
This review focuses on the impact of a recent breakthrough in bone cell biology for understanding the pathophysiology of bone/vascular abnormalities associated with uraemia.
Recent Findings:
Osteoprotegerin is a humoral osteoclastogenesis/osteoclast activation inhibitory factor, which belongs to the TNF-alpha receptor superfamily. Serum osteoprotegerin levels are elevated along with the deterioration of the glomerular filtration rate. The circulating osteoprotegerin molecules were likely to preserve the activity of osteoclastogenesis inhibition, and the levels in many dialysis patients were high enough to inhibit osteoclastogenesis. The higher serum osteoprotegerin levels were related to the development of vascular calcification.
Summary:
Osteoprotegerin is a potential uraemic toxin that increases the skeletal resistance to PTH. However, the roles of increased circulating osteoprotegerin on bone and/or vascular abnormalities in uraemia remain to be clarified.
Related Concept Videos
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Bone Remodeling
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
What is the Skeletal System?
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...