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Updated: May 17, 2026

Culture of Murine Embryonic Metatarsals: A Physiological Model of Endochondral Ossification
Published on: December 3, 2016
Douglas J DiGirolamo1, Thomas L Clemens, Stavroula Kousteni
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 North Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. ddigiro2@jhmi.edu
This review explores how bone cells may function as an endocrine organ by producing hormones that regulate phosphate and glucose levels. These hormones include fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and osteocalcin, which influence mineral and energy metabolism. The paper suggests that these hormonal pathways evolved alongside the development of complex musculoskeletal systems. The authors propose that recognizing bone as an endocrine organ could improve the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic diseases like osteoporosis and diabetes. The findings highlight the need for further research into the role of bone hormones in systemic metabolism.
Area of Science:
Background:
Prior research has shown that bone was traditionally viewed as a structural and mineral storage organ. However, recent findings have revealed that bone cells may also function as endocrine regulators. Established knowledge includes the role of bone in calcium and phosphate regulation through parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. No prior work had resolved the possibility that bone could produce hormones influencing glucose metabolism. This gap motivated researchers to explore the physiological significance of newly identified bone-derived hormones. The idea that bone might regulate energy metabolism emerged from observations of metabolic diseases like diabetes and osteoporosis. That uncertainty drove investigations into the evolutionary origins of these hormonal pathways. Comparative biology suggests that these pathways may have evolved alongside the development of complex musculoskeletal systems.
Purpose Of The Study:
This paper aims to synthesize current evidence on bone-derived endocrine hormones and their physiological roles. The specific problem addressed is the lack of understanding about how bone integrates with systemic metabolism. The motivation stems from the need to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for metabolic disorders. Researchers propose that bone hormones may regulate phosphate and glucose homeostasis. The study reviews existing literature to clarify the evolutionary and physiological context of these hormones. It also seeks to highlight the clinical implications of recognizing bone as an endocrine organ. The authors suggest that these findings could lead to better treatment strategies for osteoporosis and diabetes. This work provides a framework for future research into bone-endocrine interactions.
Main Methods:
The authors conducted a literature review to compile evidence on bone-derived hormones and their functions. They analyzed studies on the physiological roles of these hormones in mineral and glucose regulation. Comparative biology was used to trace the evolutionary development of these pathways. The review approach included examining hormonal mechanisms across species. Researchers evaluated the integration of bone hormones into systemic metabolic control. They synthesized findings from both human and animal studies. The literature was organized to highlight the functional significance of these hormones. The review also considered the clinical relevance of these discoveries.
Main Results:
Key findings from the literature indicate that bone cells produce hormones regulating phosphate and glucose homeostasis. These hormones include fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and osteocalcin. FGF23 influences phosphate excretion and vitamin D metabolism. Osteocalcin appears to modulate glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. Comparative studies suggest these hormones evolved alongside complex musculoskeletal systems. The review highlights the role of bone in integrating mineral and nutrient homeostasis. These findings suggest that bone functions as a true endocrine organ. The evidence supports the potential for these hormones to improve metabolic disease management.
Conclusions:
The authors propose that bone functions as an endocrine organ by producing hormones that regulate phosphate and glucose. They suggest that these hormones evolved in response to the development of energy-expensive musculoskeletal systems. The synthesis of findings indicates that bone hormones integrate mineral and nutrient homeostasis. The review highlights the importance of these hormones in metabolic regulation. The authors suggest that recognizing bone as an endocrine organ could improve diagnostic approaches. They propose that these findings may lead to new treatment strategies for metabolic diseases. The paper concludes that further research is needed to fully understand these hormonal pathways. The authors suggest that this area of study holds promise for clinical applications.
Bone-derived hormones like FGF23 and osteocalcin regulate phosphate excretion and glucose metabolism, according to the authors.
FGF23 influences phosphate excretion and vitamin D metabolism, as reported in the literature review.
The authors suggest that these hormonal pathways evolved alongside the development of complex musculoskeletal systems.
Osteocalcin appears to modulate glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, according to the literature synthesis.
The authors propose that these hormones may lead to better treatment strategies for osteoporosis and diabetes.
The review suggests that this recognition could improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for metabolic diseases.