Association between Serum Total Osteocalcin Level and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Conflicting findings exist regarding the association between serum total osteocalcin and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
• Osteocalcin, a bone-related protein, may play a role in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
• Clarifying this relationship is crucial for understanding T2DM pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis assessing the association between serum total osteocalcin levels and T2DM.
• To determine if osteocalcin levels differ between individuals with and without T2DM.
• To evaluate the association between serum total osteocalcin levels and the risk of developing T2DM.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of electronic databases up to May 1, 2015.
• Meta-analysis of 24 eligible studies.
• Calculation of standardized mean differences (SMD) for osteocalcin levels and pooled odds ratios (OR) for T2DM risk.

Main Results:

• Serum total osteocalcin levels were significantly lower in T2DM patients compared to controls (SMD: -2.87, 95% CI: -3.76 to -1.98).
• Elevated total osteocalcin levels were significantly and independently associated with a decreased risk of T2DM (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56-0.88).
• No evidence of publication bias was detected.

Conclusions:

• Serum total osteocalcin levels are demonstrably lower in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Osteocalcin exhibits an inverse association with the development of T2DM, suggesting a potential protective effect.
• These findings highlight osteocalcin as a relevant biomarker in T2DM research.