Bone: Another potential target to treat, prevent and predict diabetes

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolism
• Bone Biology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health concern.
• Emerging evidence links bone-derived molecules to glucose metabolism regulation.
• Existing T2DM treatments require novel therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the bone-glucose metabolism interplay.
• To highlight bone-derived molecules modulating glucose homeostasis.
• To explore skeletal intervention as a potential T2DM therapeutic strategy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
• Analysis of identified bone-derived factors and their mechanisms.
• Synthesis of evidence on the bone-glucose axis.

Main Results:

• Osteocalcin (OCN), particularly undercarboxylated OCN (ucOC), enhances insulin secretion and sensitivity.
• Lipocalin 2 suppresses appetite via hypothalamic action.
• Osteocytes secrete factors (BMP7, sclerostin) affecting adipose tissue and energy expenditure.
• Bone resorption factors also influence glucose homeostasis.

Conclusions:

• Bone-derived molecules play a significant role in regulating glucose metabolism.
• Targeting the bone-glucose axis presents promising avenues for T2DM treatment and prevention.
• Further research into bone-derived factors could lead to innovative diabetes therapies.