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Updated: Oct 13, 2025

Using Real-Time Cell Metabolic Flux Analyzer to Monitor Osteoblast Bioenergetics
Published on: March 1, 2022
Muscle-derived factors influencing bone metabolism
Kevin J Gries1, Victoria S Zysik2, Tyler K Jobe3
1Program in Exercise & Sports Science, Marian University, 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA; Bone & Muscle Research Group, Marian University, 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA; Division of Biomedical Science, Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA.
Abstract:
A significant amount of attention has been brought to the endocrine-like function of skeletal muscle on various tissues, particularly with bone. Several lines of investigation indicate that the physiology of both bone and muscle systems may be regulated by a given stimulus, such as exercise, aging, and inactivity. Moreover, emerging evidence indicates that bone is heavily influenced by soluble factors derived from skeletal muscle (i.e., muscle-to-bone communication). The purpose of this review is to discuss the regulation of bone remodeling (formation and/or resorption) through skeletal muscle-derived cytokines (hereafter myokines) including the anti-inflammatory cytokine METRNL and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, FGF-2 and others). Our goal is to highlight possible therapeutic opportunities to improve muscle and bone health in aging.
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