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Updated: Jun 16, 2025

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Role of osteokines in atherosclerosis
Yi-Fan Liu1, Yuan Tian2, Xiao-Fang Chen1
1Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Basic Medical, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
Despite their diverse physiologies and roles, the heart, skeletal muscles, and smooth muscles all derive from a common embryonic source as bones. Moreover, bone tissue, skeletal and smooth muscles, and the heart share conserved signaling pathways. The maintenance of skeletal health is precisely regulated by osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts through coordinated secretion of bone-derived factors known as osteokines. Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of osteokines in regulating atherosclerotic vascular disease. Therefore, this review aims to examine the evidence for the role of osteokines in atherosclerosis development and progression comprehensively. Specifically discussed are extensively studied osteokines in atherosclerosis such as osteocalcin, osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, and fibroblast growth factor 23. Additionally, we highlighted the effects of exercise on modulating these key regulators derived from bone tissue metabolism. We believe that gaining an enhanced understanding of how osteocalcin contributes to the process of atherosclerosis will enable us to develop targeted and comprehensive therapeutic strategies against diseases associated with its progression.
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