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Author Spotlight: Comparing Alveolar and Long Bone Remodeling to Explore OTM Model Potential
Published on: July 21, 2023
The mechanism of action of indole-3-propionic acid on bone metabolism
Huimin Xu1, Yingzhe Luo2, Yi An1
1Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. wuxi@cdutcm.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a metabolite produced by gut microbiota through tryptophan metabolism, has recently been identified as playing a pivotal role in bone metabolism. IPA promotes osteoblast differentiation by upregulating mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), contributing to increased bone density and supporting bone repair. Simultaneously, it inhibits the formation and activity of osteoclasts, reducing bone resorption, possibly through modulation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and downregulation of osteoclast-associated factors, thereby maintaining bone structural integrity. Additionally, IPA provides indirect protection to bone health by regulating host immune responses and inflammation via activation of receptors such as the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR). This review summarizes the roles and signaling pathways of IPA in bone metabolism and its impact on various bone metabolic disorders. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential and limitations of IPA in treating bone metabolic diseases, aiming to offer novel strategies for clinical management.
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