Bone-Derived Factors: Regulating Brain and Treating Alzheimer's Disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Orthopedics
• Endocrinology

Background:

• The bone-brain axis describes the bidirectional communication between skeletal and central nervous systems.
• This interaction is crucial for maintaining overall health and has implications for various diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the anatomical and functional connections between bone and the central nervous system.
• To explore the clinical translational potential of bone-derived signals in regulating brain function.

Main Methods:

• Review of anatomical pathways, including blood-brain barrier permeability and periventricular organs.
• Analysis of molecular signaling (e.g., osteocalcin, FGF23, exosomes) from bone cells.
• Examination of clinical evidence linking bone diseases (e.g., osteoporosis) and neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease).

Main Results:

• Bone cells regulate neuroplasticity and inflammation via secreted factors and exosomes.
• Osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease exhibit a bidirectional detrimental relationship.
• Anti-osteoporotic drugs (e.g., bisphosphonates) show potential cognitive benefits.

Conclusions:

• Bone-derived signals significantly influence brain function and neurological health.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting the bone-brain axis, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, offer new avenues for treating neuroskeletal comorbidities.
• Future research should focus on integrated biomarkers for early diagnosis and precise treatment of these conditions.