Bone: from a reservoir of minerals to a regulator of energy metabolism

Kidney Int Suppl. 2011 Apr;79(121):S14-9. doi: 10.1038/ki.2011.25. Epub 2011 Feb 23.

Abstract

Besides locomotion, organ protection, and calcium-phosphorus homeostasis, the three classical functions of the skeleton, bone remodeling affects energy metabolism through uncarboxylated osteocalcin, a recently discovered hormone secreted by osteoblasts. This review traces how energy metabolism affects osteoblasts through the central control of bone mass involving leptin, serotoninergic neurons, the hypothalamus, and the sympathetic nervous system. Next, the role of osteocalcin (insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and pancreas β-cell proliferation) in the regulation of energy metabolism is described. Then, the connections between insulin signaling on osteoblasts and the release of uncarboxylated osteocalcin during osteoclast bone resorption through osteoprotegerin are reported. Finally, the understanding of this new bone endocrinology will provide some insights into bone, kidney, and energy metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone and Bones / metabolism*
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Insulin / physiology
  • Leptin / physiology
  • Minerals / metabolism*
  • Osteocalcin / physiology
  • Osteoprotegerin / physiology
  • Serotonin / physiology

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Leptin
  • Minerals
  • Osteoprotegerin
  • Osteocalcin
  • Serotonin