Title: Serum Sclerostin as Biomarker in Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Abstract: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inhomogeneous group of disorders caused by defects in collagen metabolism. OI is characterized by low bone mass, deterioration of bone structure, and high bone fragility. At present, there are no specific biomarkers available for OI. Sclerostin is a potent inhibitor of bone formation by inhibiting osteoblast activity. Sclerostin is chiefly produced by osteocytes and acts over the Wnt-pathway. Serum sclerostin levels in children with OI were described to be comparable to levels in healthy children. Lower sclerostin levels were found in adults with OI when compared to healthy subjects. Valuable explanations might be the altered bone microstructure and low bone mass in OI, leading to higher mechanical strain and lower sclerostin levels. Bisphosphonates, which are commonly used antiresorptive agents in OI, do not seem to affect sclerostin levels in OI. Although a direct association between fracture occurrence and sclerostin has not been proven, low sclerostin levels in OI could reflect the heightened fracture risk in OI. Moreover, sclerostin levels help to discriminate between OI patients and healthy individuals.
Publication Year: 2017
Publication Date: 2017-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 1
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