Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin (ucOC): The Bone-Derived Metabolic Regulator
Endocrinology Diagnostics
Molecular Structure and Formation:
- Bioactive version of osteocalcin
- Produced by osteoblasts during bone formation
- Lacks γ-carboxylation on glutamic acid residues
- Modified by vitamin K
- Functions as a hormone molecule
- Can circulate in bloodstream
- Interacts with various tissues
Physiological Functions and Metabolic Regulation:
- Glucose Homeostasis:
- Stimulates pancreatic β-cell proliferation
- Enhances insulin secretion
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Energy Metabolism:
- Regulates fat mass
- Modulates energy expenditure
- Enhances mitochondrial function
- Muscle Function:
- Promotes muscle glucose uptake
- Supports muscle strength
- Regulates muscle protein synthesis
Clinical Significance and Disease Associations:
- Associated with various conditions:
- Type 2 Diabetes (lower levels increase risk)
- Obesity (reduced circulation)
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)
Regulation and Therapeutic Potential:
- Environmental Factors:
- Exercise intensity/duration
- Dietary composition
- Vitamin K status
- Hormonal Influences:
- Insulin signaling
- Sympathetic nervous system
- Glucocorticoid levels
- Therapeutic Approaches:
- ucOC mimetics development
- Increasing endogenous production
- Combination therapies
Future Research Directions:
- Focus areas:
- Understanding signaling pathways
- Exploring treatment options
- Developing measurement methods
- Studying tissue impacts
Suitable ELISA Kits
Visit the BioSupply Ltd website for more information on Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin (ucOC): The Bone-Derived Metabolic Regulator