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Review
. 2019 Dec;17(6):429-437.
doi: 10.1007/s11914-019-00550-w.

Marrow Fat-Secreted Factors as Biomarkers for Osteoporosis

Markus Herrmann  1
Affiliations
Review

Marrow Fat-Secreted Factors as Biomarkers for Osteoporosis

Markus Herrmann. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2019 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The age-related accumulation of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) negatively impacts bone metabolism and hematopoiesis. This review provides an overview about BMAT-secreted factors as biomarkers for BMAT accumulation and osteoporosis risk.

Recent findings: The adipokines leptin and adiponectin are regulators of BMAT. It remains to be clarified if locally produced adipokines substantially contribute to their peripheral serum levels and if they influence bone metabolism beyond that of extraosseous adipokine production. Existing data also suggests that BMAT disturbs bone metabolism primarily through palmitate-mediated toxic effects on osteoblasts and osteocytes, including dysregulated autophagy and apoptosis. BMAT-secreted factors are important modulators of bone metabolism. However, the majority of our understanding about MAT-secreted factors and their paracrine and endocrine effects is derived from in vitro studies and animal experiments. Therefore, more research is needed before BMAT-secreted biomarkers can be applied in medical practice.

Keywords: Adipocytes; Adiponectin; Bone marrow fat; Fatty acids; Leptin.

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Conflict of interest statement

Markus Herrmann declares no conflict of interest.

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