Sclerostin and Bone Aging: A Mini-Review

Sclerostin, mainly produced by osteocytes, is now considered a major regulator of bone formation. Identified from patients with a low bone mass, sclerostin inhibits the Wnt pathway by binding to LRP5/6 and subsequently increases bone formation. Sclerostin may also play a role in the mediation of systemic and local factors such as calcitriol, PTH, glucocorticoids and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Circulating sclerostin levels increase with age and with the decline of kidney function. However, they are surprisingly higher in patients with a high bone mineral density, suggesting that sclerostin may be a relevant marker of the pool of mature osteocytes. The anti-anabolic properties lead to the development of anti-sclerostin biotherapies that are under current evaluation. The results of these clinical trials will open new promising opportunities for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone fragility fractures.