Abstract:

The effect of osteocalcin (OC) on glucose and energy metabolism is an important part of endocrine function of the skeleton, which provides a new direction for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity. OC has two forms, i.e. completely carboxylated and undercarboxylated OC (ucOC). The latter is an active form for facilitating the endocrine regulation by regulating the physiological action via affecting the expression and decarboxylation of OC. Many molecular or cellular level researches and animal experiments have revealed that OC may promote the proliferation of pancreatic β cell, secretion of insulin, and insulin sensitivity, and insulin may also affect the expression and decarboxylation of OC by various signal transductions. This paper reviews the signal regulation between OC and glucose metabolism.

Key words: osteocalcin, glucose metabolism, undercarboxylated osteocalcin, insulin