The Role of Bone-Derived Hormones in Glucose Metabolism, Diabetic Kidney Disease, and Cardiovascular Disorders

Bone contributes to supporting the body, protecting the central nervous system and other organs, hematopoiesis, the regulation of mineral metabolism (mainly calcium and phosphate), and assists in respiration. Bone has many functions in the body. Recently, it was revealed that bone also works as an endocrine organ and secretes several systemic humoral factors, including fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), osteocalcin (OC), sclerostin, and lipocalin 2. Bone can communicate with other organs via these hormones. In particular, it has been reported that these bone-derived hormones are involved in glucose metabolism and diabetic complications. Some functions of these bone-derived hormones can become useful biomarkers that predict the incidence of diabetes and the progression of diabetic complications. Furthermore, other functions are considered to be targets for the prevention or treatment of diabetes and its complications. As is well known, diabetes is now a worldwide health problem, and many efforts have been made to treat diabetes. Thus, further investigations of the endocrine system through bone-derived hormones may provide us with new perspectives on the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diabetes. In this review, we summarize the role of bone-derived hormones in glucose metabolism, diabetic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disorders.