Uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) ((serum)

General Information

Non-carboxylated osteocalcin is a protein produced by osteoblasts that regulates insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, although the exact effects of these effects on glucose metabolism are not fully understood. It circulates in the blood. Unlike it, carboxylated osteocalcin remains in the bones.

Non-carboxylated osteocalcin is the circulating fraction of active osteocalcin. It is an important protein that balances bone minerals, binds to calcium, and regulates glucose levels. Osteoblasts regulate glucose metabolism through the influence of insulin on the non-carboxylated osteocalcin metabolism pathway. According to studies, when osteoblast-specific insulin receptors are destroyed, there is an increase in blood sugar levels and a decrease in non-carboxylated osteocalcin. In an experimental model, osteocalcin decarboxylation has been shown to occur in resorption lacunae, thereby increasing circulating uncarboxylated osteocalcin blood levels and increasing insulin signaling in osteoblasts, leading to osteoclast activation and bone resorption. These data are supported by the results of separate studies showing that damage to the insulin receptors in osteoblasts reduces the total amounts of osteocalcin and decarboxylated osteocalcin in the blood, causes impaired glucose tolerance and decreases insulin.

The results of studies prove that non-carboxylated osteocalcin regulates glucose metabolism, thereby influencing the course of diabetes and heart diseases. Obesity is an important risk factor in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases because it causes insulin resistance. Non-carboxylated osteocalcin promotes insulin secretion and increases receptor sensitivity to insulin. A decrease in the level of osteocalcin (both forms) is associated with insulin resistance, hyperglycemia in the blood and the development of diabetes.

Decreased levels of total osteocalcin and non-carboxylated osteocalcin lead to metabolic syndrome, increased glycemia and triglyceride levels.