Osteocalcin

Osteocalcin: role in the body, symptoms of deficiency and excess, norms in the blood test

The role of osteocalcin in the body

Osteocalcin is a non-collagenic bone protein synthesized by osteoblasts (cells responsible for bone formation). It plays an important role in:

• Bone mineralization -binds calcium and hydroxyapatites, helping to strengthen bone tissue.
• Regulation of bone metabolism is a marker of bone formation (its level reflects the activity of osteoblasts).
• Effects on carbohydrate and energy metabolism – osteocalcin is involved in the regulation of insulin secretion and tissue sensitivity to it.
• Maintaining muscle function -affects muscle strength and endurance.

Symptoms of osteocalcin deficiency

Direct osteocalcin deficiency is rare, but a decrease in it may indicate:

• Osteoporosis (especially in the elderly) – due to reduced bone formation.
• Vitamin K deficiency (essential for osteocalcin activation).
• Hypoparathyroidism (decreased function of the parathyroid glands).
• Long-term use of glucocorticoids (inhibit osteoblasts).

Symptoms:

• Brittle bones, frequent fractures.
• Muscle weakness.
• Delayed healing of bone injuries.

Symptoms of excess osteocalcin

Elevated levels are usually associated with increased bone metabolism:

• Paget’s disease (deforming osteitis).
• Hyperparathyroidism (excess of parathyroid hormone).
• Osteomalacia (softening of the bones).
• Bone metastases (in cancer).

Symptoms:

• Pain in bones and joints.
• Deformities of the skeleton.
• Increased risk of fractures.

Norms of osteocalcin in the blood

The level depends on age, gender, and method of analysis (reference values may vary from laboratory to laboratory):

Important: Interpretation of the results should be carried out by the doctor taking into account other indicators (calcium, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, etc.).