Taib Izatus Shima, Jayusman Putri Ayu
Centre of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Investigative Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia.
Department of Craniofacial Diagnostics and Biosciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia.
Diseases. 2024 Dec 20;12(12):335. doi: 10.3390/diseases12120335.
Osteocalcin (OCN), a protein predominantly produced by osteoblasts in bone, has emerged as a significant factor in bone metabolism and reproductive function. This article reviews the latest research on the role of OCN beyond its traditional functions in bone mineralisation, particularly its influence on testicular steroidogenesis and male fertility. The structure and modifications of OCN are elaborated upon, highlighting its uncarboxylated form (ucOCN), which is becoming increasingly recognised for its bioactive properties. The impact of OCN on bone quantity, quality and strength is summarised, emphasising its role as a regulator of bone metabolism. Furthermore, the influence of ucOCN on testicular steroidogenesis and the involvement of GPRC6A, a G protein-coupled receptor, in mediating these effects are also explored. Evidence suggests that ucOCN regulates testosterone synthesis and spermatogenesis, which indirectly have the potential to influence bone metabolism integrity. In conclusion, OCN, particularly in its uncarboxylated form, plays a crucial role in bone metabolism and male fertility by regulating testicular steroidogenesis, with GPRC6A mediating these effects, thereby linking bone health and reproductive functions.
骨钙素（OCN）是一种主要由成骨细胞在骨骼中产生的蛋白质，已成为骨代谢和生殖功能中的一个重要因素。本文综述了关于OCN在骨矿化的传统功能之外所起作用的最新研究，特别是其对睾丸类固醇生成和男性生育能力的影响。文中阐述了OCN的结构和修饰，突出了其未羧化形式（ucOCN），其生物活性特性越来越受到认可。总结了OCN对骨量、骨质量和骨强度的影响，强调了其作为骨代谢调节因子的作用。此外，还探讨了ucOCN对睾丸类固醇生成的影响以及G蛋白偶联受体GPRC6A在介导这些作用中的参与情况。有证据表明，ucOCN调节睾酮合成和精子发生，这间接有可能影响骨代谢完整性。总之，OCN，特别是其未羧化形式，通过调节睾丸类固醇生成在骨代谢和男性生育能力中发挥关键作用，GPRC6A介导这些作用，从而将骨骼健康与生殖功能联系起来。
